Riding With the San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are one of only four former members of the American Basketball Association to remain intact after the league’s merger with the National Basketball Association in 1976. They are also the only team from that league that has so far managed to win an NBA Championship.

The team has actually been extremely successful, earning 17 division titles, four Conference Titles, and four Championships. They have made it to the playoffs in 19 out of the last 20 seasons and are one of only two teams to keep a perfect record though multiple Finals Series.

The home of the San Antonio Spurs is an indoor arena called the AT&T Center located in San Antonio, Texas. Formerly known as the SBC Center, the arena opened in 2002 and cost 175 million dollars to build. For basketball, the stadium seats 18,581 fans. Aside from the Spurs, the arena also hosts the Silver Stars of the WNBA, the Rampage of the AHL, and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo as well as several concerts each year.

Home games for the San Antonio Spurs are full of excitement both on the court and on the sidelines. In their hometown the Spurs are accompanied by their popular mascot, Coyote. Coyote can be seen during breaks in the game performing his wild antics and stunts, and during the game on the sidelines and in the stands. Perhaps one of the most famous moments in the mascot’s history came during a game in 2005 when he argued a call and was ejected from the game. The Coyote did not return to the court until given an official pardon by the Texas governor a few games later.

Of course, the Coyote is not the only entertainment at Spurs games. They also have several stunt and dance teams including the Sterling Silver, who are a group of seniors that perform at some home games each year. Team Energy, the Spurs Special Forces, and the Junior Jammers are just a few more examples of the offerings for entertainment fans experience when visiting the team in San Antonio.

Out in their community, the San Antonio Spurs are involved in various charities and programs to help people in need. The Spurs Foundation, now known as Silver and Black Give Back, works within the community to improve the lives of area residents, children in need and their families. Along with other area teams, the Spurs engage in activities that encourage sports and educational excellence, giving children the tools they need to have a brighter and better future.

The San Antonio Spurs are a largely successful team, entertaining and delighting fans of all ages, and earning the respect and loyalty of their fans and neighbors all year long.

Would you really push Cuban into River Walk?

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Mark Cuban


** FILE ** Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban points toward the crowd as he leaves the court during a basketball playoff game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., in this May 3, 2007, file photo. Cuban said in a published report Friday, July 13, 2007, that he has submitted to Major League Baseball last week an application to purchase the Chicago Cubs. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu / AP)


juliecooper OAKLAND, CA – MAY 3: Owner Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks smiles during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2007 NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena on March 3, 2007 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Cuban (Rocky Widner / NBAE/Getty Images)


juliecooper DANCING WITH THE STARS – MARK CUBAN – Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball team. He is the highly successful entrepreneur who founded HDNet, Broadcast.com and MicroSolutions. Cuban went on to sell Broadcast.com and Micro Solutions to Yahoo! and CompuServe, respectively. He is partnered with KYM JOHNSON, who returns for her third season. In a “Dancing with the Stars” first, twelve celebrities – six men and six women — attempt to outshine one another on a fifth season of the hit series, which returns MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:00-9:30 p.m., ET) on ABC. (ABC/CRAIG SJODIN)KYM JOHNSON, MARK CUBANDANCING WITH THE STARS – MARK CUBAN – Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball team. He is the highly successful entrepreneur who founded HDNet, Broadcast.com and MicroSolutions. Cuban went on to sell Broadcast.com and Micro Solutions to Yahoo! and CompuServe, respectively. He is partnered with KYM JOHNSON, who returns for her third season. In a “Dancing with the Stars” first, twelve celebrities – six men and six women — attempt to outshine one another on a fifth season of the hit series, which returns MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:00-9:30 p.m., ET) on ABC. (ABC/CRAIG SJODIN)KYM JOHNSON, MARK CUBAN (CRAIG SJODIN / © 2007 American Broadcasting Com)


DALLAS – MAY 15: Dirk Nowitzki #41 (R) and owner Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks embrace in front of the media during the Maurice Podoloff 2006-2007 NBA MVP Trophy award presentation on May 15, 2007 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dirk Nowitzki;Mark Cuban (Ned Dishman / NBAE/Getty Images)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts to a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game versus the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 3, 2008. The Jazz won the game 116-110. REUTERS/Ramin Rahimian (UNITED STATES) (RAMIN RAHIMIAN / REUTERS)


