| Dirk Tells Cuban to Chill Out Authored by Forrest Wilkinson - July 11, 2006 - 12:55 pm
The first two games went rather smoothly. Dallas -- 2 at home, setting the tone for the NBA Finals early. It's owner, however, was unseen -- unheard and sequestered by his comfortable lead, on the road to his first NBA Title. The way it should be -- or so he thought. The Heat were subdued, crippled, and woebegone over their predicament. Mark Cuban had his finger on the trigger. He could smell the sweep.
Apparently, Cuban had an itchy trigger-finger. Don't believe me? Just ask Cuban's star-player, Dirk Nowitzki.
"We all know that Mark is 100 percent all the time," Dirk said in front of a group of kids attending a local basketball clinic, "He loves us and he gets fired up once in a while. Well, all the time, really."
Now comes the 'but':
"Do I think it's a bit much sometimes? Yeah. He's got to learn how to control himself as well as the players do. We can't lose our temper all the time on the court or off the court, and I think he's got to learn that, too. He's got to improve in that area and not yell at the officials the whole game. I don't think that helps us. We all know what Mark brings to the team, how he supports us. We live with who he is, and we love him that way. But do I think it's good for us always? No."
This wasn't the first time Dirk had complained about Cuban's behavior on the court. According to a report from The Dallas Morning News, Nowitzki, along with Steve Nash and Michael Finley -- before parting ways with the Mavericks, confronted Cuban about his contentious court-side conduct. The three suggested that Cuban begin watching games from a luxury suite rather than court-side. Obviously Cuban didn't see eye-to-eye with them, at the time.
This is different. These aren't the Mavericks of the past -- they no longer lack the championship experience. Now it's time to listen, Mark.
"He sits right there by our bench," Nowitzki continued. "I think it's a bit much. But we all told him this before. It's nothing new. The game starts, and he's already yelling at them. So he needs to know how to control himself a little. If you get a bad call, keep playing hard. That's what Avery put in our heads. So I don't believe the refs messed up [in the Finals]."
Let me slip the words Nowitzki wishes he could say into his mouth, "Put a sock in it Mark, you cost us the Championship."
Okay, maybe I was a bit harsh. But Cuban certainly wasn't helping the Mavericks' cause by belittling the referees and imputing them for Dallas' losses.
Sure, Cuban is a passionate owner, something the NBA and all sports need more of -- I have already recognized that fact. Sure, Cuban is entitled to his opinion over the officiating, or lack thereof. And yes, he was probably agitated over some questionable calls. But, if Cuban cares about his team, and their success, as it appears he does, he will listen to his superstar.
No one likes a nagging-boss. Nobody likes someone complaining 24/7 about their work. It's not helping, Mark! Accept it, or part ways with the NBA.
And finally we put this controversy to rest. |
