Cuban is nothing if not passionate.

For most people, it involves practising a raspy voice with intermittent coughs designed to convince even the most intelligent of bosses that they are in fact sick. Not necessarily bubonic plague sick, but sick enough to miss one or two days because of, say, your birthday celebrations and the hangover that follows.

Well, for Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, faking illness just doesn’t cut it when it comes to excuses for taking work off. He figures that the single line of “I’ve got the flu” might not be enough for some employers, so he’s given Mavs fans something more substantial to work with.

The Mavs are taking on Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA playoffs, and the series — locked at 1-1 — is headed to Dallas for Cuban’s side’s first home game in the contest. Obviously he wants his side to enjoy as much support as possible, so he’s providing fans with a note he wants them to hand to their bosses on Thursday (US time) so they can leave the office early and head down to the American Airlines Centre.

The handwritten note — signed with the name of author Seth King — says Cuban is preparing to deliver a rousing pre-match address in the mould of William Wallace (played by Mel Gibson) inspiring his fellow Scotsmen to pursue freedom, as happens in the film Braveheart.

And of course, for such a momentous plan, Cuban wants to do a dry run first so he gets everything spot on, which is why he needs fans there ahead of time.

We’ll have to wait and see whether giant swords, powerful steeds, Scottish-period wartime apparel and horse droppings make an appearance at the clash, but even if they don’t, we’re still wishing all Mavs fans the best of luck in getting out of work to cheer their side on.