Former Disney chief Michael Eisner, right, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban participate in a question and answer panel at the SXSW Film and Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, March 11, 2008. (AP Photo/Jack Plunkett) (Jack Plunkett / AP)


Former Disney chief Michael Eisner, right, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban participate in a question and answer panel at the SXSW Film and Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, March 11, 2008.(AP Photo/Jack Plunkett) (Jack Plunkett / AP)


Former Disney chief Michael Eisner, right, and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban participate in a question and answer panel at the SXSW Film and Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, March 11, 2008.(AP Photo/Jack Plunkett) (Jack Plunkett / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban rubs his eyes late in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks’ Game 5 against the New Orleans Hornets in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs Tuesday, April 29, 2008, in New Orleans. Dallas lost to New Orleans 99-94 and was eliminated from the playoffs. (AP Photo/Bill Haber) (Bill Haber / AP)


Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA basketball team, watches the Chicago Cubs play the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 30, 2008, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) (Nam Y. Huh / AP)


Internet titan Mark Cuban talks at a news conference Thursday, Jan. 20, 2000 in Dallas. Departing Dallas Mavericks owner Ross Perot Jr. formally handed the keys to the franchise over to Internet titan Mark Cuban at the news conference Thursday. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (DONNA MCWILLIAM / Associated Press)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells to guard Steve Nash during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets in Dallas, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000. The Mavericks won 106-96. (AP Photo/Bill Janscha) (BILL JANSCHA / Associated Press)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban cheers on his team against the Charlotte Bobcats in an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (Chuck Burton / AP)


MINNEAPOLIS – NOVEMBER 1: Owner Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks sits courtside prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 1, 2008 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mavericks won 95-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) (David Sherman / NBAE/Getty Images)


ADVANCE FOR THE WEEKEND OF DEC 23-25–Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, congratulates the Mavericks’ Gary Trent, left, after the Mavericks victory over the Portland Trailblazers at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2000. After a revolving door of rebuilding attempts that seemed to make things worse instead of better, the Mavs are off to their best start in a dozen years and on pace to end the NBA’s longest playoff drought. (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Huy Nguyen) (HUY NGUYEN / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells and signals a traveling penalty during the fourth quarter of the Kings’ 116-105 win in Dallas, Monday, Jan. 15, 2001. (AP Photo/Bill Janscha) (BILL JANSCHA / Associated Press)


Maverick’s owner Mark Cuban jawbones referee Ted Bernhardt during the second quarter Tuesday Feb. 13, 2001 in the Alamodome. (Express-News Photo/Joe Cavaretta) (JOE CAVARETTA / EN)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban cheers the Mavericks at the start of the game against the Boston Celtics in Dallas, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001. The game was Cuban’s first game back from an NBA-imposed two-game suspension for dashing onto the court during a game.(AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (DONNA MCWILLIAM / AP)


FOR SPORTS – Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban watchs second half action agasint the Spurs in the Western Conference Playoffs First Round Game 1 Saturday April 18, 2009 at the ATT Center. The Mavericks won 105-97. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, right, and Mavericks owner Mark Cuban react to a call in the first half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, Saturday, May 9, 2009, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) (Matt Slocum / AP)


DENVER – MAY 05: Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks observes the national anthem prior to facing the Denver Nuggets in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Pepsi Center on May 5, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 117-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Doug Pensinger / Getty Images)


FILE — This Sunday, March 29, 2009, file photo shows Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban during the fourth quarter in an NBA basketball game, in Cleveland. The Mavericks are out of the NBA playoffs, but the spotlight isn’t leaving the team’s controversial owner. It’s just following him to a different venue, federal court. The insider trading suit filed against Cuban by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission last year is scheduled to receive its first hearing soon when attorneys present oral arguments on a motion by the billionaire owner to have the case dismissed. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File) (Tony Dejak / AP)


