Mark Cuban continues to fascinate, and not just because of his beefy biceps. He talks to Deadspin’s editor about the Mavs, the contemptible “people” at the IRS, politics, Barry Bonds, those godawful Youtube debates, and more. Jump for a great excerpt.
When the scandal over referee gambling broke, everyone came to you, since you’ve always been so vocal in criticizing the referees. They were expecting you to say, “See, I knew this was happening.” And you didn’t. Why not?
Well, I did know it was happening, but what was the point? If you’ve been saying it all along, there’s no point in repeating it. I mean, look at the way the media handled Barry Bonds. They never pay attention to the fact that no one in government ever gets fired for trying to put a skin on the wall. They’ll only get promoted–other than Nifong from Duke.Nifong was an extreme case.
It wasn’t an extreme case. He was just stupid enough to drive it in the media with his own name. You don’t know the guys behind the Barry Bonds investigation. You don’t know that someone’s not saying, “If I can only get Barry Bonds, I’ll be the stud in this government office.” Barry Bonds can’t sue the person who’s trying to make him a poster child. To spend however many years of government money to prove something that happened four years ago–what does it accomplish for the American people?It sounds like you’re taking this personally.
Well, I’m a target, too. Like Barry Bonds. The most disgusting thing in the world is how much money I pay to lawyers. I get audited every year, and if you saw some of the things that the IRS said to me, you would think we’re living in a Communist country. I even had someone who worked for a government agency accuse me of throwing the playoff series with the Warriors last year. It’s ridiculous. I can afford it, so it’s okay, but it’s kind of sad.Do you consider yourself libertarian?
Absolutely.I take it you’re supporting Ron Paul, then.
No. I just don’t think he’s a legitimate candidate at this point in time. It’s interesting and fun to watch the Internet support he gets, and I like conceptually a lot of the things he says, but I wouldn’t vote for him.Have you watched the debates?
I haven’t. I mean, the concept of a YouTube debate is probably the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard in my life. Snowmen and bearded guys singing questions? That’s the most degrading thing you could do to the presidential process. I will not vote for anybody who issues a response to such a moronic approach to questioning.
Full interview here.
