Trump administration warns it may deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador

Trump administration warns it may deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador

The Trump administration will seek to remove Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador again if a judge grants his attorneys' request to reopen his immigration case, according to a copy of a court filing obtained by ABC News. Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native who had been living in Maryland with his wife and children, wasdeported in Marchto El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison -- despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation to that country due to fear of persecution. The Trump administration claimed he was a member of the criminal gang MS-13, which his family and attorneys deny. He wasbrought back to the U.S. in Juneto face human trafficking charges in Tennessee, to which he has pleaded not guilty. After being released into the custody of his brother in Maryland pending trial, he wasagain detainedby immigration authorities, who indicated their intention to deport him. MORE: Timeline: Wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador A federal judge last month blocked Abrego Garcia's deportation until at least early October. He is currently detained at a detention center in Farmville, Virginia. The court filing, submitted to the Baltimore Immigration Court on Thursday, was filed after Abrego Garcia's attorneys moved to reopen his case to seek asylum. "Should the Immigration Court grant the respondent's motion to reopen, DHS will pursue the respondent's removal to El Salvador, as his prior grant of withholding of removal will no longer be valid," the government said in the filing on Thursday. In 2019, an immigration judge granted Abrego Garcia an order of removal, which prohibited his deportation to El Salvador. If proceedings are reopened, Abrego Garcia will be required to establish "eligibility for any forms of relief or protection from El Salvador," the government said. MORE: Abrego Garcia's lawyers ask judge to order Trump administration to stop making inflammatory comments about him On Thursday, the government said that Abrego Garcia's imprisonment at CECOT "was both a lawful sanction and one not specifically intended to cause the requisite pain or suffering." "Even assuming that the respondent's imprisonment rises to the level of torture, past torture is not determinative of the likelihood of future torture," the government said. The government also dismissed the attorneys' concerns about El Salvador's "gang-targeting tactics," arguing they "do not reflect the ultimate treatment" Abrego Garcia received after his wrongful deportation in March. "After being processed in [CECOT], he was transferred to Centro Industrial because he was perceived as a civilian," the government said. "His detention conditions at Centro Industrial differ substantially from those described in the country conditions evidence." In the filing, the government also argued that the request to reopen Abrego Garcia's immigration case should be denied because it "fails to show that country conditions in El Salvador have materially changed, and it further fails to establish that he" is eligible for asylum. According to the emergency motion filed last month to reopen the case, his attorneys argue that because Abrego Garcia was deported and then brought back to the U.S., he is now eligible to apply for asylum within one year of his last entry into the U.S. In the filings, the government called Abrego Garcia a member of a foreign terrorist organization, arguing it makes him ineligible for asylum. Abrego Garcia's attorneys and families have repeatedly denied accusations that he is a member of MS-13. "He has engaged in extensive criminal activities since he has been in the United States," the government said. "He is a known member of the MS-13, a dangerous FTO."

byMario Satorik

in

September 05, 2025

Trump administration warns it may deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador

Trump administration warns it may deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador The Trump administration will seek to remove Kilmar Abrego Garc...

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EPA moves to suspend without pay over 100 employees who signed letter of dissent

EPA moves to suspend without pay over 100 employees who signed letter of dissent

The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to suspend more than 100 staffers who signeda letter of dissentagainst the Trump administration's policies in July, a representative of the union covering the agency's staff told CNN on Friday. The EPA previously moved to fire a handful of employees late last week, but now it is taking disciplinary action against more than 130 employees also suspected of signing the letter, the representative said. These employees were sent letters indicating they would be suspended for 14 days without pay. The reason cited in the letters is for "conduct unbecoming of a federal employee," the representative said, noting that is highly unusual, if not unprecedented, under the circumstances. An EPA spokesperson would not confirm the report or details, saying the agency "does not comment on individual personnel matters." "These workers bravely voiced concerns about harmful changes at the Agency that threaten the lives of every American. And we know the administration's motives are not about government efficiency or advancing public safety. Placing these workers on leave and now firing or suspending them months later has wasted over 47,000 work hours and $2 million. This is simply about squashing dissent and preventing workers from protecting American lives," said Justin Chen, president of the union group AFGE Council 238, in a statement Friday. The EPA placed roughly 140 employees on administrative leave in July, days after they signeda public letter expressing concernabout the treatment of federal employees and the Trump administration's regulations on climate and public health. In the letter, employees criticized the EPA, saying it has strayed from its core mission to protect human health and the environment. The EPA conducted an "administrative investigation" into the employees, who were placed on administrative leave until July 17, according to internal emails viewed by CNN at the time. Some employees were let go last week, but additional staff members were affected on Thursday. On Friday, the agency's spokesperson also repeated its previous statement on the matter, saying the EPA "has a zero-tolerance policy for career officials using their agency position and title to unlawfully undermine, sabotage, and undercut the will of the American public that was clearly expressed at the ballot box last November. Thankfully, this represents a small fraction of the thousands of hard-working, dedicated EPA employees who are not trying to mislead and scare the American public." For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byMario Satorik