FILE – In this May 26, 2009 file photo, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, center, walks out of his federal hearing accompanied by members of his legal team at the Earle Cabell Federal Courthouse in Dallas. A federal judge on Friday, July 17, 2009 dismissed an insider trading lawsuit against Cuban. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, file) (Tony Gutierrez / AP)


FILE — This is a July 13, 2009, file photo showing Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looking at the scoreboard while eating popcorn and watching his team from the sidelines during an NBA summer league basketball game in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File) (Laura Rauch / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells at a referee from behind the bench during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Thursday, March 25, 2010. Portland beat Dallas 101-89. (AP Photo/Don Ryan) (Don Ryan / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban watches his team play the Indiana Pacers, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002, in Indianapolis. The Pacers won 110-98 to snap the Mavericks’ 14-game winning streak. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (DARRON CUMMINGS / AP)


SPORTS – Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban shakes hands with WNBA Utah Starzz players prior to the Mavericks game against the Spurs at the SBC Center on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002. Seated are: La’Neishea Caufield (left) Natalie Williams, Amy Herrig, LaTonya Johnson and Marie Ferdinand. ( JERRY LARA STAFF ) (JERRY LARA / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


SPORTS DALLAS MAVERICKS VS SAN ANTONIO SPURS 12/11/02 Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells at the referees during the second half of their game against he San Antonio Spurs at the SBC Center on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002. ( JERRY LARA STAFF ) (JERRY LARA / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, left, arrives at federal court in Fort Worth, Tex., for the auction of the Texas Rangers baseball team, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Cody Duty) (Cody Duty / AP)


Mark Cuban arrives at the courthouse as bidders arrive for the Texas Rangers baseball team ownership auction in Fort Worth on Wednesday August 4, 2010. (Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News) (LOUIS DeLUCA/Staff Photographer / MANDATORY CREDIT: Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News)


FILE – In this Jan. 17, 2010, file photo, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts during his team’s 110-88 loss to the Toronto Raptors during NBA basketball game action in Toronto. federal appeals court has revived the Securities and Exchange Commission’s insider-trading lawsuit against Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans announced its ruling Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Chris Young, File) (Chris Young / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells at a game official in the second half at the ATT Center on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Spurs defeated the Mavericks, 101-89. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net (KIN MAN HUI / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looks on during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the New Jersey Nets, Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (Bill Kostroun / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, right front, and business partner Todd R. Wagner embrace after the Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 122-86 in Game 4 of a second-round NBA playoff basketball series, Sunday, May 8, 2011, in Dallas. The Mavericks swept the series. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (Tony Gutierrez / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban gestures before Game 3 of a second-round NBA playoff basketball series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Friday, May 6, 2011, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Kim Johnson Flodin) (Kim Johnson Flodin / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is seen during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball game against the Miami Heat Sunday, June 5, 2011, in Dallas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates with Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson, right, in the final seconds of the second half of Game 6 of the NBA Finals basketball game against the Miami Heat Sunday, June 12, 2011, in Miami. The Mavericks won 105-95 to win the series. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip / AP)


CORRECTS DAUGHTER’S NAME TO ALYSSA, NOT ALEXIS SOFIA – Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, with his daughter Alyssa, rides with the NBA Championship basketball trophy during the team’s victory parade in downtown Dallas, Thursday, June 16, 2011. The Mavericks beat the Miami Heat to win the NBA championship. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero / AP)


Dallas Mavericks team owner places the Larry O’Brien trophy on a chair at the start of a fan rally at American Airlines Center following the team’s NBA Championship title victory parade Thursday, June 16, 2011, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (Tony Gutierrez / AP)


Dallas Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban leaves a midtown Manhattan hotel, Friday, June 17, 2011 in New York. NBA owners and players met in New York as they try to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement before the current deal expires June 30. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Mary Altaffer / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban takes time from his laptop before the start of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Dallas, Wednesday, April 18, 2001. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM OTERO / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban walks out of the NBA owners meeting without commenting to waiting media, in Dallas on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (LM Otero / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban watches his team play the New York Knicks Friday, Jan. 24, 2003 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) (MARK LENNIHAN / AP)


Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson, left, listens as Mavericks owner Mark Cuban talks as they watch the team warm up before the start of their game against the Memphis Grizzlies in Dallas, Saturday, March 1, 2003. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (DONNA MCWILLIAM / AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, right, arrives for labor talks between the NBA and players’ association, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 in New York. NBA commissioner David Stern said last week during an interview with WFAN radio in New York that without a deal Tuesday, when the sides meet with federal mediator George Cohen, his “gut” was that there wouldn’t be NBA basketball on Christmas. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Mary Altaffer / AP)


FILE – In this Sept. 15, 2011 file photo, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, left, and NBA Commissioner David Stern talk during a break at the NBA basketball owners meeting, in Dallas. The NBA says Cuban proposed a new salary cap exception, not the elimination of the salary cap, during a players-owners meeting last week. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File) (LM Otero / AP)


FOR SPORTS – Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looks on during second half action Thursday Jan. 5, 2012 at the ATT Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, rear, jumps back as a actor posed as a referee shoves him backwards during the first half of the Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets game, Tuesday Apri. 1, 2003, in Dallas. Cuban continued to get into a scuffle with the actor as fans reacted in what turned out to be an April Fool’s Day joke. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (TONY GUTIERREZ / AP)


Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban blows a kiss to fans during first half action against the Spurs game 1 Western Conference Finals at the the SBC Centerin San Antonio Monday May 19, 2003. Edward A. Ornelas/Staff (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban reacts during game 1 of the Western Conference Finals with the Spurs at the the SBC Centerin San Antonio Monday May 19, 2003. Edward A. Ornelas/Staff (EDWARD A. ORNELAS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban during game 1 of the Western Conference Finals with the Spurs at the the SBC Centerin San Antonio Monday May 19, 2003. Edward A. Ornelas/Staff (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


NBA superstar Jason Kidd, left, of the New Jersey Nets, laughs with Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Monday, June 23, 2003, in New York. Kidd and Cuban announced the upcoming American Century Golf Championship at Lake Tahoe, Nev., July 18-20. The event will benefit the Fallen Patriot Fund for families of Americans lost in the conflict in Iraq. (AP Photo/Ed Bailey) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks president and assistant coach Donn Nelson, right, and owner Mark Cuban huddle before the Mavericks take on the Los Angeles Lakers, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, left, standing, complains to the referees, saying a Philadelphia 76ers player should have been called for a foul, as coach Don Nelson, right, stands nearby during the Mavericks’ 125-122 double-overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, in Dallas. A few hours after Cuban tried to diffuse speculation about Nelson’s job security by telling Nelson he would remain coach and general manager, the Mavericks played one of their most exciting games of the season. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) (*HFI*, AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, reaches up to congratulate center Shawn Bradley as Bradley returns to the bench during the fourth quarter of the Mavericks’ 91-88 victory over the Nuggets in Denver on Friday, Jan. 16, 2004. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looks up to watch a replay in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Dallas, Saturday, Jan 31, 2004. The Mavericks gave up a 20-point lead in the second half to lose, 107-104, to the Nuggets. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (AP)


Harlem Globetrotters’ Paul Gaffney, left, fouls New York Nationals guest player and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, right, during a game in Dallas on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004. (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Michael Ainsworth) (AP)


**FILE**Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban watches his team play the New York Knicks Jan. 24, 2003 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan,file) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells toward officials in the second quarter of their game against the San Antonio Spurs in Dallas, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004. Dallas won, 115-91. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (AP)


SPORTS SPURS MAVERICKS 11/24/04 Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban expresses his displeasure with the outcome of their game against the San Antonio Spurs at the SBC Center on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004. Spurs won 94-80. ( JERRY LARA STAFF ) (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban grimaces near the end of Game 6 against the Phoenix Suns in the teams’ Western Conference semifinal series, in Dallas on Friday, May 20, 2005. Phoenix won 130-126, eliminated Dallas from the playoffs. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp) (AP)


CONEXCION/ADVANCE/ Mavericks owner Mark Cuban: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban speaks out during an ESPN session at the NAHJ Convention Friday June 17, 2005. DELCIA LOPEZ/STAFF (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looks up at the scoreboard during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the Mavericks game against the Phoenix Suns Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005, in Phoenix. Cuban, who normally wears a t-shirt during games, donned a blazer and collared shirt to adhere to the NBA’s dress code policy.(AP Photo/Paul Connors) (AP)


