NBA looking into Cuban/Smith incident - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

AxdemxO · 01-14-2009, 11:02 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3833743

By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com
Archive

NEW YORK -- Mark Cuban is in hot water with David Stern again. Exactly how hot remains to be seen.

An NBA spokesman said on Wednesday that "we are reviewing the events of [Tuesday] night" after Cuban exchanged words with Nuggets guard J.R. Smith at halftime of the Mavericks' controversial 99-97 loss to Denver.
Cuban
Cuban

The NBA also is looking into whether Cuban verbally abused an official as he exited the court -- something Cuban has denied.

Cuban could be seen mouthing an obscenity shortly after Chauncey Billups made two free throws with 2.2 seconds left for the game-winning points following a highly questionable foul call against Jason Terry.

NBA security is conducting the investigation, and there is no timetable for reaching a decision. The league will have to decide by Thursday night, before the Nuggets' next game, whether an elbow thrown by Smith -- an elbow that Cuban complained to Smith about in person at halftime -- merits a suspension.

"As far as getting fined, I should get a medal instead. There was a real opportunity for the situation to escalate into something bad. I made it clear to our guys not to retaliate and that I would address it with the officials and the player, which I did," Cuban said Wednesday night in an e-mail to ESPN.com. "The real question is why, given the history of the player involved, the Nuggets and NBA officials didn't have the least bit concern about this situation escalating into something ugly. They are playing it off like throwing elbows away from the play at someone's head is 'just part of the game.' Let's really hope it's not."

Penalties against Cuban could range from a fine to a suspension, although the league has not suspended Cuban since 2001. One source indicated a suspension seemed less likely than a fine.

Cuban approached Smith at halftime after the guard swung his elbow at Dallas' Antoine Wright.

"I do take exception with players throwing elbows that could have severely injured one of our players," Cuban wrote in an e-mail to the Rocky Mountain News. "I was very cordial in letting Mr. Smith know [at halftime] that I will be turning it into the league, and I expected him to be suspended for it."

Nuggets coach George Karl did not appreciate Cuban talking to Smith at halftime.

"I don't care if Cuban barks, but he shouldn't be barking at my players,'" Karl said. "He barked at J.R. at halftime. I thought it was very unprofessional, irresponsible."

Cuban also wrote that after the game Smith sent him a pair of signed shoes in an apparent goodwill gesture, and Cuban declined them.

Cuban was fined $200,000 for going onto the court after Game 1 of Dallas' series against the Spurs in 2006 and for criticizing league officials on his blog. He has been fined 13 separate times by the NBA for a total of $1,665,000, and he was suspended for three games in his first two years after buying the Mavericks.

He was quick to publicize each one -- especially a $500,000 penalty for saying he wouldn't hire the NBA's head of officials "to manage a Dairy Queen" -- and matched each with a donation to charity.

In his e-mail to ESPN.com, Cuban said he had not yet spoken with anyone from NBA security. He acknowledged using profanity as he exited.

"I'm not going to say who I was addressing, but it wasn't the refs," he said. "By that point I couldn't even see them. I was addressing someone else. And I'm sure I said 'That was [expletive],' and I'm sure that isn't berating anyone. That was reflecting on an action someone took after the game. Was I mad? Yep. But I said it and walked to the locker room.

"I didn't speak to the refs at all. The only interaction I had was at halftime to send the NBA security person to the officials' locker room to ask them to look at the tape of the last play of the half. And as far as my actions, I never left the front of my bench at halftime. I had a nice cordial conversation with Chauncey and Dahntay Jones, then J.R. walked up and my conversation with him was cordial as well. I told him that I was going to turn in the play and I thought he would get suspended. He said that he was responding to our guy. I said if he had a problem, turn it in, but throwing an elbow at someone's head is not part of the game. That was it. He walked away."

I thought this is very interesting. I think Cuban is frustrated with the losing, but I will have to go back and see if they show what happened there at the end of the half. I ma not going to judge whether he should have gotten involved or not, but mann the NBA is sure keeping a tight grip on the Mavs.

chumdawg · 01-14-2009, 11:22 PM

Cuban is as much a part of the problem he is trying to solve as the "problem" is. Time was, an elbow thrown didn't warrant an owner stepping out on the court to challenge the player and a subsequent league review by videotape.

