The Dallas Mavericks earned their first win of the season Sunday, but ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Marc Stein weren’t there to see it. Apparently, Mark Cuban is the reason why.
The Mavs owner has revoked the season media credentials of MacMahon and Stein, barring either reporter from attending home games as journalists, SB Nation’s Tim Cato reported Sunday, citing several sources.
According to Cato’s report, Cuban isn’t upset with what ESPN is writing about his team, but about how the network is covering the Mavs. ESPN has transitioned MacMahon to a wider NBA role this season instead of having him focus on the Mavs beat, while Stein, who also is based in Dallas, continues to focus on more national NBA news.
Mark Cuban was unhappy that MacMahon's role at ESPN changed and he wasn't covering the team on a full-time basis, per source.
— tim cato (@tim_cato) November 7, 2016
Not surprisingly, Cuban’s decision has been met with harsh backlash. The Professional Basketball Writers Association released a statement Monday rebuking the Mavs owner’s actions.
“We are deeply troubled by the Dallas Mavericks’ move to revoke the credentials of two respected, longtime NBA journalists,” the statement read. “The Mavericks’ move is without merit. We call on the Mavericks to reverse their decision or for NBA officials to intervene to allow Tim MacMahon and Marc Stein to continue their work.”
MacMahon and Stein attended the Mavs’ season opener and the team’s next three road games, but as of Monday, they no longer were allowed into Dallas’ home games as journalists.
Cuban didn't give reasons for Stein & McMahon media ban: “They’re not banned from the building. They can still buy a ticket.” #ESPN #NBA
— Art Garcia (@ArtGarcia92) November 7, 2016
Mavs owner @mcuban to @USATODAYsports on the decision to revoke season credentials of @ESPNSteinLine & @espn_macmahon pic.twitter.com/rgKNQANSck
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) November 7, 2016
One more from @mcuban to @USATODAYsports on this situation… pic.twitter.com/N8xtwk3CVh
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) November 7, 2016
Other media members also have sided with ESPN in calling out Cuban.
Yes, this is true. Yes, this is Cuban being a moron. Nothing new in itself, only new level for him. Funny he bashes Trump for this behavior. https://t.co/1JXj3zVyrr
— Tim Cowlishaw (@TimCowlishaw) November 7, 2016
ESPN had the audacity to stop treating this like a 50-win team. Not staffing every home game. Which is nothing new actually. https://t.co/hoVEFzfMb7
— Tim Cowlishaw (@TimCowlishaw) November 7, 2016
It's no secret Mark Cuban values local media coverage. That's good. But if he's revoking credentials to try to force it, that's ridiculous.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) November 7, 2016
Cuban puts together a team worthy of no national attention and then pulls credentials when reporters cover other teams. Embarrassing.
— Tim Roberts (@21stCenturyTim) November 7, 2016
The Mavericks sit 14th in the Western Conference at 1-5, so Cuban’s club isn’t doing itself any favors on the court, either.
