Pa Rory Maher | on September 13, 2026 2:16 p.m
Sportico’s Michael McCann is being looked at more closely by the Department of Justice reports the investigation in Clippers‘ relationship with Kawhi Leonard can mean to the team. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York opened a criminal investigation into the Clippers following allegations that they entered into “no show” agreements with four companies to pay Leonard more than his regular NBA salary.
According to McCann, the fact that a criminal investigation has been opened does not necessarily mean that charges will be filed. Not all investigations result in the discovery of criminal behavior.
However, the government also has much broader powers to “compel the disclosure of evidence and testimony” than the NBA. Failure to comply with a federal investigation or lying to prosecutors can lead to various criminal charges; the fines are much harsher than those associated with basketball sanctions the league imposed when it found the team had gone over the salary cap.
McCann’s article is interesting and should be read in its entirety to learn more about what research might focus on and the factors that might influence its development.
Here’s more from the Western Conference:
- Bradley Beal will change jersey numbers for next season, tweets Etienne Catalan, switching from number 0 to number 3. It should be noted that no one has worn number 3 since then Chris PaulFirst departure from the Clippers in 2017. The franchise legend abruptly retired from the Clips last season, when he wore No. 3 again, and said on February’s 7 p.m. Brooklyn podcast (Link to video on Twitter) that president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told him his No. 3 would be hanging from the rafters of the Intuit Dome shortly before he was informed he was no longer wanted on the team.
- Beal, a three-time All-Star who wore No. 3 in his 11 seasons with Washington and two seasons in Phoenix before signing with the Clippers last summer and switching to No. 0, took to social media to address the controversy (Twitter references). “Is this the topic of the day? lol“, first Bill wrote, then:”(Paul) is a legend! HISTORY and BRAND will not be touched or erased!!!“
- In case you missed it, the Clippers will be among them major storylines at this week’s Board of Governors meetings on Monday and Tuesday.
