How does everyone feel about the Lebron stakes?

[Roy Firestone]

For the last few weeks radio talk shows, TV coverage, newspapers and internet bloggers(not me) have fallen all over themselves in this breathless coverage of Lebron and his courtship by a half a dozen NBA teams. To me, this is a sign of the times of course, lots of sound and fury signifying nothing. Its been a cottage industry and now it culminates with an almost incredible "one hour special telecast" on ESPN where Lebron"live from Akron"(which is the first time in history that anybody cared about ANYTHING live from Akron) will announce his "choice" city.
Being a fan of ESPN, and a person who still works with the world wide leader, not to mention friends with lots of people who work there..I nonethless find all of this stuff outrageously overblown. Yes, I know that the ad revenue generated by this one hour "special" will go to charity..but I think this is a howling example of how a sports network tries to corner a news story and in fact, has lost its objectivity in its coverage.
This isnt the ESPY awards where ESPN can gift and influence an athlete for a TV award show. This is a made"event" that is now become something that might be established in other circles.
Imagine coverage of a one hour "special" of high school athletes deciding which school they will attend? Oh, wait a minute..you mean its already here? Where a 17-18 year old plays a shell game with a hat in front of the national press and belittles institutions of higher learning by dismissing the other"hats"?
Maybe its me, but with the fact that tens of millions of people are out of work, theres a huge environmental disaster in the Gulf, a tragic war on two fronts and other considerations..maybe..just once...the powers that be might think that the world doesnt revolve around an athlete who had already made 100 million before he was 19...signing for another 2-300 million somewhere else. I find this story a bore. But more than that, its a bad taste bore now.

[LookitsPuck]

It's boring. Right up there with Brett Favre.

It's like an elongated NFL Draft. Boring drivel eating up gobs of time with inane, worthless commentary.

FWIW, I don't think anything that you posted regarding jobs or environmental disasters has anything to do with ESPN (or any sports channel for that matter).

[crowmst3k!]

dude, Luis Lebron hasn't even cracked the majors. Any "sweepstakes" involving his free agency will not begin for at least 5 years after that. Getting ahead of ourselves, aren't we?

[lordbrook]

I loathe this coverage. I am so sick and tired of professional athletes being gifted with the fawning of countless sycophants. It takes a special kind of person to ignore that, or to have the wherewithal to understand that they aren't a better human being than everyone else. Lebron James was given a special athletic ability, but that's it. I won't tune in for one millisecond of his "show" nor will I read anything about the aftermath.

[bigelow]

I dislike Lebron and the Knicks so i hope he goes there so i can really dislike and root against them both. Also think they are the farthest from a championship.

[LookinUp]

I can't stand it. He's a attention needing prima donna who's more interested in money. There's nothing redeemable about him whatsoever.








Unless he comes to the Wizards. :laughlol:

[VeveJones007]

Roy, I loved you and your work for ESPN, but the world wide leader is really just a marketing platform to me. From what I've seen in recent years, coverage seems to be driven more by ratings than by quality analysis and honest, unbiased reporting. This whole LeBron thing just underscores what I already felt about ESPN.

[clarence]

I'm just thankful Kevin Durant is on the Thunder. Seems to be one NBA star with his head on straight.

Lebron dictated the move with ESPN. Any coverage of him in the future is tainted (love that word).

[scOtt]

I heard Lindsay Lohan is going to jail...

[JackO]

I'll quote my own Twitter message:


@Kingjames @chrisbosh @dwadeofficial This all sounds like bad reality tv http://yhoo.it/bVZ5iS. You guys are the real housewives of the NBA.

[Mad Mark]

Please take a look at my second signature quote for a detailed summation of my feelings on LeBron James.
Thank you.

[CSB Jack]

Can he play first base and hit with power?

[AgentOrange]

Get what you can get. The media is the one blowing it out of proportion.

[terporiolefan]

I hate it. Sure the money's going to charity, but it's still way too self-serving, and does no one any good. How, in the grand scheme, is this any different than a "press conference"? Do we really need a special to announce 1 player's intentions, ESPN?

The only way this could be worse is if Ryan Seacrest is selected to host the event. I can see it now:

"and LeBron will now announce which NBA franchise he will sign with....AFTER THE BREAK!"