FILE — Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban exchanges words with one of the referees during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz in their first-round playoff game in Salt Lake City, in this April 14, 2001 photo. Cuban was fined $500,000 by the NBA on Tuesday Jan. 8, 2002 for repeated public criticism of game officials. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban yells about a call during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Dallas, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002. Cuban was fined $500,000 by the NBA for his repeated criticism of referees, the largest fine for an individual in the league’s history. Cuban’s most recent public comments came after the Mavericks lost to San Antonio 105-103. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts to a call in the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Dallas, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002. Cuban was fined $500,000 for his repeated criticism of referees, the largest fine for an individual in NBA history. (AP Photo/LM Otero) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban watches his team during the first half of their NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Dallas, Texas April 19, 2006. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks 85-71. REUTERS/Jeff Mitchell (REUTERS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban sports a Dairy Queen t-shirt before the start of his team’s game against the Indiana Pacers in Dallas, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002. Cuban, the billionaire owner of the Mavericks, just can’t help himself when it comes to critiquing and criticizing NBA officials. Nearly half his fine tally, $500,000, came last week for saying he wouldn’t hire the league’s head of referees “to manage a Dairy Queen.” (AP Photo/LM Otero) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts in the second half in the NBA Western Conference semifinal basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in San Antonio, Sunday, May 7, 2006. San Antonio won, 87-85. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban serves an ice cream cone at a Dairy Queen in Coppell, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002. Wearing a navy blue denim shirt and a manager’s badge, Cuban took orders, made change and served soft-serve ice cream cones making good on a promise to the fast-food chain to be a manager for a day. The company’s offer came in response to Cuban’s criticism of the NBA’s head of officiating: “I wouldn’t hire him to manage a Dairy Queen.” (AP Photo/LM Otero) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, left, and actor Tom Arnold share a laugh after an ill fated attempt at making a Blizzard ice cream treat at a Dairy Queen in Coppell, Texas, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002. Cuban took orders, made change and served soft-serve ice cream cones at the Dairy Queen making good on a promise to the fast-food chain to be a manager for a day. The company’s offer for Cuban to work there came in response to Cuban’s criticism of the NBA’s head of officiating: “I wouldn’t hire him to manage a Dairy Queen.” The NBA fined Cuban $500,000 for the comment. Arnold was on hand to tape a show for the Fox Sports Network. (AP Photo/Courtesy Dairy Queen, Jon Freilich, Ho) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates at the end of Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals during the 2006 NBA playoffs in San Antonio, Texas May 22, 2006. The Mavericks defeated the Spurs 119-111 to advance to the Western Conference finals. REUTERS/Jeff Mitchell (REUTERS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban shouts at the team during their 95-88 win over the Phoenix Suns during Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference finals in Phoenix, Arizona, May 28, 2006. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (REUTERS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, left, hugs coach Avery Johnson after the team won the NBA Western Conference championship over the Phoenix Suns in a basketball game Saturday, June 3, 2006, in Phoenix. The Mavericks won, 102-93. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, pool) (AP)


DALLAS – JUNE 1: Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, celebrates a win against the Phoenix Suns in game five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on June 1, 2006 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2006 NBAE (Photo By Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images) (NBAE/Getty Images)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban bumps fists with fans before Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference finals basketball game in Dallas, Thursday, June 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, left, and head coach Don Nelson talk during a pre-game shoot around against the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday, Jan. 26, 2002, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban interacts with fans in Dallas before Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference finals with San Antonio, Thursday, June 1, 2006. Cuban is financing a new Web site that will investigate stock fraud and corporate wrongdoing. The billionaire also said he’ll buy and sell stocks based on information before the site publishes it. Cuban said he has not been a direct victim of fraud but was motivated to start the site by his approach to investing. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, right, tries to take the sign of Miami Heat fan Eric Topchik prior to the start of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball game between the Mavericks and the Heat at the American Airlines Arena in Miami on Sunday, June 18, 2006. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (C, standing) reacts as a foul is called on his team as they faced the Miami Heat in the first half during Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball game in Miami June 18, 2006. Below right is Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson. REUTERS/Marc Serota (UNITED STATES) (REUTERS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts in the fourth quarter in Game 5 of their NBA Finals basketball game against the Miami Heat in Miami June 18, 2006. The Heat defeated the Mavericks 101-100 in overtime to take a 3-2 series lead. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES) (REUTERS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban walks off the court following a 95-92 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the NBA basketball finals in Dallas, Tuesday, June 20, 2006. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban referees the first half of a Harlem Globetrotters game Friday, Feb. 1, 2002, in Dallas. He had so much fun, he stretched his scheduled five minutes into 20. “I had a blast,” Cuban said, his brow sweaty and his zebra shirt autographed by the entire Globetrotters team. “I found myself watching sometimes, enjoying it like I was 10 years old all over again.” (AP Photo/The Dallas Morning News, Michael Ainsworth) (AP)


