Mark Cuban: Kobe Bryant crisis "good for business in the NBA"

ABC Radio News | 8/5/2003

[sinkspur]

Needless to say, Cuban's getting skewered here in DFW talk-radio land.

[Sir Gawain]

Cuban's a dork and the Mavs have just about the most annoying players of any team, Nash and Dirk.

[Pikamax]

>>> problem is he is right


ESPN.com news services


So it was only a matter of time before the Mavericks owner weighed in on the Kobe Bryant scandal.

During an interview with Access Hollywood's Pat O'Brien, Cuban commented on the charges filed in Colorado against Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers guard accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman.

"From a business perspective, it's great for the NBA. It's reality television, people love train-wreck television and you hate to admit it, but that is the truth, that's the reality today," Cuban told the TV show.




In its Tuesday editions, USA Today asked Cuban to elaborate on his "It's great for the NBA" comments.

"Notoriety sells in this day and age," Cuban told the newspaper. "... I can't think of anyone who is going through a legal problem who doesn't get high attention. Is that cold-blooded? Yeah. But it is bottom-line reality."

Cuban added: "I don't want to compare Kobe with O.J. (Simpson) because Kobe's case hasn't been decided, but the reality is there is more interest in him (Kobe) now."

Cuban also said the intrigue will make Dallas' season opener against the Lakers on Oct. 28 "must-see TV."

"Take away the personal aspect and the reality is that there will be more people watching our game against the Lakers," Cuban told USA Today. "Who do you know won't watch the Lakers game with Kobe?"

Bryant is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing on Wednesday at the Eagle County Justice Center at approximately 6 p.m. ET. Bryant will be read the charges against him and may enter a plea.

On Monday, a possible witness may have emerged in the investigation.

Bobby Pietrack, a bellman at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, told police that he saw his 19-year-old co-worker shortly after she left Bryant's room on the night of the alleged sexual assault, ESPN's Shelley Smith reported Monday.

Pietrack reportedly told police that the woman was visibly upset, disheveled and had red marks on her neck and face, according to Smith.

Sources close to the investigation say Pietrack is considered the first link in the chain of what is called "immediate outcry," meaning he is the first person the alleged victim cried out to immediately following the alleged incident.

The alleged victim went to police the following day, approximately 13 hours after the alleged assault. Sources also said that photos taken of her at that point show the marks. Those photos are considered part of the prosecution's evidence.

Pietrack has not spoken to reporters and has declined repeated requests by ESPN.

[Lunatic Fringe]

I 've met the man, and Mark Cuban always says what is on his mind, even if others are afraid to say it. That said, this was a stupid remark. But what do you expect? He's a kid in a man's body, and the Mavs are just one of his many toys.

[al_c]

Cuban's a dork and the Mavs have just about the most annoying players of any team, Nash and Dirk.

Annoying because they're good players? I'll give you the "Cuban is a dork" thing, though. ;o)

[Sir Gawain]

problem is he is right

I agree. Sensationalism rules.

[Sir Gawain]

Annoying because they're good players?

Nah, Dirk is good, that's for sure. He just comes across as a big crybaby to me. And he and Nash are both flaming lefties, so I always think about that when I see them.

[Guillermo]

How do you know that they're "flaming lefties?"

[Sir Gawain]

There were a few articles on FR a while back where they made anti-war comments.

[al_c]

Nah, Dirk is good, that's for sure. He just comes across as a big crybaby to me.

That's the European approach to sports. Ever watch Premier League Soccer? Worse acting than Melrose Place.

And he and Nash are both flaming lefties, so I always think about that when I see them.

I know Nash is (Canadian lefty) ... haven't seen any lefty examples from Dirk.

[ken5050]

Does Cuban have daughters?..for their sakes, I hope not..

[mr.pink]

Cuban respresents all that's wrong with the young owners of sports teams. These self centered egomainiacs decided that they are every bit as legitimate of an entertainment attraction as their teams, and the sports they play.

Too bad, as in his case he puts a pretty damn good product on the floor.

[sinkspur]

Does Cuban have daughters?..for their sakes, I hope not..

Cuban's not married. He'd probably like to date your daughters.

Mark Cuban is a big kid. He ran up a half-million dollars in fines from the NBA last year for running out on to the floor when a Maverick got in a dust-up, or for getting in the face of referees.

I don't follow basketball much, but he's sure breathed life back into a dormant franchise here in Dallas. Every game sells out.

[ken5050]

The NBA has marginalized itself to appeal to two groups..the urban young, and the corporate crowd....in NY, the Knicks are pathetic..and you can't give the seats away...renewals are way down...the prices are rediculous....and the Alan Iverson image appeals to a small fraction..but turns off 95% of the people...and how many "doo" rags can you sell, after all?

[dfwgator]

Mark Cuban got married last year.

[sinkspur]

Pro basketball is just "thug sport", IMO, and the NFL is drifting in that direction. Owners and fans seem ready to put up with any kind of behavior (even murder) so long as a "winner" is put on the field or the court. They're also major catalysts for wagering; I've got a friend who drops a couple of hundred a week during the NFL season. I don't know whether his wife knows or not.

I've grown bored with both leagues, and much prefer the NHL and college football.

[sinkspur]

Thanks for the update on Cuban, though I wonder if his wife will become just another accessory in his life.

[ken5050]

Yes, but...albeit a small but....the difference is that the NFL markets "teams" whereas the NBA markets individual players....FWIW, the best sporting experience around, and also the least expensive, is women's college BB...I get to a few UConn games a year...really enjoy them..

[Veggie Todd]

...he puts a pretty damn good product on the floor.

Ping me after he's won a few championships and we'll talk.