Mark Cuban to offer free heart exams to former Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been a pioneer in various realms from the tech industry to professional sports.
The 57-year-old billionaire announced Friday that his team will offer to cover heart exam expenses for players over the age of 50 who played two or more seasons with the Mavericks.
"The Mavs want to be proactive to inform and educate our alumni about potential health concerns they may face as they age," Cuban said.
"We want to do our part to make sure the Mavs our fans have come to know and love will be with us for a long, long time."
The team reached out to all 33 ex-players who satisfy the initiative's criteria to coordinate doctor appointments. If interested, the Mavs alumni will have access to an electrocardiogram, stress echo, blood profile, and office visits free of charge.
While the bill for only the initial screenings will be footed by Cuban's franchise, the organization will assist the former players in finding subsequent healthcare, if further treatment is needed.
Related: NBPA proposes using league's future TV revenue to fund ex-players' health insurance
In recent months, several former players - Moses Malone, Darryl Dawkins, Anthony Mason, and Jack Haley - have died with heart conditions being the cause.
Hopefully Cuban's intentions and visionary program represent an impetus for a very necessary support system league-wide.