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Interesting. Can't call him hypocritical. He pays well and makes a lot

Just imagine what he will say when Kidd and Witzki come back with nagging injuries. LOL

I'm a bit confused with what he really wants to say but ultimately I think this guy hates the idea that his players will don Olympic uniforms.

As usual, Cuban's right. There's a good book from 15 years ago called Dishonored Games: Corruption, Money, and Greed at the Olympics by Vyv Simson and Andrew Jennings, that talks about the corruption of the Games and the history of guys like the former IOC president, Juan Antonio Samaranch. It's about money, plain and simple.

Yes Mark the whole world is about money and you should know that just as well as anyone. Why not put into their contracts that if hurt outside of playing for the team their contract is null and void. You don't care that other people are making money off of the athletes you simply don't want to lose yours. Your as transparent as it gets.

He does make a great point...

even though i think cuban is a brilliant business man and may even be correct on the $$ aspect. i have to disagree with him. every since losing the olympic gold back in 1988, the US was intent on sending its best group of basketball players to represent USA basketball just as all the other countries were doing. The US was scared to lose its basketball supremacy over the rest of the world. but strangely enough we did anyways. i do agree that the Olympics should be a stage for amatuer athletes not professionals who potentially risk millions. but at the same time, im sure most of the pro athletes view the olympics as a chance to represent their countries on a world stage.......and that is great to see.

Excellent point AI Cheese. This is important to US the fans. Cuban is rightfully concerned about the money trail.....and his own pockets. Think about the pride we (your paying fans) get from reclaiming the Gold. Just think about us little guys Cuban.........we need this.

I just have to wince when this billionaire attempts to speak for me.

I just have to wince when this billionaire attempts to speak for me.

jackmanrob | 06/18/08, 07:59 AM

Well said, and nice pic.

thanks evolv..........Give piece a chance (yes I meant to misspell lol)

Since when does he know anytyhing about struggling.(the Billionaire who cant keep his mouth shut)

Cuban not liking the US Olympic probably sure helps their chances of winning.

This guy pure and simple is a nerd who doesnt know the ins and outs of the game, but tries to compensate for nerdiness by buying a decent team. The fact that ultimately he is still a nerd with no real knowledge of the game is what prevents him from getting over the hump in this league.

I agree with evolv ... write it into contract that they can't play for their country. Then let's see how many people think you're the greatest owner in sports. Yes, Cube, corruption and money go hand in hand. Whine about something worthwile.

even though i think cuban is a brilliant business man and may even be correct on the $$ aspect. i have to disagree with him. every since losing the olympic gold back in 1988, the US was intent on sending its best group of basketball players to represent USA basketball just as all the other countries were doing. The US was scared to lose its basketball supremacy over the rest of the world. but strangely enough we did anyways. i do agree that the Olympics should be a stage for amatuer athletes not professionals who potentially risk millions. but at the same time, im sure most of the pro athletes view the olympics as a chance to represent their countries on a world stage.......and that is great to see.
Al_Cheese | 06/18/08, 07:53 AM
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I have to agree with you here. I see the point Cuban is making but I have to disagree that it is ALL about money. Do they make money on the Olympics? Of course and they should! Countries may be being represented by people but ultimately there is money involved. For some who are unnoticed it is a chance to make money. For others who are already stars of their sport it is a potential to lose money or cost them something. The fact that it may cost them something (and not ALL players who agree to play for their countries have long term contracts. Sorry.. just not true.) shows that they are not only about money. There ARE some players who aren't just about the money. They want to represent. What Cuban has done is paint ONE SIDE of the story. In the end he simply appears to be angry that he isn't getting part of the profit. I'm a Mavs fan and can still see that angle from a mile away.

This guy pure and simple is a nerd who doesnt know the ins and outs of the game, but tries to compensate for nerdiness by buying a decent team. The fact that ultimately he is still a nerd with no real knowledge of the game is what prevents him from getting over the hump in this league.
biminator | 06/18/08, 08:11 AM
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Uhhh ... are you seriously suggesting that Cuban bought "a decent team?" The Mavericks were competing with the Clippers for the title of "Biggest Joke of a Franchise in the NBA" when Cuban bought them. Like him or not, Cuban transformed and revitalized that franchise.

Also, Cuban is a self-made billionaire. He didn't get his money through inheritance or otherwise being given it.

I'm not at all a Cuban apologist, despite what this post may seem to suggest. I think he does a lot right, but he also does a lot wrong. He does have a very good point about the hypocrisy of the Olympics, but at the same time it does come across as rather self-serving. I haven't heard him railing on the similar World Baseball Classic - perhaps because he doesn't have a vested financial interest in it.

I agree with evolv ... write it into contract that they can't play for their country. Then let's see how many people think you're the greatest owner in sports.
Cheesy Texan | 06/18/08, 08:20 AM
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Unfortunately that's not how professional sports contracts work. Basic conditions for contract termination (like engaging in "dangerous" off-court activities such as riding a motorcycle) are collectively bargained. Teams can't arbitrarily add whatever other terms they want on a whim. Even if they could, unless all teams colluded on it (illegal), it would put Cuban and the Mavs at a disadvantage in signing top players who did want to play in the Olympics.

Also, a point that is being missed here - if a player gets hurt in the Olympics, it isn't going to cost Cuban or any other owner much money in terms of "paying their salary." Contracts are covered by insurance for serious injuries, so the money wouldn't be coming out of Cuban's pocket. Where teams do get hurt is on the court (only the best players are going to the Olympics), which in turn leads to financial loss if the team doesn't win as much and attendance and merchandise sales and so on drops off.

I just have to wince when this billionaire attempts to speak for me.

jackmanrob | 06/18/08, 07:59 AM

Well said, and nice pic.
evolv | 06/18/08, 08:03 AM
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Well, that's no different than politics is it? Other than it being millionaires speaking for us I guess. Off topic I suppose, but that's something I find amusing and frustrating about presidential and congressional political campaigns - a bunch of millionaires claiming to represent the "common person," and a bunch of suckers (the voters) buying what they're selling.

he's just mad HDnet aint showing the games

Give it a rest Cuban, no one really cares what you think anymore

Kidd is going to the Olympics? We'll see.