Sep 30, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) talks with team owner Steve Ballmer during media day at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

As part of an ongoing investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers alleged salary cap circumvention, Pablo Torre has even more damning reporting.

The fifth episode of this series provides further insight into the nature of the relationship between Clippers governor Steve Ballmer and Aspiration, the fraudulent and now bankrupt company founded by Joe Sanberg that sponsored the basketball team.

The latest reporting from Torre has some fascinating new details, including insight from one former team employee.

Here is what a former Clippers official told Torre for the latest episode:

"The world in Clipperland revolves around Kawhi Leonard. And the moon is Dennis Robertson. There's no way the Clippers didn't know about this deal."

The former employee pointed specifically to Ballmer and Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank when making this assertion.

Ballmer has repeatedly maintained his innocence during this process, emphasizing his confidence that the league's investigation will clear his name.

During multiple interviews since the allegations surfaced, Ballmer has argued that he was "defrauded" and "conned" by Aspiration and its founder.

The Clippers and Aspiration reportedly ended their relationship in June 2023 due to a breach of contract when Aspiration defaulted on its obligations.

This was three months after Ballmer invested an additional $10 million into the company and also less than two years after originally agreeing to a 23-year partnership.

However, per Torre's reporting, Ballmer Group Philanthropy (BGP) sent a $1.875 million grant to Golden State Opportunity in November 2024. This was an organization founded by Sanberg, Aspiration's co-founder.

This was the fourth grant that the BGP sent to Golden State Opportunity, according to a statement provided by the Clippers.

So now the question becomes: When did Ballmer realize he was conned by Sanberg, considering that the Clippers ended their relationship in 2023, and why did Ballmer's philanthropy provide more to something related to Sanberg so long after that?

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Pablo Torre's latest report leaves Steve Ballmer, Clippers no more excuses

Reporting by Bryan Kalbrosky, For The Win / For The Win

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