I certainly try not to be.
I think at some level every single one of us is prejudiced. There are things we all innately fear or are uncomfortable with. I don’t know if its nature or nurture, but I don’t believe any of us on this earth is so pure that we absolutely accept everyone as they are.
I do however feel that all of us can learn to accept everyone. I have come to realize, intellectually, that I personally don’t give a shit about your sex life, your spiritual life, your personal life, whatever. I have no problem with you being you. I accept who you are.
I also don’t care who you tell about it or if you flaunt it. I’m happy to take the responsibility to be your friend, your acquaintance or if I don’t like you, what you do or how you do it for whatever reason, to completely ignore you.
That doesn’t mean that I’m always completely sensitive to everyone I engage with. I have my own sense of humor. Things make me laugh that may or may not make you laugh. I’m the first to admit that sometimes my humor runs to the sophomoric. Like my high school buddy Todd, who I still refer to by his high school nickname, Boafy (don’t even remember how he got that name) says, every guy laughs at a fart joke. Not every guy does. But I do. And I’m good with that. I hope I’m 95 and still laughing at dumbass jokes.
But sometimes what I laugh at isn’t appreciated by others. It may even offend them if it comes out at the wrong time.
So why bring this up ?
This past week I did an interview at a sports conference. It was a 1 on 1 sit down. During the conversation the topic of the Kisscam at sporting events came up . The interviewer mentioned it and commented “I like the Kiss Cam,” In response to the interviewer comment, I said “That’s because you and your boyfriend are always on it,”
Totally sophomoric. I quickly realized that the comment wasn’t appropriate, so I added “”Or his girlfriend, this is gender-independent commentary,”
I made a mistake in making the comment. I wasn’t trying to be hurtful. It wasn’t a comment on anyone’s sexuality. It was just me trying to be funny. It wasn’t. I quickly realized it and tried to fix it. I hoped at the time I didn’t offend anyone.
This blog post is not about trying to defend what I said. I’m not trying to defend my sense of humor. I’m not trying to convince you I’m not a homophobe. I’m not trying to justify anything at all.
I guess what I am doing is admitting that at some level I am prejudiced and that I recognize that I am . There are a lot of things in my life that I need to improve at. This is one of them. Sometimes I make stupid throw away comments that I quickly realize are wrong. It doesn’t happen often, but it happens. It was a mistake and I realized it. I learned from it.
I’m the last to be politically correct and the last thing I am trying to be here is politically correct. I honestly don’t give a shit what you think about me. But I think being the person I want to be includes not blurting out throw away jokes about sexuality, race, ethnicity, size, disability or other things people have no say in about themselves. I’m the guy who still feels bad about punching Michael Cooper in the stomach in 6th grade purely because he was overweight, even though I made the point to apologize to him when I ran into him at a reunion years later.
alexlogic: In Mark’s case, it’s an insult because it was used derogatorily.
Comment by Jason Vasquez -
About 15 years ago I had a driving confrontation with another driver. It’s been long enough I don’t remember what caused the confrontation, but the other driver tried to win the argument by insulting me for driving a 20 year old car.
I found their insult funny because I liked and respected my car far more than I ever would the driver of the other car, and thankfully, I never saw that person again.
Being funny usually involves hurling some type of “friendly” insult at a someone else, but the bigger reality is, it’s not really an insult if the person being spoken too doesn’t care what the “hurler” thinks.
More importantly, I still have that car.
Comment by alexlogic -
Let’s be clear: A is A. It is still an insult, but you did not let it bother you. But not everyone has to feel that way about being insulted.
Comment by Jason Vasquez -
Actually, you THINKING I was being insulted is more of an insult.
Comment by alexlogic -
I didn’t THINK you were being insulted, I KNEW you were being insulted because you said so, yourself: “I found their insult funny because…” So did the person insult you or not? And if he did not insult you, why did you then rationalize why you didn’t take offense to an insult?
Comment by Jason Vasquez -
Ok, I should have written, attempted insult, but I knew by their facial expression they meant it as an insult, and not in a funny way. I found it comically stupid on their part because I calculated my 20 year old car was saving me around 5,000 dollars a year, enough money to run yellow pages ads in 6 different yellow page books every year.
In Mark’s case, even if he was right and the person he was talking to was gay, if that person was happy with the other person, then Mark’s comment would be meaningless.
Comment by alexlogic -
The words this man said to you were meant to hurt. Whether it accomplished the task or not does not negate the words he said, and their intent. He insulted you, and you took no offense. What you’re telling me is that he did not insult you, and you did not take offense to his non-insult. Which does not make any sense. You’re still trying to argue with me that A is not A. You’re wrong.