[Crazysilver03]

I hate it. Sure the money's going to charity, but it's still way too self-serving, and does no one any good. How, in the grand scheme, is this any different than a "press conference"? Do we really need a special to announce 1 player's intentions, ESPN?

The only way this could be worse is if Ryan Seacrest is selected to host the event. I can see it now:

"and LeBron will now announce which NBA franchise he will sign with....AFTER THE BREAK!"

Apparently, the Deseret News cites an ESPN executive as saying that LeBron James will make his announcement within the first 10 minutes of Thursday's one-hour show.

I think it is ridiculous that this is what people drive themselves to as entertainment, but hey, I find interest in data-basing players' stats so to each their own.

[SammyBirdland]

I hope he stays in Cleveland. In fact, I would be proud of him if he stayed in Cleveland.

[scottbbfm]

Honestly I think the NBA is about a step away from professional wrestling.

[JackO]

And Lebron's http://www.lrmrmarketing.com/ feels like the NBA version of the marketing firm Zoolander and his friends would have made up... if they hadn't had that silly gasoline water fight.

[scOtt]

This is also similar to Tiger.

I'm going to address the press, only the few press I will choose. And will take no questions.

Completely staged, worse than a press conference.

[The Rick]

Meh, what difference does it make? ESPN/Fox Sports/Comcast SportsNet, etc. would have broadcasted on LeBron Tomorrow night for hours among hours anyway, so why not leverage this situation and raise a bunch of money for LeBron's favorite charity? I really don't have a problem. It would be different if he negotiated a contract where the proceeds went to his pockets, but he didn't.

[BaltimoreTerp]

The easy way to stop things like this is to not watch. The problem is, everyone will watch, and I will bet 80% are people who complain about it.

I already have a feeling that I will be flipping over during the breaks in Burn Notice tomorrow night.

I also want to mention that as much as I hate over-promoted, under-interesting staged events like this, I hate the whole "There's a lot of bad stuff going on in the world so this less significant thing shouldn't happen" argument that comes around every time someone thinks poorly of an event. All of professional sports is entertainment, so by that logic everything connected to sports should be eliminated until all of the bad things in the world go away.

[The Rick]

Honestly I think the NBA is about a step away from professional wrestling.

This. It's a joke, and frankly I can't wait for the LeBron "Cheapstakes" to be overwith. I'm so sick of it, and the joke of a league.

[The Rick]

The easy way to stop things like this is to not watch. The problem is, everyone will watch, and I will bet 80% are people who complain about it.

I already have a feeling that I will be flipping over during the breaks in Burn Notice tomorrow night.

I also want to mention that as much as I hate over-promoted, under-interesting staged events like this, I hate the whole "There's a lot of bad stuff going on in the world so this less significant thing shouldn't happen" argument that comes around every time someone thinks poorly of an event. All of professional sports is entertainment, so by that logic everything connected to sports should be eliminated until all of the bad things in the world go away.

Well I'll be watching too unfortunately. At the end of the day, I don't want to be ignorant when the cooler talk at work on Friday is going to be all about LeBron.

[JackO]

The easy way to stop things like this is to not watch. The problem is, everyone will watch, and I will bet 80% are people who complain about it.

I already have a feeling that I will be flipping over during the breaks in Burn Notice tomorrow night.

I also want to mention that as much as I hate over-promoted, under-interesting staged events like this, I hate the whole "There's a lot of bad stuff going on in the world so this less significant thing shouldn't happen" argument that comes around every time someone thinks poorly of an event. All of professional sports is entertainment, so by that logic everything connected to sports should be eliminated until all of the bad things in the world go away.

But it's so friggin hard not to watch. I promised myself I wouldn't care about this. I am a Wiz fan. I am happy with John Wall. Build through the draft. None of these guys are even sniffing around D.C.... yet. I. Just. Can't. Stop.

Crap. I gotta go check espn. Carlos Boozer just signed with the Bulls.

[George]

Bloomberg's pitch to James is that he can make $2 billion dollars in New York, at least half of which comes from endorsements. It reminds me about how difficult (impossilbe?) it is for the Orioles and other teams to compete with the Yankees and why signing Texeira was a pipe dream from the start.

