The magnificent Miami Heat were supposed to go 73-9, dominating any and all opponents in their path.
With a 9-8 record, that clearly hasn't happened, and if the team had any real fans, they'd surely be heartbroken. There is, however, at least two Florida residents who are beyond upset at the early-season mediocrity of the Heat.
A Miami bar decided before the season began that it would serve customers for free whenever the Heat lost — up to $25 per customer. Losses were supposed to be few and far between, but they've obviously been a bit more frequent than expected.
As a result, Whiskey Tango is down $30,000, according to CNBC's Darren Rovell.
"We're pretty much unprotected from an insurance standpoint, so we're kind of at the mercy of the Heat," John Todora, co-owner of the bar, told CNBC. "But we're happy we did this. It has given us so much publicity."
The rules state that patrons don't exactly get their money back, as the $25 is given in the form of a gift card. Still, with losses to the Celtics (twice), Hornets, Jazz, Grizzlies, Pacers, Magic and Mavericks, it's an expense that's certainly taking its toll.