QUEBEC CITY - Kawhi Leonard said on media day that he wants to move on from the cap-circumvention scandal that delayed his return to the Toronto Raptors, but that might be easier said than done.
On Tuesday, the investigative journalism podcast "Pable Torre Finds Out" released a new episode on the scandal. While most of the podcast's investigation previously followed a trail of no-show endorsement deals the Los Angeles Clippers allegedly facilitated for Leonard, the latest installment revealed an instance when the seven-time All-Star did make an appearance for a sponsor, earning at least $672,000 from Boingo Wireless for a one-hour meet-and-greet with U.S. Marines.
However, when asked about the latest episode on Wednesday during the second day of Raptors training camp, Leonard said he hasn't been following the podcast.
"I don't follow it. I don't know what to think of it all or really expect. I'm not entertained by it," Leonard said. "Like I said before, the NBA did their job. The (players' association) did their job. I don't even know what he's talking about."
For the L.A. Clippers' role in a scheme that helped Leonard earn off-court income from multiple companies, the NBA stripped the club of five future first-round draft picks and fined it $30 million, among other penalties. Leonard also received a $700,000 fine. Additionally, Leonard's uncle and former business adviser, Dennis Robertson, was banned for five years from conducting NBA-related business or engaging with teams. Federal prosecutors have reportedly opened a criminal investigation into the matter.
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said last week that the settlement the league and union agreed to (Leonard's $700,000 fine) assured the team that Leonard won't face any additional penalties. Commissioner Adam Silver also recently emphasized that, regarding Leonard, "it's time to move forward."
The usually reserved Leonard also explained why he's been much more active on social media lately and more lighthearted overall, noting he wants to give fans a genuine glimpse of himself.
"Probably being four or five years away from walking away, I just want to show people who I really am, because you get so many narratives out there," Leonard said. "People don't know me. I'm just having fun with it.
"I learned to come to work and just lock in and focus," Leonard added regarding his famously steely demeanor. "If you see me on the basketball court - preparing for practice, games, after games - for the most part, I'm dialed in. I'm trying to stay even-keeled and not let emotions override my play.
"I know you pretty much hear a lot of guys talking, saying how great of a guy I am or what my personality's like (outside of) basketball, so you're just starting to see it now. It's not like I'm changing or doing anything different. I'm being myself."
Joseph Casciaro is theScore's lead NBA reporter.
