Ballmer's Secret I.O.U., Aspiration's "Web of Lies" and the Zenith of Fraud: Kawhi-Gate, Part XI

Ballmer's Secret I.O.U., Aspiration's "Web of Lies" and the Zenith of Fraud: Kawhi-Gate, Part XI

From Pablo Torre Finds Out by The Athletic

June 5, 2026 · 1h 3m

About this episode

Pablo Torre investigates the connections between Steve Ballmer, Kawhi Leonard's probe, and a fraud case involving Aspiration.

As Adam Silver calls for the NBA's Kawhi Leonard probe to wrap up and Aspiration's co-founder gets 14 years behind bars, Pablo investigates how Steve Ballmer covered his tracks on a side deal of his own — and with the SEC on the case. Former DOJ prosecutor Lou Manzo returns to make sense of the relationship between a billionaire and a fraudster, while David Samson is finally convinced that the richest owner in sports has lost credibility. (Additional reporting by Anita Bennett) • Take the PTFO audience survey • Subscribe to Pablo's newsletter • Subscribe to "Nothing Personal with David Samson" Previously on PTFO: • Part I: The Silent Superstar and the Rotten Apple Tree • Part II: An Argument with Mark Cuban • Part III: The Mystery Investor, the No-Show Payday and the "Smoking Gun" • Part IV: Steve Ballmer, the Other Cuban and the $118 Million Infusion • Part V: Steve Ballmer's "Inconceivable" Donation, the $20 Million Guarantee and a Head on a Spike • Part VI: An IRL Showdown with Mark Cuban • Part VII: The Briefcase, Ballmer's Social Network and Aspiration's House of Cards • Part VIII: Uncle Dennis, Ballmer's $50 Million Sprint and the Side Deal That Wouldn't Die • Part IX…

People in this episode

Host: Pablo Torre

Guest: Lou Manzo

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Aspiration, SEC, Meadowlark Media, The Athletic

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