Kawhi Leonard issues statement about Clippers punishment

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Kawhi Leonard issues statement about Clippers punishment

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 2, 2026 4:55 PM ET

Kawhi Leonard has issued a public statement in the wake of the NBA’s decision on the scandal involving him and the Los Angeles Clippers.

In a statement issued through his agent Harrison Gaines, Leonard said he accepted responsibility for “lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle.” He said he entered into his contract with the Clippers in good faith, and had not set out to circumvent salary cap rules.

Leonard added that he is “focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate” as he is traded to the Toronto Raptors.

Kawhi Leonard's statement through his agent Harrison Gaines pic.twitter.com/6bFAp809If
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) September 2, 2026

Leonard received a $700,000 fine for his role in the scandal. That is nothing compared to the hefty punishment the Clippers received for circumvention of salary cap rules.

Leonard was accused of having money funneled to him by the Clippers through fraudulent sponsorship deals. Based on his statement, Leonard contends that he knew little about those arrangements, but was let down by those working on his behalf.

The conclusion of the NBA’s investigation should allow the long-awaited trade sending Leonard to Toronto to be completed. That will effectively close the chapter on Leonard’s Clippers career.

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