Mark Cuban insulted another man publicly, and felt guilty about it. He didn’t almost, or sort-of insult the guy, he insulted him. Whether or not the guy took offense does not make the insult appropriate or non-derogatory. It is still offensive. And that’s my beef.
Comment by Jason Vasquez -
I don’t want us two to hijack this thread, my point is one shouldn’t feel insulted by someone if one thinks their remark has no merit. In Mark’s case, Mark was trying to be funny and most likely missed the mark, (no pun intended).
Comment by alexlogic -
Your point is wrong because one cannot dictate how others should feel or perceive.
Comment by Jason Vasquez -
I think you’re making a different argument now. In my car situation its how I reacted that mattered more.
In Mr. Cuban’s situation, it was more complicated because his comment was in a recorded, public situation and he was going for humor. Afterwards he was concerned that others might have taken his sense of humor poorly, thus this article.
Most of us get much more leeway in our daily interactions because they are generally not recorded (although that is changing to some degree as time goes on) and therefore we do have the power to control how we react to an event that is going to dissipate because there is no recorded moment of it for others to analyze.
Comment by alexlogic -
I don’t understand why people are praising you for your honesty and are completely dismissing the fact that you insulted someone.
You may not be a homophobe, but you insulted someone, and publicly. And from what I’ve read, this is not the the first time. You should be ashamed of yourself. You’re a competent, self-made man. An increasingly rare trait, today. People look up to you. I look up to you. Have some respect for yourself and the heroes like you who help make this world.
Comment by Jason Vasquez -
Jason, I love the way you responded so passionately and directly, however, why is it an insult to call someone gay?
Comment by alexlogic -
Your honesty about this was cool and sets a good example.
Comment by Marilyn Mower -
Just do what I do and preface every conversation with the statement, “I hate everybody the same.” It prepares most tolerant people with a sense of humor for the concept that it’s not what you say, but how you say it. If that doesn’t work then get them a copy of Gran Torino to watch from beginning to end, and parallel yourself with Clint Eastwood’s character. I try to be sensitive to people’s feelings, but sometimes my neanderthal DNA kicks in as my “why” chromosomes go into overdrive. The reality is that dramatic people will always find drama and you will drive yourself crazy if you walk on eggshells all the time.
Comment by Dennis Consorte (@dennisconsorte) -
There is no redemption in the apology. You will probably do it again. And you will have to apologize again. It is the trap of making snap jokes. Sometimes you are hilarious, and sometimes you miss the beat and sometimes you step into your own mouth.
The redemption lies in wanting to be the other person you described. This is what separates us from those who have decided to hate people who are different.
My advice for all people who are speaking into a microphone, think about your grandmother listening to what you say. But if your grandmother was a racist homophobe, then pick someone else’s grandmother.
Comment by teskidmore -
teskidmore, I don’t know if what you wrote was funny, or insightful, I guess it was both.
Comment by alexlogic -
Mark,
You shouldn’t even have to write this apology/ explanation… What ever you want to call it. You obviously aren’t a homophobe and I didn’t think you saying “That’s because you and your boyfriend is always on it” is offensive…
Who cares? I don’t see anyone in the gay community having a problem with a comment that wasn’t attacking anyone. You didn’t say, “No one likes gays” or “That’s Gay”; You simply made a joke about him kissing boys….
You shouldn’t have to apologize for that… Come on? This is America right? Is Dave Chappelle having to write apology statements? No… his stuff is actually offensive (though hilarious).
You’re a good man Mark. Very sincere and stand up comments.
Comment by Cameron McRae -
What I love about this explanation-apology is that it’s sincere, but he also doesn’t try to lie like so many others would have. I was expecting to see something along the lines of, “I actually love gay people and I have many gay friends, so this was totally out of the norm for me!” But instead, he told us that he does have some inner prejudice, which he is working on. Anyone who claims to love everyone equally is a liar.
Comment by Joe (live2believe.org) -
Pingback: Blue Man Sings The Whites » Political Correctness Gone Mad As Hell
You are just awesome!!!
Comment by Joann Miller -
Although I don’t think it was necessary to apologize more than the correction you made in the interview, it’s a nice thing to do.
My problem is that in today’s society it’s OK for gays and Lesbians to make jokes about Gays and Lesbians, it’s OK for African Americans to use the “N” word and make jokes about the brothers, it’s OK for folks from the South to make jokes about red necks. When it is ever going to be acceptable for the regular folks to make jokes about anybody without being called homophobes, racists,or insensitive boors? We used to have a sense of humor and it wasn’t necessary for everyone to agree that the attempt at a joke was funny. They all knew it was a joke. Not anymore. We have regressed to the point that every comment has to be analyzed and considered before it is spoken. I liked it better the other way. If my jokes were bad I got rasberries or groans from people but I didn’t get called names.
