Kawhi Leonard case, Stephen A. Smith: “He should have been suspended”
The punishment handed down to Kawhi Leonard doesn’t convince Stephen A. Smith. The ESPN journalist is calling for a much harsher penalty and is also questioning the trade involving the Raptors
Stephen A. Smith has strongly criticized the NBA’s decision regarding the Kawhi Leonard case. According to the host of First Take on ESPN, the Clippers star was treated too leniently and should receive a much harsher punishment.
The bottom line is simple: either you suspend him for a year without pay, or you make him give back all the money
Stephen A. Smith
Instead, the NBA imposed a $700,000 repayment on Leonard without suspending him or voiding his contract – a figure Smith considers far too low given the player’s overall earnings.
Ballmer and the Clippers front office also in the crosshairs
Smith also went after Steve Ballmer, who was suspended for one year, calling him lucky that he was not forced to sell the franchise. He also criticized Lawrence Frank, suspended for six months, and Gillian Zucker, while calling for a much harsher punishment for Dennis Robertson, Leonard’s uncle and longtime representative, who was banned by the NBA for five years. The Clippers, meanwhile, were hit with a $30 million fine and lost five future first-round picks.
According to the ESPN journalist, the issue becomes even more significant when considering the endorsement deals connected to Leonard. The Aspiration case, in particular, reportedly involved a total value of more than $48 million between cash and stock options.
The trade with the Raptors
Turning to the potential trade sending Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, Smith also took a firm stance, arguing that Leonard should not be allowed to leave the Clippers after the punishment.
As far as I’m concerned, the trade with Toronto should be canceled. He should not be allowed to go to Toronto
Stephen A. Smith
The proposed deal would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-round picks to the Clippers.