Even billionaires (like Mark Cuban) can't afford enemies

[Originally posted 02/09/06 @ 11:01:04 pm]

Cuban, unless he wises up, is going to be one of those guys who the whole league loves to see down when he is down.

The Dallas Mavericks are playing excellent ball, and what is more they are fun to watch play. Coach Avery Johnson finally brought a little D to the "Big D."

Too bad their owner, Mark Cuban, who I normally really like a lot, has opted to act like such a jerk during the streak. It takes away from the enjoyment of the Mav's success.

"I own Phil Jackson," crowed Cuban in his blog. "Not literally of course. That thrill belongs to the smartest businesswoman in professional sports, Jeannie Buss. Figuratively however, the coach formerly known as the Zen Master must now be considered my bucket boy."

Nothing makes a would-be winner more low-class like taunting and crowing. Just as Phil Jackson, Pat Riley and Larry Brown aren't atop the league anymore, the Mavs will someday be rebuilding as well. The difference is that Jackson, Riley and Brown were more or less gracious winners. Cuban, unless he wises up, is going to be one of those guys who the whole league loves to see down when he is down.

Hey, Mark, why not show a little graciousness and class? If they can afford it, certainly you can too.

I've lived long enough now to realize that friends come and go, but enemies accumulate.

Cheers!