Comment by pope1944 -
Hey Pope 1944… you said “When it is ever going to be acceptable for the regular folks to make jokes”…I think that is the core issue, some believe themselves to be more regular than others.
Comment by alexlogic -
You are going to go through life saying things that might be offensive to others on some level. We are humans and not perfect.
I think the best way for you to show you’re not a homophobe is to show everyone that you’re not afraid of but rather love testicles and help support the Testicular Cancer Society.
Comment by pharmacistmike -
Pingback: Mark Cuban joins the cause | Stop The Wave
What the hey! I had 18 homophobes give me thumbs down on my post!!! **Sticking out my tongue**
😉
Comment by pomhydrotherapy -
Hi, true, it is the fact. No one is pure. Everyone should have to go through this route to become successful and especially work as an entrepreneur.
Comment by onesuccessful -
So let’s see if I have this straight, Mr. Cuban. You are NOT a homophobe, in fact, have nothing against any group of people. This does not mean you are politically correct. You are not, emphatically! You sometimes make mistakes in your spontaneous habit of speech, but when you do, you immediately correct them… as you did on the recent occasion which gave rise to (unnecessary) controversy.
You totally do NOT care what people think of you. Then why are you writing this non-apology? To feel better, which you have succeeded in doing.
This does not mean you won’t offend people in the future, either thru misunderstanding or because they deserve to be offended, in your view, and you may take pleasure in offending, as you do in harmless (to you) fart jokes. Because, to repeat, you do not care what others think of you.
You are what you are (which will surprise those who thought you might be someone different from yourself). You will not waste time considering even the content of what others think, because you do not care what they think. You do not need to care. You like yourself as you are. You like yourself a lot.
None of this means you will not seek to become a better version of yourself, though apparently you do not spend undue time considering in what areas this may be possible.
Because, when it comes right down to it, you like yourself. You do not give a damn if others do, or what they think.
You imagine this needed to be said, and it will in some way gratify or enlighten those who read it. That assumption may be part of why you feel good, but it does not mean (yet again) you care what people think of you.
You just feel good, that’s all, and you felt like letting the world know it.
Comment by rogerskulnik -
Pingback: Mark Cuban pede desculpas por piada sobre gays | Jumper Brasil
Great follow up Mark. We all make mistakes but in our fast paced world we too often miss the opportunity to clean up our messes. In a civil world, we respect others and demonstrate that respect. In that same world, we also must be authentic. This post seemed very real to me.
Comment by annranson291 -
Pingback: Mark Cuban kind of apologizes for homophobic wisecrack « News & Opinion on LGBT Issues
@kyuchek – get over yourself. comparing a little verbal jab to the Halimi story is preposterous. What ever happened to “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Human behavior is becoming overly scrutinized and the result will be–as we’re already seeing: people don’t say what they mean, and don’t mean what they say. everyone is playing the game, walking on egg shells and trying not to misstep. It’s pathetic.
We’re creating a culture of sissies. Oh my, is that a slur too? Seriously, men need to toughen up. Can you imagine how the west would’ve been won with today’s mentality?
The entire hipster generation, whether homosexual or not, are growing up far too effeminate and limp-wristed. Sure, it’s a generalization, but I’mjust jaded by what I’m seeing. Guys are being pressured to act a certain way, testosterone replaced with estrogen. let’s talk about our feelings, shall we?
Finally, @Mark- you’re making an issue out of nothing.
This post was unnecessary. And just like Limbaugh’s apology, those that want to make an issue out of your remarks won’t be pacified by your contrition; to the contrary, they’ll only be emboldened.
In the case of Rush, he was doing what a radio host does, riffing on a story. The absurdity of a 31-yr old college student (at the prestigious ivy league Jesuit university, Georgetown) insisting the she and others be covered for an alleged $3,000 in contraceptive purchases was a perfect setup for lambasting. And so Rush asked, “What does it say about the college coed who goes before a congressional committee and essentially says that she must be paid to have sex, what does that make her? It makes her a slut, right? It makes her a prostitute. She wants to be paid to have sex.” Irony alert. Hello? Boo-f’n-hoo. Now, she’s a martyr.
@Mark, back to your post: either you said it or your didn’t. Who cares? Words. Have we become such a weak country that everything must be sanitized? I’m a catholic and find myself offended all the time by the anti-religious/anti-catholic stuff I see on TV and all around me. Do I go on a rant? Do I demand apologies? Does the president call me? No.
Finally, I’d even challenge the notion of “homophobe”, which is a clever rhetorical device. Just because you make a gay joke doesn’t mean you have a ‘phobia’ (fear) of homosexuals. The term is designed to make you think you’ve got a problem. You don’t.
