Arena Funding, Cuban Cameo Highlight Latest "Simpsons" Episode
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Cuban Makes Guest Voice
Appearance On Fox' "The Simpsons" |
The issue of using public money to build stadiums and arenas for pro sports teams was examined on Fox’ “The Simpsons” last night. The broadcast featured billionaire Montgomery Burns attending the “Billionaire’s Retreat,” where he wins the pro basketball team “Austin Celtics” in a poker game and relocates them to Springfield. Burns then goes on the road to watch the Mavericks play his Springfield Celtics at the “Dallas Arena” where he meets Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban, who is voiced by the real Cuban. Cuban is seen at center court during a timeout dancing excitedly, to which Burns says to his assistant, Waylon Smithers, “Who is that man and why isn’t his enthusiasm being punished?” Smithers: “That’s Mark Cuban, sir. He’s the most flamboyant owner in the league.” Cuban is then pictured sliding down a zip line from the ceiling holding a lit flare and yelling, “I’m out of my mind!” Burns: “How odd. His money seems to have bought him happiness.” After meeting Cuban and doing an elaborate secret billionaire handshake, Burns asks, “So tell me, why don’t you recoil from the public like a normal billionaire?” Cuban: “Hey, why own a basketball team if you’re not going to have any fun?” Burns: “Fun? Is that how it’s pronounced? I’ve only see it written.” Cuban then interrupted, saying, “Hold that thought. No one’s paid attention to me in ten whole seconds.” Cuban then runs to midcourt where he juggles a chainsaw, basketball and a female dancer.
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"The Simpsons" Parodies Public Funds Being
Used To Build Facilities For Pro Sports Teams |
BEE SHARP: After the team returns to Springfield to play at the Springfield Sports Palace which boasts the “World’s Smallest Jumbotron,” Burns attempts to bring some “fun” to the team by renaming the team the “Springfield Excitement,” but fails miserably. Burns then decides to build a new state-of-the-art arena but has to deal with Lisa Simpson’s attempt to stop him because the arena site will destroy the nesting area of some honeybees she is caring for. The dispute was brought to a referendum at City Hall, and despite Lisa’s impassioned speech, Burns’ arena measure passes and the facility is built. Homer Simpson tries to help save Lisa’s bees, but they are attracted to the bright lights of the new arena where Burns is addressing the crowd for opening night. Burns: “Welcome to the American dream, a billionaire using public funds to construct a private playground for the rich and powerful.” At that point, Burns opens the retractable roof and the bees swarm inside, chasing off the spectators and forcing the arena to be designated a bee sanctuary (“The Simpsons,” Fox, 12/7).
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