It’s been several days since the report that Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard used a “no-show” job to make millions and was accused of circumventing the NBA cap. But the outrage has mostly dissipated and is now becoming the butt of jokes on FOX.
Case in point: During today’s edition of “Big Noon Kickoff” at Jack Trice Stadium for the Iowa vs. Iowa State game, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was a guest. Haliburton was there representing Iowa State and had some fun on the set with Mark Ingram and the others.
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At one point Ingram jokingly asked him how he can get a no-show job like Kawhi.
“Do you know where I can apply for any of them no show jobs like Kawhi got?” Ingram said, drawing a laugh from Haliburton and the others. “I’m available for a discounted 10 (million).”
Haliburton was a great sport about it. He replied, “Tell them to find me too!”
Fans on social media certainly had plenty of fun with it:
“I’m crying,” one user replied.
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“lmao,” wrote another.
“Mark Ingram asking the real questions,” a third joked.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 31: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 31, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
The Controversy
A recent investigation by journalist Pablo Torre alleged that Kawhi Leonard had a four-year, $28 million “no-show” endorsement with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt green-finance startup partially funded by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. Documents and sources cited in the report describe minimal (or optional) promotional obligations, a clause tying the deal to Leonard’s status as a Clipper, and Ballmer’s prior $50 million investment—facts that sparked claims the arrangement functioned as cap-circumventing compensation rather than a bona fide sponsorship.
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The Clippers and Ballmer have denied wrongdoing and said the team’s relationship with Aspiration ended after the company defaulted, while the NBA has opened a formal probe and retained Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz—the same firm used in past high-profile league investigations. The inquiry is ongoing; no findings or penalties have been announced.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.