[Birds of B'more]

I won't watch tomorrow night because I refuse to feed into his hype, and frankly I have 1,001 better ways to spend an hour. That said, I have closely followed this NBA free agency season just because the amount of talent out there this year and it's potential to shift the balance of power in the league. That part I find compelling. LeBron's self-aggrandizement, be it in the name of charity or not, I can do without.

[Can_of_corn]

I love MLB Channel, it allows me to skip all of this drivel.

[El Gordo]

For the last few weeks radio talk shows, TV coverage, newspapers and internet bloggers(not me) have fallen all over themselves in this breathless coverage of Lebron and his courtship by a half a dozen NBA teams. To me, this is a sign of the times of course, lots of sound and fury signifying nothing. Its been a cottage industry and now it culminates with an almost incredible "one hour special telecast" on ESPN where Lebron"live from Akron"(which is the first time in history that anybody cared about ANYTHING live from Akron) will announce his "choice" city.
Being a fan of ESPN, and a person who still works with the world wide leader, not to mention friends with lots of people who work there..I nonethless find all of this stuff outrageously overblown. Yes, I know that the ad revenue generated by this one hour "special" will go to charity..but I think this is a howling example of how a sports network tries to corner a news story and in fact, has lost its objectivity in its coverage.
This isnt the ESPY awards where ESPN can gift and influence an athlete for a TV award show. This is a made"event" that is now become something that might be established in other circles.
Imagine coverage of a one hour "special" of high school athletes deciding which school they will attend? Oh, wait a minute..you mean its already here? Where a 17-18 year old plays a shell game with a hat in front of the national press and belittles institutions of higher learning by dismissing the other"hats"?
Maybe its me, but with the fact that tens of millions of people are out of work, theres a huge environmental disaster in the Gulf, a tragic war on two fronts and other considerations..maybe..just once...the powers that be might think that the world doesnt revolve around an athlete who had already made 100 million before he was 19...signing for another 2-300 million somewhere else. I find this story a bore. But more than that, its a bad taste bore now.Don't care much for basketball. I like baseball.:noidea:

[ChrisAF79]

I'll just be happy when it's all over with. Personally, I cannot stand the NBA. It's the one pro sport that I choose not to follow at all.

[scOtt]

Don't care much for basketball. I like baseball.:noidea:
Me too. On a Thursday night I'll be back and forth between the O's and Tru TV.

[enchiridion]

Three athletes I'd be happy to never hear about again: Lebron, Tiger, Favre

[crowmst3k!]

Don't care much for basketball. I like baseball.:noidea:

College basketball is great. One of the most beautiful games to watch. It's like a chess match.

[lostinlife28]

Living in Chicago, I can't wait for this whole thing to go away. It's on all the local sports, and news channels.

Personally I don't want him playing for the Bulls. Very selfish player. Wants his stats, his entourage, and wants to be in a position to give his input for player acquisitions.

He's a good player, don't get me wrong. It's not his game I don't like. It's the baggage.

[TonySoprano]

I love MLB Channel, it allows me to skip all of this drivel.
Second that. ESPN used to be Yankees-RedSox-BarryBonds, and now it's Yankees-RedSox-LeBron.

ESPN thinks the sun shines when LeBron bends over to grab his sneakers.

Do I have to add, I won't be watching.

[foxfield]

Roy,

I have not cared for the NBA in years...somewhere before MJ retired I flew out to see him in an NBA game mostly because I saw him a few times in college when he played at UVA for UNC.

The game peaked in my opinion in the early 90's and even though I end up watching anyway, I rarely care. Lebron will sign with Miami b/c he wants a title and that wont happen in Cle. But even if he stays....I find it difficult to care. The game is a shell of what it was even though the talent of guys like Lebron and Kobe etc are quite high.

Anybody feel the same?

[VeveJones007]

Living in Chicago, I can't wait for this whole thing to go away. It's on all the local sports, and news channels.

Personally I don't want him playing for the Bulls. Very selfish player. Wants his stats, his entourage, and wants to be in a position to give his input for player acquisitions.

He's a good player, don't get me wrong. It's not his game I don't like. It's the baggage.

Actually, LeBron is often criticized for not being selfish enough. The guy can pass like Magic. The only reason that he hasn't won is because he's been passing to the Daniel Gibson's of the world.

[Rex Thunder]

The EGO of Lebron James is absolutely out of this world. IMO, the only way I can justify this circus is if he is doing it to announce he is staying- and to give the city of Cleveland something to celebrate. Otherwise- and even still regardless, it's all about him inflating his sense of Godliness.

