The Big3, Ice Cube's three-on-three basketball league, will soon begin its second season. It has added a number of new marquee players: Nate Robinson, Amar'e Stoudemire, Baron Davis, and Metta World Peace.
Tuesday's edition of TheNew York Times features a full-page ad from the league addressing U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Hey President Trump, when you meet today with Putin's new friend, the Emir of Qatar (Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani), please tell him not to threaten the BIG3 and American athletes!" the ad states.
It is signed by a number of Big3 coaches and players, including Chauncey Billups, Jermaine O'Neal, and Dr. J.
This very bizarre Ice cube - Qatar scandal keeps getting better and better.
Today’s NYT .....
https://t.co/gWJsvcMC56 pic.twitter.com/PN3I6pcoMQ
Last week, Ice Cube and his Big3 co-founder, Jeff Kwatinetz, filed a $1.2 billion lawsuit against Qatari investors. They allege the accusers failed to follow through on their commitments to financially support the league.
The investors reportedly have ties to the royal family of Qatar. They have allegedly only paid one third of their $20.5 million commitment to the league. The Big3 founders state this has hindered their growth.
"These members and associates of the royal family made excuse after excuse for not paying, all of which is documented in text messages and emails," the suit states.
It adds: "The blame for their failure to fund the millions they owed the Big3 ran the gamut from their 'sinuses,' 'hiking,' it being a 'long day bro,' and to bad press regarding Qatar associations with alleged funding of terrorism."
The suit states an investor threatened Kwazinetz. It looks like the Big3 is hoping for Trump to get involved.
In addition to making a political statement, the ad lists the league's upcoming broadcasting schedule.
