Ice Cube has claimed that the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) is preventing his BIG3 all-stars and the Netherlands’ gold-winning Olympic three-on-three basketball team from playing an exhibition match.
“To their credit, [the Netherlands] accepted the challenge but it’s FIBA,” the rapper-turned-sports mogul stated in an interview with CBS Sports during the BIG3 playoffs in Nashville this past weekend. FIBA is keeping the BIG3 out of our all-star game because FIBA is afraid of them.
It doesn’t appear that will occur as a result of that. Politicians interfering with sports and fandom is a terrible thing, but next week’s championship game starring our favorite players will still be an incredible event. No tears from our eyes.”
Cube issued his challenge earlier this month following the Netherlands’ 21-6 thumping of the USA in three-on-three basketball. Jimmer Fredette, the standout player for the Americans, was sidelined by injury.
“They were kicked in the ass.” Without a question, they need our players,” the N.W.A legend described Team USA’s crushing loss. “Everyone on the planet can see that.”
“It’s your homeboy Ice Cube,” he said, turning to face the aspiring gold medalists. Whichever nation takes home the gold, you all must visit Boston. We will cover the cost of your hotel and airfare to Boston. Give each other a little cash, and let’s see who’s the greatest in the world.
“We think our all-star team will defeat you. If you don’t think it’s true? See you in Boston, we hope. August 18, sweetie.
Similar accusations regarding the NBA, whom Ice Cube said was attempting to impede the expansion of his BIG3 basketball league, have been made in the past.
We have no intention of competing with the NBA in any way. We get along great,” he added on Joe Rogan’s podcast the previous year. “Thus, I find it difficult to comprehend the actions taking place behind the scenes, such as urging sponsors and networks to pass on featuring us.”
“We’ve managed to survive, but eventually it becomes absurd and redundant, and we need to fight back in some way,” he continued.
The NBA is being looked at by the US Department of Justice for possible antitrust law breaches as a result of Cube’s allegations.
Apart from the aforementioned grievances, the Friday celebrity asserted that the NBA had enforced regulations that prevented their present players from taking part in BIG3 games, even though they were permitted to participate in other off-season tournaments such as the Drew League.
Big Three representatives also felt that they were unfairly singled out by the NBA and exerted pressure on owners to refrain from funding their league.
All of the accusations were refuted by NBA spokesperson Mike Bass, who told TMZ that the charges were untrue. Although we have supported the BIG3 from the beginning, we chose not to make an investment.
Cube, however, disagreed with the NBA’s stance and responded on social media, writing: “Correction: The NBA was never asked to invest by the BIG3, we just want them to stop pressuring people and businesses to stay away from the BIG3.” We have to put an end to them.