Just like making a joke about others for whatever reason. Stereotypes exist for a reason; they didn’t happen overnight, they were passed along for generations.Just a few minutes ago i read about Eddy Murphy’s new movie getting criticized for some gay jokes. I guess “Raw” would be boycotted if he tried making it today. Remember the show “Living Color” by the Wayann Bros? Everybody could be offended, equally. And it was good humor.
We need to stop crying and start laughing more together.
Comment by hipmommasita -
Okay, since the comments are 100% fanboys, with the one fangirl -even those who profess to be gay themselves- who seem to think that Mr. Cuban’s quip was no big deal, I’ll take a shot at a contrary viewpoint.
I live overseas, in a country where homophobia is a comparatively minor problem, but Antisemitism is very much alive and well, especially in the vast immigrant communities. “Don’t jew me” is a common phrase among these populations, used in a variety of negative contexts, always about ripping someone off or putting something over on them.
It has the insidious effect, like the supposedly harmless putdowns of gays, of creating a different class of humanity, one that is other, inferior, adversarial. Most of the people who use this language do so innocently enough, probably not even considering what it really means. But the problem comes when those who aren’t so innocent pick up and internalize this vocabulary and use it for decidedly evil purposes. Like the gang who kidnapped Ilhan Halimi: kidnapped him because he was Jewish, because all Jews are rich, because Jews always look out for each other, because Jews try and “jew you” anyway.
When the money didn’t come they made the Jew pay another way. “During the three-week period, his kidnappers, at least 19 of them, tortured him by beating him all over his body, especially his testicles, completely wrapping his head in duct tape, except for his mouth, so he could breathe and eat through a straw, stabbing him, burning his body and face with lighters and cigarettes, sodomizing him with broom sticks and breaking his fingers in order to extract a ransom of initially 450,000 Euros from his family. They urinated on him, kept him naked, scratched him, cut him with knives, and finally poured gasoline on him and set him on fire. Reportedly, neighbors came by to watch and to even participate in the torture but no one called the authorities.[8]
Halimi was found naked, handcuffed, and bound with nylon rope to a tree about 40 yards inside a woodlot from a railway outside Paris, on February 13. A list of cases of the ‘bystander effect’ reported that more than 80% of his body had been burned with acid, as well as gasoline (possibly to destroy evidence of his captors’ DNA), to the point that he was difficult to recognize. He had severe contusions, blood blisters, and hematomas covering most of his body, to the point that he was more blue than flesh-colored, multiple broken bones, one ear and one big toe missing, and his testicles looked like “blackened oranges.”[9] Halimi died en route to a hospital.”
I’m sure someone is going to cry false equivalence. But it wasn’t false to the Nazis who sent both Jews and gays to the gas chambers. The antisemitism has been eliminated to a large extent in the US, but it is still okay to ridicule homosexuals as a group, to use them, as in the context of Mr. Cuban’s phrase, as less than, as unworthy, as a sub-human category. Just because words don’t effect you personally, doesn’t mean they aren’t doing harm to someone else.
As for his comment on this blog, I don’t see the words, “I’m sorry.” It seems to me personally, more like a confession than an apology. But whatever.
So for what it is worth, this gay man with no children will be taking his disposable income to other sports. After Tim Hardaway, after Brendon Haywood’s homophobic comment on his blog when he was with the Wizards, after Kobe Bryant, after Joachim Noah and now Mark Cuban, enough is enough. I’ll watch Euroleague basketball, NCAA basketball, rugby, or nothing at all. But the NBA is over for me.
PS I know you won’t post this, but it is oddly cathartic to write it anyway.
Comment by kyuchek -
This is a very thoughtful post and as a gay lady who is also a HUGE basketball fan I appreciate it!
Comment by Pooley -
Pingback: Cuban calls own statement ‘totally sophomoric’
That was a turrible attempt at humor, and I believe it’s deeply offensive to some people. I, for one, will never risk making a joke that could offend someone. Because I never make jokes, period. I’m weak and hyper-sensitive and a bit stoopid, and lack the necessary wit to ever be interesting or entertaining. I may lead a relatively humorless, joyless existence, but I do take some pleasure in criticizing others who take chances with humor, and occasionally fall flat. That allows me to demonstrate how much more sensitive……and therefore more evolved……I am, compared to the joke-ffender. So thanks, Mark, for giving me the opportunity to score some ego-points off of you by shaming you for your “insensitivity”. You homer-phobe.
Comment by ezreligion -
Mark Cuban, why don’t you donate to AIDS research and help save some lives
Comment by erikanicle8 -
Pingback: Court Vision: Latest news in the NBA | sunday news
Mr. Cuban,
It’s a question that only can really answer. That’s because it is a question of intent. If your intent was merely a joke like a middle schooler would make, with no intent to be hurtful, then it’s no big deal. If the intent was malignant — well, there’s your answer.
