Federal prosecutors have reportedly opened a criminal investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers over allegations that the team circumvented NBA salary-cap rules in connection with star player Kawhi Leonard.
According to The New York Times, the investigation follows disciplinary action taken by the NBA against the Clippers over the alleged violations.
The league last week imposed a $30 million fine on the Clippers, suspended team owner Steve Ballmer and stripped the franchise of five first-round draft picks. The Clippers have denied wrongdoing and said they intend to vigorously challenge the NBA’s findings and the penalties imposed against the organisation.
The team had not provided an additional response to requests for comment at the time of the report. The reported federal investigation does not establish criminal wrongdoing, and no criminal charges were disclosed in the report.