The Heat are "not happy" about the NBA "developing a relationship with Cuba," according to Greg Cote of the MIAMI HERALD. Heat officials on Tuesday learned of the Cuba development via news reports, and "were dumbfounded that the league would not have first spoken, at least as a courtesy, to the one franchise actually affected by any NBA-Cuba relationship." A Heat source said, “The NBA never consulted with us. This was undertaken unilaterally. The minute we found out we registered our vehement objection to the league office. Neither the Heat nor any personnel will be participating.” Another Heat source said the NBA-Cuba development "seems political." Cote notes former NBA Commissioner David Stern "was extremely active in Democratic politics and a major financial contributor throughout his years in office." Current Commissioner Adam Silver also "was an ardent early supporter of Obama and has donated to the party." The "political leanings at the highest level of the NBA" perhaps suggest a climate "that would lead to a goodwill tour as a show of support for Obama’s new policy of thawing relations with Cuba." Many will recall the "firestorm that embroiled" former Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen in '12 when he was quoted "complimenting and admiring" Fidel Castro. A similar "outcry likely would meet anything perceived as a Heat olive branch to the island." Cote: "Is it worth it for the Heat to pursue business-side gains in Cuba if a sub-set of its fans -- perhaps small, but likely vehement -- would strongly object to the relationship?" (MIAMI HERALD, 4/9).
