Many players have things in their contracts against doing certain dangerous things, like riding motorcycles and playing pickup games. And players that sign endorsement deals with a certain shoe company violate their contract if they wear another type of shoe. Also, most employees don't get their salary guaranteed for multiple years, regardless of whether or not they work, so the person paying has some right to protect their investment.
Doesn't matter, an employer owns the labor of the employee. If a player's team misses the playoffs, they are not allowed to sign with a playoff team, or to go play in Europe for the summer. Neither can European players come play in the NBA while under contract. So playing for the Olympics could be seen as analogous to that...that's the argument Mark Cuban is making.
Good post. The owners do own the labor of the player, with the difference between a player and a car being that there are many more variables (such as free will) that can lead to the player's labor being compromised. I agree with what Cuban is saying, but as is typical of him, the timing of it means his larger point won't make a lasting impact.
I wax my basketball players before game day. When the game is over I rotate their tires and load them on the truck, where they are to remain with no food and in the dark until im ready to start them again. After all. He's mine, I paid for him.