By the way, I listened to the podcast and I wanted to comment on one other thing. You are kidding yourself if you don’t think that you are a media member. You have co-hosted Entertainment Tonight, right? And that’s just a tip of the iceberg. So give the, “You guys” stuff a rest.
In either case, it’s a question of “knowing thyself”.
Comment by tzadtednitz -
Pingback: Brent Logan
Hey Mark there was nothing homophobic about your comment…period. As a gay black man I’ve been around long enough to spot evil rhetoric and trust me there was nothing evil about your statement. I’ve always appreciated your support of the LGBT community. You may not realize it but just by saying you “I dont give shit about your sex life” is all we need to hear. I wish everyone would start using the same logic. Thanks again and GO MAVS!!!!!
Comment by knightfly28 -
KUDOS to you, Mr. Cuban for realizing that becoming a better person involves -dare I say- continuing to evolve! I too have cracked many an offensive remark with only comedy in mind. I didn’t realize they were offensive until someone pointed them out. “Sophmoric” humor, while often harmlessly intended, is often predicated on social prejudice and bias that we learn while growing up. It takes a real man to recognize that and want to do better. Congratulations!!
Someone with your resources and influence has a REAL opportunity to make a difference in an area like this and I’m glad to see you’re not afraid to speak to it. In a word, inspiring!
Comment by steelerhog -
I appreciate your thoughtful, authentic post.
Comment by kellyaatkins -
Here’s another gay guy that’s in your court. I wanted to say behind you…LOL. Straight guys feel uncomfortable when I say that for some reason. I respect that you are honest with yourself about who you are and have the courage to publicly talk about it.
Comment by mooseintheoc -
Glad some others think this is being blown out of proportion. Especially mikeinasheville
However, Loud Mouse, comparing people to something that needs into the fire isn’t right.
I just feel like the media has become thugs with Keyboard and Cameras. Wish there was some way to bash on them…
Comment by rlzaleski -
I am gay and don’t see how that would offend anyone! Some people are just over sensitive.
Jeremy
Comment by jeremyrh2387 -
Mark Cuban. I used to hate you, but that was before I knew you. Scratch that I don’t know you. I always thought you were some stuck up trust fund baby that owned the Mavs. Oh how spectacularly wrong I was. From your cameos in Entourage to your slot in The Shark Tank, I’ve come to know the personality that is Mark Cuban and I fucking love him. He’s funny as all hell and a damn fine person to look up to. This entry, people are going to hate on you. I really hope you don’t go on record and apologize. If Faggit stern fines you, so be it. You’re a billionaire. That’s pocket change to you. If people call you a homophobe, let them. You have fans and I am one of them.
-Loud-mouse.com
Comment by loudmouseco -
I hate to say it, but if that comment gets someone in trouble, the society we live in has run off the end of the pier and is sinking fast. That sounds like something one of my buddies would say, poking fun at me or one of the others, whether we were gay or straight. We might say the same thing if we were talking about a not so hot woman. You turn on the radio on sports talk radio and all kinds of nonsense like this is going on the air. The world can’t have it every way they like it. Someone is always involved in a joke, even if it is a fictional someone. Do we quit telling jokes? What if the guy did have a boyfriend and Mark mentioned a girlfriend?
Comment by mannfm11 -
“If they don’t like me for being me that is their prerogative. They can go play in their own sand box”
Comment by ibcarson -
First of Mr. Cuban, thank you for taking the time to elaborate on your comments. I think it was quite decent of you to do so!
I’m gay, and I don’t think your comment–while admittedly “sophmoric”–exactly qualifies as particurlarly bigoted. I certainly wouldn’t have to look far on the internet to find something a thousand times worse.
Besides, who am I to judge? I just recently came to the uncomfortable realization at some unconscious racism on my part in a situation in my own life. I also agree with you that we all have our own prejudices. The schema of “Other” is too engrained in our psyches for anyone to be completely free from it.
However, striving to be better people encapsulates everything noble about humanity. Expecting everyone to be perfect all the time is the height of absurdity.
The problem with “political correctness” is not trying to respect the differences of others. The problem is that it’s a shrill waste of energy on superficial nonsense like words and language and a futile attempt to–if you’ll pardon the expression–“whitewash” bigotry while refusing to address the actual underlying issues.
Comment by msjohn90068 -
Well I’m a big homo (52 years-old; been with the same guy for 26 years), and in opinion, no Mark, you are not a homophobe; and, at least in regards to your joke, you are not prejudiced, either. [Per Oxford English Dictionary: prejudice: preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience].
If, and that is a big if, there is a personal fault here, its that you need better joke material — perhaps one of the Entourage writers is available, you were pretty light-hearted on the show.
