Mark Cuban helps J.J. Barea and Puerto Rico
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban uses his resources to help point guard J.J. Barea, his family, and those in Puerto Rico.
While some in power have decided to ignore the heartbreak happening in Puerto Rico, Mark Cuban has stepped up to lend a helping hand.
Mark Cuban loaned the team plane to J.J. Barea to fly supplies to Puerto Rico. Barea will return tonight with his mother and grandmother.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) September 26, 2017
This is a huge gesture by the Dallas Mavericks owner and something that shouldn’t be overlooked with everything going on in sports and politics.
J.J. Barea, born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico and a member of the Puerto Rican national team, has raised nearly $100,000 in Hurricane Maria relief efforts through his YouCaring page. All funds will go straight to helping the recovery process.
The Dallas Mavericks held their annual media day on Monday and are scheduled to practice on Tuesday. Head coach Rick Carlisle stated that Barea should rejoin the team on Tuesday night.
According to Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News, Barea reached out to his family on Sunday to confirm that they were safe before heading to Puerto Rico to bring them back to the States.
It would have been easy for Cuban to donate and move on, putting Barea’s basketball commitments first. Sending supplies and giving Barea access to the team plane shows that Cuban knows there are bigger things going on in the world than just sports.
People in Puerto Rico are still without power following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria while water and food are limited. Hurricane Maria hit the island with Category 4 winds almost a week ago. Parts of the island remain flooded and the New York Times revealed that it could take up to six months before electricity returns.
Next: Dwyane Wade expected to sign with Cleveland Cavaliers
While the discussion of unity has dominated the sports world these past few days, Cuban went beyond linking arms with his players and took real action.