As much as Mark Cuban has been a menace to NBA officials ever since he gained ownership of the Dallas Mavericks, there is no doubt he has created interest in the league as well as a stable financial backing for the franchise. Word has it that the Pittsburgh native, along with NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino, are seeking to do the same for a struggling NHL franchise:
The two have joined with a New York City financier in trying to buy the NHL's Penguins from Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux's group, which is selling the two-time Stanley Cup champion even as the team seeks a new arena deal.True, Mark Cuban is a complete idiot and an embarrassment to all nouveau riche, but he has shown dedication to his NBA franchise that is the envy of North American pro sports. The Penguins could certainly use a guy like that.
The group of prospective Penguins owners is headed by Andrew Murstein, the president of Medallion Financial Corp., a company that finances New York City taxicab medallions. Adding Cuban and Marino is expected to strengthen the group's estimated $150 million US bid not only financially but perception-wise. Neither Cuban nor Marino have any interest in moving the Penguins from Pittsburgh -- Cuban has made it a condition of his participation.