Not much of an NBA fan, enjoy college basketball a lot. But, get into an NFL team, because, damn, there sure are some lame teams that need new ownership and new blood.
Cheers.
Comment by mikeinasheville -
Pingback: No, Bill Simmons Doesn’t Actually Have a Boyfriend - FishbowlLA
I certainly am not a Dallas Maverick fan, but I am a Mark Cuban fan. Always straight forward, intelligent and never really gives a shit. That’s what makes a successful businessman.
Comment by glazet -
Blah blah blah
who gives a shit
We gotta live with people saying dumb things but hopefully we all learn and grow from it
Comment by skeetmoses -
Pingback: Kasey Schindler » kasey schindler
Wow, this is really creepy but you and I are the same person . . . well, besides a few billion dollars and owning an NBA team, but other than those very minor differences, we are brothers from another mother! In all seriousness, I wish I had something more constructive to say but truthfully I have said the very same things you’ve said here word for word. I appreciate that you had the balls to write this and to be so real and honest. Most high profile individuals would issued some canned, candy ass apology pulled out of their publicist’s “Insincere boiler plate apologies” file and that would have been that. BTW, speaking of sophomoric fart jokes, two condoms are walking down the street and happen to find themselves in front of a gay ba . . . oh . . . wait, what am doing here? nevemind! 🙂 Be well MC!
Comment by lamaing -
Pingback: On Mark Cuban’s gay joke about Bill Simmons, what the NBA does about it and … | MGN: Miami Gay News
rlzaleski, quite the thought provoking comment you have made.
In essence, you are thinking the reporter did not react because it was just a comment not worth reacting to, whereas Mark thought, “uh oh”, I really messed up this time.
Comment by alexlogic -
Cuban I really appreciate your thoughts here and I would disagree with Alexlogic. I am a black guy and we surely all don’t get privileged status. Blacks, Homosexual and Rednecks alike should be able to take the jokes in the spirit and attitude in which they are given. Really quick story – We have a noise cancelling system on my job and it puts out “white noise” to cover voices from traveling and interrupting calls. Joking with my team which consists of the following:
1 – Italian
1 – A Mutt New Haven CT
1 – Creole Gun Toter Govt Hater from Louisiana
1 – Asian
1 – White Pre & Post Apartheid South African
1 – Woman from Bangladesh
1 – Red Neck Pick-up Truck Driving Outdoors man
Anyways in a meeting I asked… “Why do they call it White Noise? Why can’t we call it Black Noise? To which the mutt replies… because we could never get it to come to work.” I laughed hilariously at that and I am black guy. Look I know homosexuals and gays and yes even blacks can be sensitive but we gotta lighten up man. As long as there is no malice be yourself. And if you really like this post I’d love some seats for a Dallas game to hang out and your other 1% friends.
Comment by prayercoach -
Pingback: Mark Cuban’s Ill-Considered Gay Joke, Ctd. | FrontBurner
Pingback: Mark Cuban apologizes for homophobic remark at Boston's Sloan Sports Analytics Conference - Phlog
I can’t imagine what would happen if cameras followed me around all day. I say stupid shit all the time.
Comment by beforeireturnthis -
Hey,I get it and the commentator should have, as well. It must be stressful and/or mundane enough doing, you only know, how many of these Interviews every day, week, and month . I think the fans and everybody really appreciate your honesty and candor when giving interviews and speaking your mind and I think you’ve done a world of good for, not just basketball, but all sports and people looking for answers, role models and how to be successful in business, politics, and life. You haven’t let success go to your head , just look at the furniture in your house, But maybe you and your boyfriend haven’t had time to go furniture shopping, given your busy schedule (haha, just kidding) . Not saying that there’s anything wrong with being a homosexual it’s just that I know that you happen to be a very successful heterosexual and have a very beautiful girlfriend. So to sum it up the public at large does not feel that you’re homophobic in any way and one comment should not totally make up an individual’s whole persona. So keep up the good work we enjoy your blogs, interviews, energy, pokitics, and your entrepreneurial spirit. That hard work, ingenuity, and integrity is what made this country great!
Comment by wholelottamo -
As my significant other says when it comes to my sense of humor (as well as my eternal fascination with large boobs): “You’re twelve”. Embrace your inner imbecile…keeps you young…well at least twelve.
PS: Since it’s just us guys in here…fart jokes rule.
Comment by Bad Bad Leroy Brown -
“save it” Jesus guy
Comment by thecampustv -
Pingback: Mark Cuban: Am I A Homophobe? | HottestNewsFeed.com
I agree with you here. I wouldn’t judge you as homophobic. I wouldn’t judge you period. Society and media are pretty quick to do so though. Dry humor happens to be one of my talents so I can relate with you on this one Mark. I have learned this lesson before but never on a stage as big as yours.
