For years, professional sports organizations like the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball prohibited liquor companies from buying advertising in locations in stadiums and arenas that could be seen on television, in deference to efforts to curb drunken driving. Suddenly, they began signing multimillion-dollar deals with companies that made rum, tequila, vodka and other hard liquor, and the advertising was displayed for all to see. It was a sign of how justifications can change seemingly overnight, especially when money is involved. (The purchase still needs to be approved by the league’s board of governors before becoming official.) “The Adelson and Dumont families are honored to have the opportunity to be stewards of this great franchise,” they said in a statement.

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Persons: Miriam Adelson, “ The Adelson, Dumont, ” Organizations: National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, Sands Corporation, Dallas Mavericks