The fallout from the Dallas Mavericks’ controversial trade of Luka Doncic has continued to stir tension among fans. During Monday’s game, two fans, Garrett Bussey and Chris Taylor, were ejected from the American Airlines Center after repeatedly chanting, “FIRE NICO!” in protest of the decision made by Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison.
Taylor expressed his frustration with the situation, insisting that he wasn’t disrupting the game. He claimed that he was merely voicing his discontent like any passionate fan.
“I wasn’t doing anything wrong,” he told Dallas Hoops Journal.
However, Maverick’s minority owner, Mark Cuban, saw things differently. When footage surfaced of him appearing to barking at the fans during the game, Cuban took to social media to clarify the situation. In a lengthy post on X, he explained that the scene in the arena was more complex than it seemed.
“That’s not what happened. There were thousands of fans booing the guy that was yelling. So it sounded like the fans were booing the players. They weren’t. They were booing at another fan,” Cuban wrote.
That’s not what happened. There were thousands of fans booing the guy that was yelling. So it sounded like the fans were booing the players. They weren’t. They were booing at another fan.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) February 12, 2025
I was pissed. Not gonna lie. It was happening during our possessions. And happened…
Cuban later admitted that he lost his temper, particularly because the disruption occurred during critical moments of the game. However, according to Cuban, the ejected fan had a history of vocal outbursts.
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“He was screaming all game prior to the fans starting to boo him. In fact, he screams all game EVERY game. Usually stupid shit. Sometimes clever shit. But he never shuts up and hasn’t all year,” he added.
Fans Reject Mark Cuban’s Explanation
Despite Mark Cuban’s attempt to clarify the situation, many Mavericks fans were not convinced. Social media erupted with criticism, accusing him of overreacting and telling lies.
Some season ticket holders voiced their disappointment over how the organization has treated fans in the aftermath of the Doncic trade. They argued that fans should have the right to voice their frustration, especially when a franchise-altering trade leaves the team’s future uncertain.
Probably the dumbest defense Cuban has played ever in his life 😂. You sold the team out to a bunch of people who don’t care about the franchise. Just go back to your pharma thing to grow your wealth. Thank God that you didn’t trade for Dirk. That was the only good act you did as…
— I.am.Robot (@TeslaDunksOnICE) February 12, 2025
This is gonna screw up your politics if you continue to be a lying sack of shit, Mark. This is exactly why we have Trump now.
— Knippz (@KnippzCGL) February 12, 2025
Mark youre not beating the Rachel Maddow allegations anytime soon w this one buddy. Are you really defending Bucktooth and trailer trash?
— M. Shepard Smith (@M_ShepSmith) February 12, 2025
Mark got community noted for lying. This is golden.
— Nate Kennedy (@n8rix) February 13, 2025
As a season ticket holder this is disappointing, no one is taking accountability for the way fans have been treated or how we feel regarding the actions of the Mavs FO. We have voiced our disappointment with Nico and Dumont, but it is clear that y’all don’t care.
— Harrisen (@harrisenviator) February 12, 2025
No one cares ! You’ve ruined fallas mavs ball …
— Joey "D Rat" Cannoli (@JoeyDRat) February 12, 2025
The ejection of Taylor and Bussey is just the latest chapter in the growing divide between Mavericks fans and the team’s leadership. Since Doncic‘s departure, many supporters have questioned the front office’s vision and whether Harrison is the right person to lead the team forward.