Cuban evidently wants there to be rules that are followed by the letter of the law...but he doesn't like the rules against owners marching on the court and confronting players.

Give it up, Cubes. Let the players figure it out.

Stranger · 01-14-2009, 11:28 PM

Well said, Chumdawg.

Dtownsfinest · 01-14-2009, 11:34 PM

The sad thing about all of this nonsense is that JR Smith was the only reason the Mavs were even in the game. He did more good for the Mavs than he did for the Nuggets.

xavier · 01-15-2009, 04:44 AM

i have an idea, lets concentrate on winning sometime this month.

MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs · 01-15-2009, 05:04 AM

The winning is over.

DevinHarriswillstart · 01-15-2009, 05:33 AM

Cuban is just childish. Plain and simple. It will just be sad if he tries to defend this in his blog.

MavsFanFinley · 01-15-2009, 11:38 AM

Why couldn't he just file a complaint and send a tape into the league like other front offices do?

SMC0007 · 01-15-2009, 12:27 PM

Because he despises losing. He has been ripped off many times especially in the finals. He is highly frustrated in the team now and all he wants to do is win. he probably also feels that the players here are good doods and they have been partially robbed of what they worked hard to earn several times. Yeah sure boo hoo, but he wants to win MORE than anyone in this city. Does he always know how to act or do it the right way, not really.

Kidd Karma · 01-15-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavsFanFinley

Why couldn't he just file a complaint and send a tape into the league like other front offices do?

Stern has this list for his mailroom people, "destroy anything from Cuban."

fluid.forty.one · 01-15-2009, 01:43 PM

I'd still rather have this than an owner who doesn't care.

purplefrog · 01-15-2009, 01:48 PM

Here's the clip of the J.R. Smith elbow. You have to put up with the Nuggets fan's analysis, but nonetheless....

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=b-dX-e8KzIw

twistaeffect2004 · 01-15-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

I'd still rather have this than an owner who doesn't care.

I agree, but one needs to ask. When does it become too much? Or even a distraction?

Dtownsfinest · 01-15-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Because he despises losing. He has been ripped off many times especially in the finals. He is highly frustrated in the team now and all he wants to do is win. he probably also feels that the players here are good doods and they have been partially robbed of what they worked hard to earn several times. Yeah sure boo hoo, but he wants to win MORE than anyone in this city. Does he always know how to act or do it the right way, not really.

Cuban and the Mavs aren't the only ones who have gotten shafted by the refs yet Cuban is the only one that acts like a child. We know he wants to win but his antics are hurting the team more than helping.

bernardos70 · 01-15-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistaeffect2004

I agree, but one needs to ask. When does it become too much? Or even a distraction?

It has already, Dirk has pointed out, and Cuban has been doing a nice job of keeping it to himself lately. This can be considered an isolated incident.

MavericksFan5912 · 01-15-2009, 02:58 PM

I think the mavs should focus on winning - and try to avoid distractions. This is obviously a problem that begins with Cuban, and everyone knows that the 'culture' of an organization is contagious and begins with whoever is at the top.

I laughed out loud when I read this: "As far as getting fined, I should get a medal instead...." Cuban sounds like somebody I'd want to go drinking at a strip club with.

SMC0007 · 01-15-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dtownsfinest

Cuban and the Mavs aren't the only ones who have gotten shafted by the refs yet Cuban is the only one that acts like a child. We know he wants to win but his antics are hurting the team more than helping.

Ok, then trade him. You can not get equal value for Cuban.

But really, what are you gonna do, you want him to sell the team? He cares and gets wrapped up in the game it's what he is. He's probably not gonna change until he gets older. I disagree that he hurts the team more than helps. He could sit in the box and chill out a lot more though.

Also, I did say that he didn't always know how to act or go do things.

bernardos70 · 01-15-2009, 04:04 PM

Why don't I ever see "NBA looking into last second dubious foul on Billups" or "NBA looking into Kirilenko flop, following through with summer's promise to do so?"

MaVs 41 BaLler · 01-15-2009, 04:07 PM

HEY!!

I'm going to make the "Cuban doesn't care anymore thread"....

MavsWiLLHaVeRinGs · 01-15-2009, 09:40 PM

It should be like "I wish Cuban didn't care anymore" thread.

dude1394 · 01-16-2009, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernardos70

Why don't I ever see "NBA looking into last second dubious foul on Billups" or "NBA looking into Kirilenko flop, following through with summer's promise to do so?"

