NBA sanctions Clippers over Kawhi Leonard salary cap violation scandal

Here’s a rewritten version of the content:

This article is a written version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, your go-to source for daily sports updates. You can subscribe to have it delivered to your inbox every weekday morning here.

🤯 Five key sports stories for Thursday

1. The NBA dealt a severe punishment to the Clippers over cap violations linked to the Kawhi Leonard saga. On Wednesday, the league imposed harsh penalties, suspending Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fining the franchise $30 million, and stripping them of five first-round draft picks. The Clippers have already vowed to contest the sanctions, although there’s no certainty any will be reduced. Leonard, meanwhile, escaped major repercussions and moved on from the team with the best possible outcome. With this long-running drama concluded, here’s what lies ahead for both Leonard and the Clippers.

2. Kirk Cousins will be the Raiders’ starting quarterback in Week 1 instead of top draft pick Fernando Mendoza. Head coach Klint Kubiak opted for the experienced Cousins to lead the team, delaying Mendoza’s debut as a rookie Week 1 starter and ending a streak of five consecutive first overall picks starting immediately. Mendoza’s inconsistent preseason performance likely influenced this decision.

3. Tiger Woods accepted a plea deal in his DUI case. Woods was arrested in March following a car rollover incident in Florida and originally pleaded not guilty. He has now agreed to a reduced charge of reckless driving and refusal to take a lawful test, which lets him avoid jail but includes a five-year license suspension. Following the arrest, Woods missed the entire PGA Tour season while pursuing treatment overseas.

4. Georgia’s attorney general has urged the SEC to suspend or even expel LSU. The AG has called on SEC commissioner Greg Sankey to fully use the league’s authority to prevent LSU from signing former NFL players this fall due to ongoing controversy. Expulsion was mentioned as a possible penalty. Despite the turmoil, coach Lane Kiffin, known for courting controversy, remains undeterred.

5. Eight-time All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker had a workout with the New York Jets. Tucker, sidelined since 2024 amid sexual misconduct allegations he firmly denies, is seeking a return to the NFL. The Jets hosted Tucker alongside kickers Michael Badgley and Josh Karty, giving him another shot to prove himself ahead of the regular season.

🏈 Don’t miss this: Dante Moore leads college football QB rankings

This season’s crop of college quarterbacks is exceptional, making rankings a tough challenge. Fortunately, expert David Cobb has released his first QB Power Rankings, placing Oregon’s Dante Moore at the top over stars like Texas’ Arch Manning and Heisman finalist Julian Sayin. With an enhanced supporting cast, Moore is expected to surpass his stellar 2023 stats and guide the Ducks deep into the postseason.

Cobb: “Oregon’s receiving corps is healthier and stronger than last year, which should help Moore overcome any challenges from a new offensive coordinator. Expect bigger numbers than last year’s 3,565 yards and 30 TDs as he leads the Ducks further than before.”

You can explore the full rankings here. A peek at some highlights includes:

• 41. Colton Joseph, Wisconsin
• 42. Aaron Philo, Florida
• 43. Faizon Brandon, Tennessee
• 44. Owen McCown, UTSA
• 45. Davis Warren, Stanford

One rising star not yet ranked is Ball State’s Keldric Luster, who gained viral attention and faces a tough matchup against No. 1 Ohio State this weekend.

🏆 Fantasy football draft advice

With the biggest drafting weekend approaching rapidly—some even drafting tonight—many fantasy players are still unprepared. The good news is experts can quickly bring you up to speed, especially by highlighting which players to avoid. Heath Cummings focuses on busts in his latest column, cautioning against Texans’ RB David Montgomery despite his clear role due to lackluster offensive line support and shared carries.

Cummings: “Montgomery might get short touchdowns but won’t generate much else. Woody Marks will grab a significant share of runs and receptions, and the Texans’ offensive line is far worse than what Montgomery had with the Lions. Avoid drafting him before Round 6.”

To stay ahead, be sure to subscribe to “Fantasy Football Today” for the best news and tips.

👍👎 The highs and lows across sports

Image credit: Getty Images

📺 What to watch Thursday

• UMass at Rutgers, 6 p.m. on Big Ten Network
• Red Sox at Orioles, 7:15 p.m. on Fox
• Brewers at Cubs, 7:15 p.m. on Fox
• Colorado at Georgia Tech, 8 p.m. on ESPN
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff at No. 25 Missouri, 8 p.m. on SEC Network
• UAB at Illinois, 9 p.m. on Big Ten Network

Fan Take:

The NBA’s tough stance on the Clippers’ cap violations marks a defining moment for maintaining integrity and fairness in basketball’s business dealings. These consequences send a strong message that teams must play by the rules, ultimately protecting the league’s competitive balance and reputation.

Source: www.cbssports.com