The producer of the Dallas Mavericks’ hype video that sparked controversy wants to clarify the situation. Released on the Mavs’ YouTube channel to generate excitement for the season, the video came under fire, particularly after the team alienated fans by trading franchise player Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Multiple media sources, including Yahoo Sports and Dime, alleged that the video obscured Dončić in several instances, echoing sentiments shared by numerous social media users. One specific tweet highlighted the edits, pointing out that while Luka was blurred, other ex-players appeared multiple times.
Mavs edit out and put logo over Luka’s face in hype video (while showing other ex-players multiple times like Green and Maxi)
It happens throughout the video, but the most noticeable one, by far, is at 1:51 into the video.Thanks the Redditor u/SeaOwn2023 for the video… pic.twitter.com/btSJ8o9rZp
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) February 21, 2025
In response, hip-hop artist Dorrough, who narrated and produced the video, took to X to set the record straight. “As a lifelong Mavericks fan and someone who takes great pride in the game of basketball, I would never participate in anything intended to remove, censor, or disrespect Luka Dončić,” he stated. He clarified that the edits pertained to other former players no longer on the roster and emphasized that his aim was to unite Mavericks fans through the video.
After conducting their own investigation, WFAA, an ABC affiliate in Dallas, confirmed that the players blurred out included Quentin Grimes and Maxi Kleber, not Dončić. Dorrough noted the “passion” of Mavericks fans, reiterating that “Luka is, and always will be, a part of Mavericks history,” expressing his respect for Dončić’s contributions to the franchise.
He added, “I understand the passion surrounding the video, but my focus remains on what truly brings us together — the love of the game, the culture, and the city we call home.”
#MFFL pic.twitter.com/mUy1AmUIM8
— Six 3 (@DorroughMusic) February 22, 2025
Following the backlash, both Dime and Yahoo Sports retracted their claims about the video censoring Dončić. Dime added an editor’s note clarifying their mistake, while Yahoo Sports published a new article explaining the situation in detail.
