DALLAS (AP) - NBA Commissioner David Stern opened his lockout-delayed season by hearing boos from fans.
Stern was in Dallas for the NBA finals rematch between the Mavericks and Heat, and he was on the court for the start of the Mavs’ banner-raising ceremony honoring their first championship. The jeers came as soon as he started speaking, but he quickly turned them into cheers by offering his congratulations to team owner Mark Cuban.
Cuban’s often contentious relationship with Stern could’ve been as much of a reason for the boos as the lockout, which pushed the opener from Nov. 1 to Christmas and cut the season by 16 games.
Cuban and Miami’s Mickey Arison were among five owners who voted against the labor deal. Stern downplayed that, hailing the agreement as beneficial to everyone.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.