in

September 05, 2025

EPA moves to suspend without pay over 100 employees who signed letter of dissent

EPA moves to suspend without pay over 100 employees who signed letter of dissent The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to suspend mo...

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The Most Inspirational Second Careers of Professional Athletes

The Most Inspirational Second Careers of Professional Athletes

A professional sports career can end suddenly and leave an athlete decades to fill with something else. Many choose entirely different fields, which often require new skills, education, or connections, and go on to do great things. Here are some examples that show how ambition, discipline, and opportunity can combine to create success beyond stadiums and arenas. Credit: Wikimedia Commons After retiring from Major League Baseball, Vaughn wanted to address housing problems in urban areas. He co-founded OMNI New York, a real estate company specializing in rehabilitating neglected apartment buildings. By 2007, the company had completed renovations on more than 1,200 units, including major projects in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Winning an Academy Award was Bryant's first headline following his final season in 2016. He wrote and narrated Dear Basketball, which took Best Animated Short Film. Outside of filmmaking, he co-founded a foundation with his wife to aid homeless individuals and support youth programs, and granted hundreds of Make-A-Wish requests. Credit: Youtube A series of injuries cut Carillo's professional tennis career short in 1980. Rather than leave the sport entirely, she built a life in broadcasting that earned her national recognition. She has covered the Olympics, won Sports Emmy Awards, and received Peabody Awards for documentaries on women in sports and Billie Jean King. Credit: Instagram If you can recall the day Johnson announced he was HIV-positive in 1991, you also remember how it changed his public role. He proceeded to create the Magic Johnson Foundation to offer scholarships, community technology centers, and HIV/AIDS education. Those programs have reached thousands across the United States and are providing access to resources often unavailable in underserved areas. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Only one person has been elected to both the Baseball Hall of Fame and the U.S. Senate, and that was Bunning. He pitched a perfect game in 1964, then turned to politics after his playing days ended. His political career lasted over twenty years and reflected a steady commitment to public service that matched his competitive drive on the field. Credit: Wikimedia Commons You may remember Bol from his participation in unusual publicity events, such as riding a horse in a race and playing in a hockey game, to attract donations. His fundraising supported relief work and emergency aid. The athlete's post-basketball life focused on advocacy, where he used unconventional methods to keep attention on his cause. Credit: Wikimedia Commons We all watched Johnson dominate in the wrestling ring before he made the leap to Hollywood. His first role in The Mummy Returns opened the door to leading parts in blockbuster franchises and animated features. Credit: Youtube Bill Bradley had already built an impressive résumé with an Olympic gold medal in 1964 and ten seasons for the New York Knicks before entering politics. His work in office addressed tax reform, education, and urban policy, where he applied the same discipline and preparation that defined his playing tenure. Credit: Wikimedia Commons An injury in 2012 forced Hammon to consider what came next, and coaching became the path she chose. Two years later, the San Antonio Spurs hired her as the first full-time, paid female assistant coach in NBA history. She has taken on responsibilities in game planning, player development, and in-game adjustments. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Retirement from football in 1969 marked the start of Kemp's political career. He was a part of the U.S. House of Representatives for eighteen years before joining President George H.W. Bush's cabinet as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He later became the Republican nominee for vice president in 1996. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Long after his final fight in 1997, selling more than 100 million grills worldwide made Foreman a household name. His business ventures have included automotive franchises and high-profile brand endorsements. At the same time, he has continued his ministerial work to offer guidance and mentorship in his community. Credit: Wikimedia Commons It's unusual for a Hall of Fame pitcher to trade the mound for a camera, but Johnson did exactly that in 2009. Before his baseball days, he studied photojournalism at the University of Southern California, a passion he returned to full-time. He also serves as a special assistant to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Credit: Instagram While his time at the NFL may have been short, Rolle's academic record set him apart. As a Rhodes Scholar, he studied at Oxford before completing his medical degree. He now works as a neurosurgery resident at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he specializes in pediatric cases. Credit: Youtube Fans of Good Morning America know Strahan as a lively and engaging co-host, but his media ventures began once his playing days ended. He now balances hosting $10,000 Pyramid with providing NFL analysis for Fox Sports. His broadcast work has earned multiple Emmy Awards and keeps him in front of national audiences daily. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Few boxers have matched Pacquiao's combination of longevity and titles, with twelve world championships across eight weight divisions. Before he fully retired, he turned to politics and was elected to the Philippine Senate in 2016. Pacquiao's second chance has moved his energy toward shaping national policy to address issues affecting millions of Filipinos.