Comment by cougarguards -
Wow. I already see a few people on here that I don’t want to hang out with and, I’m sure, vice versa. No big deal.
Personally, I don’t care who they put on a kisscam. I’m not offended.
If you find implying someone is gay is not funny, are you saying there is something wrong with being gay? I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.
When a bunch of us guys play golf and someone leaves a 5 foot putt short of the hole, we might say, “Nice putt, Shirley” insinuating that not hitting the ball hard enough was wimpy… implying a female hit it (which will also offend some of you…too bad) and not that he was gay. I’m sure Mark has seen or heard the same on the golf course. Some of you many see that as insulting to females, but tough crap…your feelings don’t matter to me.
When I was the “old” guy (35) working in radio with a bunch of young talent, they called me “old man”. Funny and not offensive to me.
I am a conservative, but if I do something dumb and someone calls me a liberal, I’m not offended (OK, maybe in that case, my feelings might be hurt a little bit, lol).
But, I am offended by couples whose actions are disruptive in a closed environment, regardless of opposite sex or same sex. A few years ago, a male/female couple was sitting behind us at a Joe Cocker concert. They were going at it hot and heavy, making noises and wouldn’t stop, regardless of several people staring at them. Finally I said, “why don’t you two go back to the hallway and get each other off so we can listen to Joe!” Everyone laughed. The couple were rightfully embarassed and left. High fives all around. (Maybe they took me up on my suggestion).
By the way, Joe was great.
Comment by bbrown98 -
We live in a day and age now where everyone is criticized heavily by what they say and do. This is due in part by technology (Twitter, et. al.) and the media. Some of it is definitely warranted (politicians, Rush Limbaugh, etc), especially when the “jabs” are meant in disrespect or meant to cause pain.
A lot of it, I feel, are dumb throw-away comments that every one of us make in jest, to be funny or lighten the mood.
In general it should be okay to criticize, as long as it’s not about something that someone can’t change (disability, gender, race, etc). All other criticism is necessary however, or else some folks would be walking around with pants on their heads.
Comment by erichcervantez -
Marc, I am convinced that if people are genetically born homosexual, then they are also born homophobic!
Relapsecomedy.com
Comment by relapsecomedy -
I don’t think you’re a homophobe. I don’t know you to be right in making such a crucial judgement on your character. I don’t think that, “Mark Cuban is a homophobe,” should be inferred from your passing comments from last weekend. That’s not what I meant the message of my tweet to be. What I really wanted is to be sure that you realize the weight of your words. Mark, your character really stands out in this post and I appreciate that.
Adam
Comment by doopdoope -
@tvise1973, considering Mark is Jewish (I don’t know if he’s practicing or not, but that’s irrelevant), I don’t think Jesus is what he’s looking for.
Comment by alphac2005 -
Mark, I totally commend you for your honesty and really the person you are. you have done nothing but inspire me and my fiance since we have been here in Dallas. Seriously,we admire you like a big brother and clearly we are a bit more browner than you! lol But its never about race or financial status, its the impact that your make and the atmosphere in which your presence welcomed.The joke was awesome and I would have cried laughing had I saw it, let alone if you would have said it to me.
You rock dude and it’s 2012, you addressed what naysayers might try to imply and moved on from it. I know, and one day soon, that we will cross paths. You leave an impression on my life, my hustle towards my business, and overall crack us the hell up! I hope we can run Dallas together..Soon!
-Masha
Peace Of Mind Hydrotherapy Spa LLC
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Comment by pomhydrotherapy -
Is there any particular reason you won’t use Bill Simmons’ name and only refer to him as the “interviewer.”?
Comment by jrh242 -
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I personally like you in many ways, but see the need for Jesus in your life. You have most everything this world has to give, but it will all be worthless on judgement day. Are you saved? Eternity is a very long time. Store up treasure in Heaven where rust doesn’t decay. Remember, man’s wisdom is foolishness to God, and God uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Their is an appointed time of death, and then the judgement. We all have missed the mark of perfection, and come short of God’s glory. Only Jesus can bridge that gap. He died that we might have life. It’s not by our works that we are saved, only by Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice. If you only will believe that he indeed died on a cross for your sins, and indeed rose from the grave after three days, place your entire faith in Him, you will be saved. Having that as your security is far better than anything this world has to offer. The result of being saved by placing faith in Jesus, will result in a changed heart, and evidence in your life as a result. Not perfection, but salvation
Comment by tvise1973 -
I thought it was a funny jab; that’s it. I would have laughed 🙂 but kudos for introspective honesty.
R
Comment by thecampustv -
Hmm, I pondered. Just for a sec, but still, it happened.
