Mark Cuban can always be counted on for a colorful quote. He may rub some people the wrong way, whether with his candor or his overzealousness, but there's no denying that the Dallas Mavericks owner is among the more engaging owners in pro sports.
In an interview with Kenneth Arthur of Rolling Stone published Thursday, Cuban sounded off on a variety of topics, including Dirk Nowitzki's work ethic, his biggest regret as an owner (letting Steve Nash walk), which NBA player would make the best Shark on "Shark Tank," and his team's policy on "knuckleheads."
The whole thing is well worth a read, but here are some highlights:
On identifying and helping troubled athletes
You don't go from the minors or college to the pros and all of the sudden become a spouse abuser, or any of a number of other serious personal issues. Those traits don't suddenly appear when you make a pro roster. They were there in college. They were probably there prior to college. Yet we as leagues ignore those issues when we sign and draft players. That has to change. We need to participate in programs that publicly identify those athletes that have issues, and not allow them to play unless they go through rigorous counseling.
We need to demand that colleges and minor leagues and high schools and summer-travel programs identify and report issues. By not reporting abuse or other issues with their players, they could be costing them a shot at the pros. It's our fault for not being more proactive. It's college's fault for not red-flagging these kids and getting them help.
On the Mavericks' approach to red-flag players
We have a team psychologist who spends time with all of our guys. While he won't divulge specifics, we do discuss whether or not there are red flags regarding a player's personal, professional or social life. We've had a functioning alcoholic on the team in the past and we put together plans and programs to help him. We've had other issues when we have asked the player to leave the team.
We try very hard to be aware of what is going on in a player's life because like all of us, it impacts our professional life and we want what is best for the person and their family. We try to build a team that has zero knuckleheads. If there is a player who is immature and not able to follow team rules, we might sign them, but the rule is no more than one knucklehead on the team.
On what would surprise people about being an owner
That losing hurts far more than winning feels good.
On what would surprise people about being a billionaire
Nothing. It's fucking amazing and off the charts.
- With h/t to Ball Don't Lie