byMario Satorik

in

September 05, 2025

The Most Inspirational Second Careers of Professional Athletes

The Most Inspirational Second Careers of Professional Athletes A professional sports career can end suddenly and leave an athlete decades to...

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Eagles' Jalen Carter on spitting incident: 'It was a mistake'

Eagles' Jalen Carter on spitting incident: 'It was a mistake'

Philadelphia Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter owned up to his "mistake" after he was ejected from Thursday's 24-20 season-opening victory over the visiting Cowboys after spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. Carter was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct after he spat at Prescott after the two exchanged words while there was a stoppage in play following the opening kickoff. "You know it was a mistake that happened on my side, and it just won't happen again," Carter said. "I feel bad for just my teammates and the fans out there. You know, I'm doing it for them. I'm doing it for my family also but the fans, they show the most love. You heard them out there and not being able to start the game to finish the game just (expletive) me up, but it won't happen again." Just before halftime, NBC reported that Carter could face additional discipline, possibly including a suspension. While not specifically mentioning spitting, the NFL told teams this offseason that respect for opponents will be a bigger emphasis this season. NBC reported that Carter's actions could fall under this emphasis. "If I get that text or that call and have that conversation, we will handle it," Carter said. Prescott also found himself on the defensive after video replays showed the quarterback spitting in the direction of Carter prior to the incident. "I was just looking at him and I was right here in between two linemen," Prescott said. "I guess I needed to spit, and I wasn't going to spit on my linemen, so I just spit ahead. "He asked or goes, 'Are you trying to spit on me?' At that point, I felt like he was insulting me. I wouldn't spit on somebody and I'm damn sure not trying to spit on you. We're trying to play a game and I'm wondering why you're trying to mess with the rookie (Tyler Booker). I step through and say the words, 'Why the hell,' excuse me probably even more colorful but 'why would I spit on you for?' He just spit on me in that moment, and it was more of a surprise than anything. The refs obviously saw it and threw a flag. I was like, 'Hell yeah, we get 15 yards to start the game off.' I didn't realize he was getting ejected. Unfortunate that he did and hell of a player." Carter, 24, was a Pro Bowler last season after racking up 4.5 sacks among his 12 tackles for loss, plus six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. He slid to ninth overall in the NFL Draft in 2023 after legal troubles cropped up around the time of the NFL scouting combine. While in college at Georgia, Carter was involved in a street racing crash that took the lives of a player and a staff member. He turned himself in and later pleaded no contest to charges of reckless driving and street racing. --Field Level Media

byMario Satorik

in

September 05, 2025

Eagles' Jalen Carter on spitting incident: 'It was a mistake'

Eagles' Jalen Carter on spitting incident: 'It was a mistake' Philadelphia Eagles star defensive tackle Jalen Carter owned up to...