Comment by rablm3 -
“That’s because you and your boyfriend are always on it,”
Last time I was in San Francisco we saw guys kissing and holding hands, sorry where’s the insult? Maybe I need to see the Video to understand, but reading it, I don’t get it. I didn’t need to listen to Rush to know he crossed a line even though I agree with his point.
I agree with being respectful, but sometimes it feels like if you’re Homosexual or Black you get a privileged status. People do go too far sometimes.
So again, where’s the insult? Someone please explain?
Comment by rlzaleski -
bbrown, this topic was effectively covered on an episode of EveryBody Loves Raymond in which Raymond’s father calls a male, “Nancy”. The point being that calling a male a female as way of implying they are gay is actually not funny.
However, in this instance, the interviewer could have saved the moment and made it funny by replying to Mark, “Well Mark, you weren’t available”.
But there is another issue percolating in the background, are gays ever featured on the KissCam? Good luck with that one.
Comment by alexlogic -
Then you’ve done the right thing, and F ’em if they can’t take a joke. I too have long since given up on what other people think, much to the detriment of my wife and two kids. At some point, they’ll figure it out, however.
Comment by Matches Malone -
It takes a big man to admit that! Thanks for sharing~
Comment by traderose -
Mark, I appreciate your willingness to make amends for something we all will do from time to time. It shows that you do care about others, and their feelings. And I’m sure you have had to develop some callousness in being in the spotlight for so long. One thing I disagree with you is what you said about not caring about what someone’s sex life, spiritual life or personal life is, and whether they flaunt it or who they tell about it. Of course you care as you and we all evaluate anyone we come into contact with, and make determinations about that person, and make decisions on how we respond, or not, in any way concerning that particular person. I remember when you called out a Denver Nugget player for being a “thug”, which he was. You later apologized, but you did care about his integrity, play style and attitude, because it was not what you felt an NBA player should represent, and affected your attitude, especially when competing against your Mwvericks. I personally like you
Comment by tvise1973 -
I tell my wife and friends that I have the rest of my life to be “old”. Once you start acting old and boorish…well, you might as well start planning your funeral.
I feel much more comfortable hanging around those who not only enjoy a sophomoric joke, but can take it as well as give it.
In my job, I work around a number of very intelligent, very well paid surgeons. Outside of one or two of them who fortunately haven’t grown up, I would much rather hang out with some of the blue collar maintenance guys; talking sports and joking around.
The desire to hang around with smart, rich but booooooring people is not my style.
You could have probably made the same joke off camera and the interviewer would have laughed, but because of being on-camera and the need to be politically sensitive, the reaction was different.
Comment by bbrown98 -
Your in sports, did you forget? Just ask for a do over.
Comment by billbly -
“And yes, I feel better having written this blog post”…which means on some level you do care what your readers think.
You like us, you really like us. (couldn’t resist that one).
So the person you punched in the stomach in the sixth grade, did that impact their life in anyway? I have always been fascinated by the semi reality tv shows that confront victims against the people who may have abused them in school. Usually on the tv show, the abused person has turned into a stunningly good looking and successful person and they want to taunt the person who had abused them, rather than thanking them for the wake up call.
Unfortunately, for every successful turnaround, there are other stories where the bullied person did not recover and may even off themselves. Was your friend the better for your punch in the long term?
Comment by alexlogic -
Same goes here. What I, or anybody that might post here, think should be irrelevant to you.
We have to first like ourselves. Then just be respectful of the rest.
Comment by Mark Ploch -
How can you not like anybody for being, “Real?” Mark makes such a good point, but at the same time, I realize how hard it must be to be in the public eye so much. You can’t make a simple comment or even a bad joke without the chance that someone is going to jump all over it and try to make a big deal out of something simple.
I’ve decided I’m going to shoot for the fortune and not the fame. Just sayin’.
Comment by KT Banks -
Fair and square.
Comment by crackethill -
thanks….most of us have that feeling in our stomach that says i wish i could take that back….but here is the bigger issue…today kids text and IM most of their inappropriate comments and never have the opportunity to see the harm they have done…they never see the face of the person they are harming ….in fact they try to one up their friends …with even more hurtful comments…..and they never take it back….
so thanks for setting the example that throw away comments can really hurt
Comment by greenejeff47 -
Don’t sweat it man; We’ve all been there. It’s harder on you because of the media spotlight, but every guy under the age of 50 has dropped a gay joke into a conversation thinking it was funny. Your real fans know who you are, and that doeyou don’t hold bigoted or intolerant viewpoints on sexuality or anything else (except NBA officiating).
Comment by 10pctsports -
Sorry, doing dumb stuff is not (automatically) equatable to being a (in this case) homophobe. So, you did something stupid. Welcome to the club.
Comment by neonwalrus -