05/04/26 05:07:00
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05/04 17:05 CDT Pablo Torre's podcast wins Pulitzer Prize for Clippers report,
capping a remarkable rise
Pablo Torre's podcast wins Pulitzer Prize for Clippers report, capping a
remarkable rise
NEW YORK (AP) --- The "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast won a Pulitzer Prize in
audio reporting on Monday for its deep dive into the finances of the Los
Angeles Clippers and star Kawhi Leonard, capping a remarkable rise for the
influential show.
Torre's show --- which has three episodes each week --- has reported on several
major stories since its debut in 2023. Topics include Jeffrey Epstein and his
ties to Harvard, Madison Square Garden's use of facial recognition software at
games and team collusion in the NFL.
"We are honored to have been named the winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in
Audio Reporting!" the podcast's official X account posted.
Last September, a report by Torre alleged that the Clippers violated NBA salary
cap rules involving a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and the
now-bankrupt California-based sustainability services company called Aspiration
Fund Adviser LLC. The report led to an ongoing NBA investigation.
The Pulitzer judges called the project a "pioneering and entertaining form of
live podcast journalism."
Leonard has denied any wrongdoing, saying he didn't receive all of the money he
was owed from the company.
The Clippers have strongly denied that any rules were broken and said they
welcomed the league's investigation, which is being run by an outside firm.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer made a $50 million investment in Aspiration, and
the company and the team announced a $300 million partnership in September
2021. That was about a month after Leonard signed a four-year, $176 million
extension with the Clippers.
The team ended its relationship with Aspiration after two years, saying the
contract was in default. Aspiration's co-founder, Joseph Sanberg, agreed to
plead guilty in August after facing federal charges of wire fraud. Prosecutors
said he defrauded investors and lenders out of $248 million, adding that
"Aspiration's financial statements were inaccurate and reflected much higher
revenue than the company in fact received."
Torre's podcast is produced by Meadowlark Media and licensed by The Athletic,
which is owned by The New York Times Company. The 40-year-old Torre also has
worked for Sports Illustrated and ESPN.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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