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Healthcare at Center of Shutdown Fight—and Democrats Say They Won't Blink

Healthcare at Center of Shutdown Fight—and Democrats Say They Won't Blink

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer speaks to reporters following the Senate policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on September 3, 2025. Credit - Kevin Dietsch–Getty Images The last time Congress faced a deadline to extend government funding, Senate Democrats flinched, giving Republicans the votes needed to avert a government shutdown without extracting any concessions. The move angered much of the Democratic base, who had been calling for their party's leaders to aggressively fight the Trump Administration's reshaping of the federal government. Now, with another funding deadline less than four weeks away, Democrats in Congress say they are prepared to fight back and that healthcare will be the battlefield. Party leaders have signaled that they plan to use the looming funding showdown to press for reversals of Medicaid cuts, extensions of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, and limits on President Donald Trump's spending authority—even if it means shouldering the political risk if negotiations collapse. "Healthcare is a clear red line," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York told reporters on Thursday. "We will not support a partisan Republican spending bill that rips health care away from the American people." Government funding expires at the end of the day on Sept. 30, and without action, much of the federal government would close. Republicans narrowly control both chambers of Congress but need some Democratic votes to reach the required 60-vote threshold to pass a funding bill in the Senate. Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and other Democrats are signaling they intend to use that leverage to reopen the fight over Trump's domestic agenda, particularly provisions in his "one big, beautiful bill" that cut deeply into Medicaid and jeopardize subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Together, the two policies threaten to raise costs or strip coverage from millions of Americans—and Democrats say they will not sign off on another spending bill without concessions. The tough talk coming from Democrats now is not all that different from what some of them were saying in March, just before Schumer and other Senate Democrats gave in and averted a shutdown. But some members say the party is more confident they can rally public support this time. "If Republicans want to keep the government open, they have to work with Democrats in a bipartisan way," Schumer said Thursday on the Senate floor. "That's the only way to get it done. But if Republicans choose to continue going at it alone, if they refuse to be reasonable, if they close the door on negotiations, then any shutdown is going to be on them. Time is short." The Medicaid reductions, enacted as part of the megabill Trump signed in July, raised eligibility thresholds, imposed new work requirements, and shifted costs back to states—changes projected to push as many as 10 million people off the program over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. "Reducing the damage that they've done to our constituents in healthcare would be a real positive," Delaware Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, told TIME. "That would help move us forward." "If Republicans want Democrats to provide votes to fund the Trump administration, they can start by restoring the health care that they ripped away to finance more tax handouts for billionaires," added Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts in apost on X. "This fight is about saving health care and lowering costs for millions of Americans." But a White House official tells TIME that there will be no negotiations with Democrats over reversing health provisions that are central to the main legislative achievement of Trump's second term so far. "Democrat threats to shut the government down over foreign aid, demands to limit the President's power, or attempts to reverse his signature legislation are not in good faith and would not have been taken seriously by any prior Administrations—Democrat or Republican," the official said, predicting that a short-term continuing resolution is now the likeliest outcome. "The White House is working with congressional leaders on continuing to fund the government responsibly." Other Democrats are focusing less on Medicaid and more on shoring up subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which helped drive record enrollment in recent years but are set to expire at the end of December. Without action, Obamacare premiums could spike just as open enrollment begins on Nov. 1. "The loss of these tax credits will lead to the largest premium increases in almost a decade," Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, a Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, said in a statement, warning that millions of families could be hit with sudden cost increases. A group of House Republicans has already introduced legislation to extend the subsidies, hinting at possible bipartisan ground. Coons added that Democrats also want assurances that Trump cannot simply claw back funding after Congress approves it. "We need to trust you so that when we reach an appropriations deal it sticks, and reverses the damage that's been done," Coons said, pointing to the President's repeated use of rescissions to cancel spending. Last month, Trump canceled nearly $5 billion in foreign aid funds Congress had previously approved. Senator Peter Welch, Democrat of Vermont, told TIME that the maneuver was "a direct attack on Congress's authority to pass a budget" and warned that the President was daring both parties to accept that "whatever we pass he can disregard." For Democrats, the last shutdown fight may have served as a lesson. Schumer and nine Senate Democrats broke ranks with most of their party to provide Republicans the votes to extend government funding without any concessions. Trump and Republicans spent the next few months steamrolling Democrats. Republicans pushed through a sweeping domestic package that extended tax cuts, funded Trump's deportation initiatives and imposed new restrictions on Medicaid projected to reduce coverage for 10 million Americans over the next decade. That was followed by a $9 billion rescission targeting public broadcasting and foreign aid, and most recently, a so-called "pocket rescission" of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding. That last move in particular has outraged lawmakers from both parties. Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, called it "a clear violation of the law." "It seems like Trump wants a shutdown," Welch says. "This pocket rescission is a direct attack on Congress's authority to pass a budget." Typically, the party not in power bears the brunt of the political fallout from a shutdown, but Democrats are sounding more willing to risk being blamed if it means forcing Republicans to retreat on health care and spending powers. The next four weeks will test their resolve, but also whether Trump's bet—that Democrats will blink first—pays off again. Write toNik Popli atnik.popli@time.com.

byMario Satorik

in

September 05, 2025

Healthcare at Center of Shutdown Fight—and Democrats Say They Won't Blink

Healthcare at Center of Shutdown Fight—and Democrats Say They Won't Blink Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer speaks to reporters fol...