Because they don't give a crap about their fans, not one bit. If they did they'd be explaing all of the crappy calls that go on and enforcing rules that they make instead of...wink, wink we are looking really,really hard at the reffing...but nothing comes of it.

It's ridiculous imo. Sometimes I sit at the arena and just shake my head at the mistakes the refs make.

Allowing players to dislodge folks when backing them down THEN calling a foul on the guy when he's just trying to hold his ground.

Allowing an offensive player to initiate all contact and calling the foul on the defender.

NOT going back and ruling on obvioius flops (kirilenko) BUT going back and ruling on flagrants...what's up with all of that...it's so dang inconsistent that it's ridiculous.

I don't really understand why I put myself through it.

MainEv3nt · 01-16-2009, 12:32 AM

Cuban is passionate about the Mavericks, it's good to see him to this kinda stuff. No other GM is as passionate about there team like Mark Cuban is.

cowgirl · 01-16-2009, 04:58 PM

I love Mark he is the best owner anyone could have, he really cares about our team and will take up for them when no one else will which is the fans that don't do anything but complan about Kidd or Dirk or Jho come on be real fans and stick up for our players and owner not make a fool of yourself because we are not playing well right now so you think you have the right to run them down, this team and owner have given us more memores and something to look foward to than any owner or team before. Sure the spurs have won 4 champships but they had to cheat to get there team to win. So we need to stick with Mark because what he does is for us fans he gives us what we want then we don't stand by him we should be ashamed. Lets be real fans and stand up for this owner and our team. We love you Mark
Pam

robo98564 · 01-16-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowgirl

I love Mark he is the best owner anyone could have, he really cares about our team and will take up for them when no one else will which is the fans that don't do anything but complan about Kidd or Dirk or Jho come on be real fans and stick up for our players and owner not make a fool of yourself because we are not playing well right now so you think you have the right to run them down, this team and owner have given us more memores and something to look foward to than any owner or team before. Sure the spurs have won 4 champships but they had to cheat to get there team to win. So we need to stick with Mark because what he does is for us fans he gives us what we want then we don't stand by him we should be ashamed. Lets be real fans and stand up for this owner and our team. We love you Mark
Pam

woah now, I was with you till you said the Spurs won four titles all because they cheated?? I hate the Spurs but lets be real here... That team is good.

cowgirl · 01-16-2009, 05:42 PM

Yes but they did lose games so they could get Tim you know

me770706 · 01-16-2009, 07:11 PM

from the blog;
Dear JR,

I'm sorry I didn't accept your generous offer of a signed pair of shoes. I think they were even my size.

The NBA tells me a tech should have been called on you for throwing the elbow and that I should pay a 25k dollar fine because owners aren't supposed to get mad. Ever.

In the spirit of the joy of my getting fined and your not getting the tech, have the Nuggets PR folks contact the Mavs PR folks and I will donate 25k to the charity of your choice.

Unless of course your coach thinks that the wrong thing to do, or the NBA says I can't because it would be a violation of a rule. In which case, I will find a charity that I think you would like and make the donation in your name.

bff

m

this is hilarious, at least cubes still has his sense of humor

MavsFanFinley · 01-16-2009, 07:22 PM

25K is nothing to him. He's probably finding humor in the number.

twistaeffect2004 · 01-16-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavsFanFinley

25K is nothing to him. He's probably finding humor in the number.

I wonder what that feels like. 25 k comes out of your pocket and you don't even notice.

Damn, that must be awesome.

fluid.forty.one · 01-16-2009, 08:32 PM

lolcuban

dalmations202 · 01-16-2009, 08:33 PM

All I have to say is Shame on the NBA.

fluid.forty.one · 01-16-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalmations202

All I have to say is Shame on the NBA.

are you surprised?

dalmations202 · 01-16-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

are you surprised?

Nothing the NBA does surprises me. Dirk suspended for a backhand, but when he gets his nose bloodied.....the flagrant is backed off.

JR not suspended, but Mark fined.

2006 Finals.

No nothing in the NBA surprises me.

ty · 01-19-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Linky

Cuban posts donation plans on blog
Associated Press

DALLAS -- Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is getting his money's worth out of his latest fine.

