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.
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?"
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/story?id=1590430
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.
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?"
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/story?id=1590430