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Louisiana governor pays fine and discloses $13K in unreported free trips in deal to end ethics probe

Louisiana governor pays fine and discloses $13K in unreported free trips in deal to end ethics probe

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry agreed Friday to pay a $900 fine for failing to disclose a free plane ride to Hawaii and other free flights, ending a yearslong ethics investigation into his travels. The Republican also revealed he accepted nearly 20 complimentary trips worth more than $13,000 since 2021. Landry's agreement with the Louisiana Board of Ethics ends a civil case hanging over the first-term governor, who has tightened his grip on the agency since taking office in 2024. He has blasted the charges as a "weaponization of our government institutions," akin to what he described as liberal forces operating againstPresident Donald Trump. Landry's attorney Stephen Gelé told the Associated Press that the governor "is glad to bring an end to this matter and continue to save the taxpayers money, as he was already doing." Landry had signed the agreement in advance and was not present at the meeting. A free trip to Hawaii Landry used a wealthy donor's private plane in 2021 — when he was still the state's attorney general — to fly to Hawaii, where he spoke at a conference. He did not report the use of the plane and was charged with violating state ethics laws by the board two years later. The charges were made public a month before his 2023 victory in the governor's race that flipped what had been a Democrat-held seat. Landry has continued to face criticism from political opponents and watchdog groups for what they call a lack of transparency over his use of campaign funds. Landry avoids a trial before a panel of administrative judges by agreeing to the settlement, which passed without debate following more than a year of lengthy closed-door negotiations. If a court had found the governor in violation of state law, it could have imposed fines up to $10,000 for each violation and ordered him to pay additional financial penalties for the cost of the gifts. The settlement resolved investigations into five other complimentary trips and flights between 2022 and 2023 to Washington, D.C., and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Landry stated in the settlement that he would have testified at trial that he accepted the free flights to save money for the Louisiana Department of Justice. Landry discloses more free trips Under the settlement, Landry released information about nearly 20 complimentary trips while serving as attorney general and governor, including free transportation to Washington, D.C., as recently as July. He self-reported the total value at more than $13,000. These trips including transportation to northeast Louisiana to announce Meta's plans to build a data center there last December and numerous trips to Washington, D.C., this year for events including the signing of executive orders at the White House. These flights were generally provided by companies run by Landry's close allies and a Landry-aligned political advocacy organization, Protect Louisiana Values. The state code of ethics requires public officials to report complimentary work trips within 60 days. The board reiterated in a legal memo Friday that Landry is still required to disclose free transportation. David Bordelon, the board's ethics administrator, said during the meeting Friday that the reporting process may be revised. "We want to make sure the instructions are clear and that everyone has an understanding of exactly how it should be filled out," Bordelon said. Gelé said Landry "is pleased the Ethics Board agreed to clarify who needs to file paperwork related to official travel" and that the legal memo prevents "future confusion." The board's longest serving member, La Koshia Roberts, told The Associated Press that she believes Landry's team was "not acting in good faith" throughout the settlement negotiations, dragging it out for more than a year. She said she did not buy Landry's attorneys' argument that he was confused by the forms he was required to complete. "A middle school or high school student could read and understand the forms," Roberts said. "Mr. Landry is an attorney by education and profession. No, the forms are not difficult to understand." Landry took the Hawaii trip on the private plane of Greg Mosing, who owns an aviation company and has been a political supporter. Landry overhauls the ethics board Since becoming governor, Landry has pushed through legislation tightening his grip on the state ethics board by removing measures intended to insulate it from political pressure. Landry now has the power to appoint nine of the 15 members. Landry has had other run-ins with the ethics board. In 2022, the board sent Landry a confidential letter warning him to stop using campaign funds to pay for a car loan on a vehicle but took no further action,The Advocate reported. This year, the Louisiana Legislature passedsweeping changes, written by Landry's personal attorney, raising the bar for future ethics board investigations and providing more opportunities for officials to challenge allegations of misconduct. The changes did not affect Landry's settlement. Roberts, an attorney who was appointed to the board by the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2018, said the historically "apolitical" and "independent" board is being undermined by these changes. "There has been this strong push to shift it to a strictly executive, governor controlled-body that lacks independence," she said. ___ Brook reported from New Orleans.

