If Stern fines Cuban for that, it's just silly. To me, it's one thing if he fines Cuban for some of his antics or if he critcizes the officiating, but to fine him for a negative comment about the commissioner is silly.
First, it makes Stern seem pretty thin-skinned. Also, it just gives Cuban even more attention and more credibility and actually makes the situation worse for Stern.
Cuban is good for the NBA. Stern needs to recognize this.
Now, we can have a whole different discussion about whether people should be fined/reprimanded for criticizing the officials. Personally, I feel like they are WAY too protected. There was a report a few years ago in the Lubbock paper about what officials make. Someone can probably remember it or find the link, but I remember college refs were paid an INSANE amount per game (like more than $1,000 per game, plus a per diem, plus travel expenses) and I want to say it was the same for women's basketball as well.
Anyone paid that much per night should be able to take a little public criticism, damnit.