Just read this on espn.com. Leave it to Cuban to put a unique perspective on things:
Cuban: Season opener vs. Lakers now 'must-see TV'
Tuesday, August 5
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.
NBA commissioner David Stern quickly rebutted Cuban's comments on Tuesday.
"Any suggestion that there will be some economic or promotional benefit to the NBA arising from the charge pending against Kobe Bryant is both misinformed and unseemly," Stern said in a statement. "That idea does not reflect the views of the NBA, NBA owners generally, or others associated with our sport."
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?"
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Along with the story espn.com is running a poll asking if Cuban's remarks are correct and/or appropriate. So far 54% are saying Cuban's remarks while inappropriate are correct, and an additional 29% are saying that he was correct and that his remarks are appropriate.
Makes you wonder, doesn't it? I don't have much interest in the NBA to begin with, and this doesn't increase the chances of me watching an NBA game. Apparently I'm just not too enthused to watch an alleged rapist dribble a basketball.
It may have freak show like attraction for some, but I can't imagine this will mean anything positive for the NBA long term.
Cuban: Season opener vs. Lakers now 'must-see TV'
Tuesday, August 5
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.
NBA commissioner David Stern quickly rebutted Cuban's comments on Tuesday.
"Any suggestion that there will be some economic or promotional benefit to the NBA arising from the charge pending against Kobe Bryant is both misinformed and unseemly," Stern said in a statement. "That idea does not reflect the views of the NBA, NBA owners generally, or others associated with our sport."
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?"
------------------------------------------------
Along with the story espn.com is running a poll asking if Cuban's remarks are correct and/or appropriate. So far 54% are saying Cuban's remarks while inappropriate are correct, and an additional 29% are saying that he was correct and that his remarks are appropriate.
Makes you wonder, doesn't it? I don't have much interest in the NBA to begin with, and this doesn't increase the chances of me watching an NBA game. Apparently I'm just not too enthused to watch an alleged rapist dribble a basketball.
It may have freak show like attraction for some, but I can't imagine this will mean anything positive for the NBA long term.