byMario Satorik

in

September 05, 2025

Louisiana governor pays fine and discloses $13K in unreported free trips in deal to end ethics probe

Louisiana governor pays fine and discloses $13K in unreported free trips in deal to end ethics probe BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana Gov. ...

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How Steve Ballmer defended Clippers, Kawhi Leonard in NBA scandal

How Steve Ballmer defended Clippers, Kawhi Leonard in NBA scandal

Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmersaid he's "mad" and "embarrassed" in the wake of a report this week that claimed he and the organization circumvented the NBA's salary cap rules when it signed star Kawhi Leonard to a new contract in 2021. Ballmer is adamant his organization went about its business according to league rules. "We did things by the book," Ballmer declared inan interview with ESPN that aired on Thursday, Sept. 5, which also served as his first public comments on the matter. The NBA is investigating allegationsmade by sports reporter Pablo Torre of "Pablo Torre Finds Out" thatthe Clippers facilitated a no-show endorsement deal for Leonardworth at least $28 million with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt "green" financial services company that was a prominent team sponsor at the time. Aspiration also received a $50 million investment from Ballmer. If the NBA finds the Clippers to have violated the salary cap circumvention provisions in the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement, the penalties could be significant based on current bylaws and previous incidents of salary cap circumvention. WHO MADE IT:What to know for 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony The Clippers called the allegations "provably false" and "absurd" in team-issued statements Wednesday after the initial report. Ballmer went into more detail Thursday about the circumstances behind Leonard's signing, and how the Clippers abided by NBA rules and protocols when dealing with Leonard and his representatives. The former Microsoft CEO noted, for instance, thatLeonard's four-year, $176.2-million contract with the Clipperswas finalized in August 2021 and the franchise's lucrative sponsorship deal with Aspiration came together in September. Aspiration then approached the Clippers for an introduction to Leonard in "early November," according to Ballmer. Among the documents uncovered by Torre was Leonard's contract with Aspiration, which included a clause that states KL2 Aspire LLC, a company run by Leonard, could "decline to proceed with any action desired by the Company," which set up a structure for Leonard to potentially receive payments without performing any work. Another clause states that Leonard would receive payments only if he continued to be a player on the Clippers. "They did request to be introduced to Kawhi," said Ballmer, who added neither he nor the Clippers had control over Aspiration's business dealings despite their investment. "Under the (NBA) rules, we can introduce our sponsors to our athletes. We just can't be involved. We made an introduction. That was in early November, well past when all of this happens." Ballmer said he was instead "conned" by Aspiration, and emphasized he did not know the financial terms agreed to between Leonard and Aspiration. The Justice Department announced in August that Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud for defrauding investors and lenders of more than $248 million. The Clippers had gone through documents and emails related to Aspiration and Leonard in recent months as part of the the Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission investigations into the company, according to Ballmer. He said the Clippers "welcome the league investigation. We have nothing to hide." The Clippers have already been found to have engaged in impropriety with third-party endorsements under Ballmer. Back in August 2015 – a year afterBallmer's purchase of the team was finalized– theNBA fined the franchise $250,000for "violating NBA rules prohibiting teams from offering players unauthorized business or investment opportunities" in their pursuit of then-free agent center DeAndre Jordan. "It's really important to me to communicate to the NBA ecosystem, but particularly Clipper fans, that we've been on the up and up," Ballmer said. "Since the day I bought the team, and you know the circumstances were definitely tough, we've emphasized doing things the right way. … I want our fans to really understand that they've aligned themselves, they've supported an organization that does things the right way." USA TODAY Sports reporter Lorenzo Reyes contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What Steve Ballmer said in defense of Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scandal

byMario Satorik

in

September 05, 2025

How Steve Ballmer defended Clippers, Kawhi Leonard in NBA scandal

How Steve Ballmer defended Clippers, Kawhi Leonard in NBA scandal Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmersaid he's "mad" and ...

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