Report: BIG3 files defamation countersuit against rival basketball league

Ice Cube and the BIG3 are apparently fighting back.

The BIG3 filed a countersuit against the Champions Basketball League for defamation after they were reportedly handed a $250-million lawsuit for allegedly stealing the CBL's players and ideas, according to TMZ Sports.

CBL founder Carl George claimed the two leagues initially agreed to work together in an effort to eventually compete with the NBA. However, the BIG3 allegedly went back on its word by barring its players from participating in both leagues.

The BIG3 is reportedly claiming the two leagues never had an agreement in place and that no player was prohibited from playing in the CBL. The BIG3 called George "a serial con-artist, fraudster, and ponzi-schemer."

The BIG3 finished its inaugural season last month, with Trilogy taking home the league's first championship.