A Dallas Mavericks fan who was ejected from a game for protesting against general manager Nico Harrison over the Luka Doncic trade received an unexpected gesture from minority owner Mark Cuban – an invitation to return and sit courtside.
Garrett Bussey and his friend Chris Taylor, devoted Mavericks fans, were among the few spectators removed from Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings for chanting “Fire Nico.”
They also wore shirts displaying the same message. In an interview with WFAA, the pair recounted the incident, saying it occurred during the second half while the Mavericks were shooting free throws.
“We did ‘Fire Nico’ [chant], and it was the first time we had done it all night,” Taylor said. Security promptly approached them, leading to their removal from the American Airlines Center for allegedly violating NBA code of conduct rules.
Taylor added that Cuban “started yelling” at him before security escorted him out, which heightened the tension of the situation.
Cuban shared his perspective with WFAA, explaining his reaction.
“Fans were booing during crunch time while we had the ball and while we were shooting FTs (free throws). I wanted to see why. So, I looked where they were looking. When the guy (it was just one) saw me, he started screaming at me. I had no idea what he said, he was a good 25 rows away, but he was obviously mad.”
Cuban also noted that the fan’s shouting persisted throughout the game.
“I didn’t care what he was saying. He was saying it the whole game. I cared that fans were booing him while we had the ball in crunch time or were shooting FTs. The time when they should be silent, or cheering for the Mavs, that was it.”
Despite the confrontation, Cuban extended an olive branch by inviting the fan back to enjoy the game from a prime courtside seat.
Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban invites fan ejected for 'Fire Nico' protest back to sit courtside https://t.co/VCNwdCu3Df
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 14, 2025