The NBA hit Cuban with a $25,000 penalty Friday for "improper interactions with Denver Nuggets players," mostly stemming from an incident involving Denver's J.R. Smith. So Cuban posted on his blog that he would donate $25,000 to whatever charity Smith chose.

On Saturday, Cuban posted an update saying he's waiting to hear back from the Nuggets, but he's already come up with a backup plan: "I'm going to give the money to the [NHL] Players Association Goals and Dreams Fund in the names of Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore."

Moore played for the Colorado Avalanche until being the victim of one of the most gruesome attacks in an NHL game.

In 2004, Bertuzzi stalked Moore from behind, tugged on the back of his jersey, then sucker-punched him in the side of the head and drove his body to the ice. Moore left on a stretcher, bleeding from his face. He suffered a concussion and three fractured vertebrae in his neck. Bertuzzi was suspended by the NHL and charged with assault causing bodily harm in June 2004 after a four-month investigation. He pleaded guilty, received a conditional discharge and was sentenced to probation and community service.

Cuban's Blog Post

Old news...but entertaining nonetheless...

I didn't see it posted elsewhere...

RareMilk · 01-19-2009, 12:15 PM

Man Cuban donate me 1k for textbooks please.

Darth Ape · 01-19-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ty

Cuban's Blog Post

Old news...but entertaining nonetheless...

I didn't see it posted elsewhere...

Funny. He certianly has made issue of Mavericks cheap shots over the years. If you remember, when Jason Terry punched former Mav Michael Finley in the nuts during the 05 playoffs, Cuban made no apologies. In fact, I think he complained to the league, bitched in the press about the suspension and even wore a Jason Terry jersey to the next game... vocally communicating his support for such behavior.

The last time this organization had any class was when Nelson basically ended the career of Danny Fortson for putting a cheap shot down on Zarko Cabarkaba. Gone are the days of holding yourself accountable. The front office is too interested in making a ridiculous spectacle of itself.

basketballgirl25 · 01-19-2009, 05:01 PM

Cuban should donate his best player to the Knicks, hahahaha just kidding but if I hear Cuban complain to the NBA one more time, thats it. I've heard him complain about many things he shouldn't complain about.

Mavdog · 01-19-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darth Ape

Funny. He certianly has made issue of Mavericks cheap shots over the years. If you remember, when Jason Terry punched former Mav Michael Finley in the nuts during the 05 playoffs, Cuban made no apologies. In fact, I think he complained to the league, bitched in the press about the suspension and even wore a Jason Terry jersey to the next game... vocally communicating his support for such behavior.

The last time this organization had any class was when Nelson basically ended the career of Danny Fortson for putting a cheap shot down on Zarko Cabarkaba. Gone are the days of holding yourself accountable. The front office is too interested in making a ridiculous spectacle of itself.

not to argue the correctness of the organization, and cuban in particular, right to defend and protect its players, you are wrong and uninformed with the remark about "the last time this organization had any class", to wit:

mavs organize seats for soldiers

cuban gives charlie mckinney/heroes foundation a new gym in so dallas

just a couple examples, other acts aren't as public.

you shouldn't let your hatred for cuban/love of nellie blind you so much.

MavericksFan5912 · 01-19-2009, 06:09 PM

in Cuban's defense, at least I *believe* that he gives a shit about what he does... every time I have to watch a "NBA... where caring happens" commercial I want to throw something at the TV.

Seriously, forcing your players to spend an hour walking around "teaching basic teamwork skills" doesn't make them any more morally justified to be making the sick salaries they're making. I think NBA players deserve their salaries, but I think the whole "NBA cares" bullshit needs to stop.

anyone with me?

basketballgirl25 · 01-19-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavericksFan5912

in Cuban's defense, at least I *believe* that he gives a shit about what he does... every time I have to watch a "NBA... where caring happens" commercial I want to throw something at the TV.

Seriously, forcing your players to spend an hour walking around "teaching basic teamwork skills" doesn't make them any more morally justified to be making the sick salaries they're making. I think NBA players deserve their salaries, but I think the whole "NBA cares" bullshit needs to stop.

anyone with me?

The "NBA cares" does need to stop, I bet most of the players don't really care about anyone but themselves. So I agree on NBA cares stuff stopping

MavsX · 01-19-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

I'd still rather have this than an owner who doesn't care.

agree