The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York, has opened a criminal investigation into allegations that the Clippers helped negotiate contracts for Leonard that violated salary cap rules. New York Times reported on Thursday.
A department representative declined to comment on the situation. Timeand the Clippers and NBA did not respond to requests for comment.
Earlier this month, the NBA stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks from 2029 to 2033 and fined the team $30 million, among other penalties, after an independent investigation found a range of misconduct and numerous serious rule violations.
Leonard was fined $700,000.
Federal prosecutors began investigating the case before the NBA’s announcement and issued at least one subpoena. Time reported. The newspaper added that other details of the case, including its scope, goals and possible crimes, were unclear.
The Clippers, according to Timeare considering a lawsuit against the NBA after the punishment.
Because Leonard’s contract was not voided or suspended, the NBA’s decision was believed to have cleared the way for the Clippers to complete the trade they agreed to earlier this summer with the Toronto Raptors.
However, the deal has not yet been officially announced, with training camp set to open later this month. The Raptors put the deal on hold pending the outcome of the NBA’s investigation.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have prosecuted gambling cases in professional sports, including former NBA guard Chauncey Billups and MLB closer Emmanuel Clays.