Entrepreneur Mark Cuban, owner of HDNet, discusses his selection of former CBS news anchor Dan Rather to host a new news program ‘Dan Rather Reports’ during a session at the Cable Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California July 11, 2006. REUTERS/Fred Prouser (UNITED STATES) (REUTERS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, left, shares a laugh with actors Kurt Russell, center, and Goldie Hawn, second from right, during the second half of the Mavericks-Vancouver Grizzlies game in Dallas, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001. The Mavericks won 120-83. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban answers questions from the media at the NBA Dallas Mavericks Media Day in Dallas, Texas, October 2, 2006. REUTERS/Mike Stone (UNITED STATES) (REUTERS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stands as he watches the game between the Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs in the second half of their basketball game in Dallas, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006. “I’m reborn,” the owner of the Dallas Mavericks said Thursday night during his usual pre-game workout. “It’s no longer Mark Cuban, the benefactor. It’s Mark Cuban, David Stern disciple.” (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam) (AP)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban smiles during a first quarter timeout during their NBA game against the Phoenix Suns in Phoenix, Arizona, November 9, 2006. REUTERS/Jeff Topping (UNITED STATES) (REUTERS)


SPTS- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wears a t-shirt during the Dallas Mavericks San Antonio Spurs game at the ATT Center in San Antonio, Texas Friday Jan5, 2006. DELCIA LOPEZ/STAFF (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban watches his team play the Chicago Bulls during the second quarter of their NBA basketball game in Chicago January 25, 2007. REUTERS/Frank Polich (UNITED STATES) (REUTERS)


FOR SPORTS DAILY – Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts to a call during second half action against the San Antonio Spurs Saturday April 6, 2002. PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/STAFF (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS)


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is all smiles as the Mavericks play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in Cleveland. The Mavericks won 98-90. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak) (AP)

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Mark Cuban always has been the opposing owner that Spurs fans love to hate over the years.

His brash managerial style clashes with everything local fans are familiar with their team. Toss in a highly competitive series of games with the Spurs and Cuban’s tendency to make comments to the media and you have the recipe for one of the NBA’s best rivalries.

Over the years, Cuban has disparaged the San Antonio River, calling it an “ugly, muddy-watered thing.” He even blasted the clean-up of that river, telling San Antonio natives they needed to put up to “keep people from falling in.” And he facetiously talked about starting a website called “I Fell in the River Walk” for people to post pictures of those falling in and whatever happened to them.

Cuban was at it after the Mavericks’ recent trip to San Antonio when he told old buddy Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he feared for his safety during his recent stay in San Antonio — at least enough to make him rethink an evening stroll along the river.

“I took a walk last night after dinner and I thought about going (to the Riverwak) and said someone would definitely push me in,” (Hat tip: Project Spurs.com).

How about it Spurs Nation?

Would you really push Cuban in the San Antonio River if you had the chance?

I’m thinking most of the fans are reputable, God-fearing people who would be willing to welcome Cuban to our fair city. Some might even buy him a drink somewhere along the River Walk if they ran into him and his posse.

But if he flashed his championship ring or talked too much about the Mavericks, some fans might take offense.

And he might get wet.

On second thought, maybe it was wise for him to stay away from the river when he had the chance …

I can’t speak for all fans.