With the deep rooted emotional ties involved, staging this event to leave Cleveland would be beyond classless.

As far as ESPN covering it- I can't hold them at fault. I'm sure someone would step up and air the press conference if not them. What Lebron wants, Lebron gets.

[DeanMW]

With the deep rooted emotional ties involved, staging this event to leave Cleveland would be beyond classless.



I want this sooo much... Not a big fan of anything Cleveland.

[birdman57]

Lebron is headed for the Knicks. This is a GRRRREAT day for the NBA:)

[VeveJones007]

The EGO of Lebron James is absolutely out of this world. IMO, the only way I can justify this circus is if he is doing it to announce he is staying- and to give the city of Cleveland something to celebrate. Otherwise- and even still regardless, it's all about him inflating his sense of Godliness.

With the deep rooted emotional ties involved, staging this event to leave Cleveland would be beyond classless.

As far as ESPN covering it- I can't hold them at fault. I'm sure someone would step up and air the press conference if not them. What Lebron wants, Lebron gets.

Why does everyone think that it's ego? LeBron is a brand and he's merely promoting his brand and driving more dollars into his pocket. This whole thing is just good business. This is a capitalist country, isn't it?

[foxfield]

Why does everyone think that it's ego? LeBron is a brand and he's merely promoting his brand and driving more dollars into his pocket. This whole thing is just good business. This is a capitalist country, isn't it?

well....it used to be...;)

[Mark Carver]

It's boring. Right up there with Brett Favre.

It's like an elongated NFL Draft. Boring drivel eating up gobs of time with inane, worthless commentary.

FWIW, I don't think anything that you posted regarding jobs or environmental disasters has anything to do with ESPN (or any sports channel for that matter).

Exactly... every year will he return, or won't he return.

[PaulBako]

well....it used to be...;)

Hmmm lets see... how much has changed in the Americans lives since 2008...Oh wait it is the same!!!

[PaulBako]

I hope he goes to the Heat with Bosh and Wade. That would be sweet. This is big news, the best player in NBA history is going to pick his new team or decide to stay in his crap city. (Which he shouldn't) LeBron is so awesome, and it will be funny to see Cleveland go crazy. It's the only thing that city has. He is their economy lol. Their main export of crippling depression will go up, though.

[foxfield]

Hmmm lets see... how much has changed in the Americans lives since 2008...Oh wait it is the same!!!

This is a sports thread and I probably pushed the line with my comment as did you...but this is not a road to go down...but i'd gladly buy you a beer and tell you all the ways you are wrong.....;)

[Pedro Cerrano]

Ummm it's arguably the greatest player in the NBA set to announce where he is going to play for the years during his prime. Yea, it's kind of important.

I'd wager that most of the people that "hate" this are unabashed NBA haters to begin with.

As an aside, I find it laughable that people are bashing what is happening here. This is the same site that had, what, 15 threads composed of thousands of posts the week leading up to the Teixeira signing? I believe they were called "The Great Teixeira Watch" or something like that. And those were only a small percentage of the total threads/posts about Teixeira that off-season. That guy breathed and people were all over this site wondering what it meant and where he was going to sign.

[The Epic]

Me too. On a Thursday night I'll be back and forth between the O's and Tru TV.

Not to go on a tangent, but Tru TV is the best thing ever. Watching World's Dumbest Sporting Events 12 will always make my day.

[PaulBako]

This is a sports thread and I probably pushed the line with my comment as did you...but this is not a road to go down...but i'd gladly buy you a beer and tell you all the ways you are wrong.....;)

Find a meeting spot deep in the woods in Garret county. Make sure you bring some club soda. And your gun. DO NOT forget the gun. Ill bring my revolver.
230 sharp.

Remember, the guns our for our safety. There could be wild bears there, who knows in this forest!

[Sports Guy]

This is the first time I have ever been interested about the NBA in July.

Usually, I am ONLY interested during the playoffs and that's about it.

The hour long special is a bit much but whatever, its a big decision and something that has been building for 2 years, so I don't have a big problem with it.

[mweb]

Ummm it's arguably the greatest player in the NBA set to announce where he is going to play for the years during his prime. Yea, it's kind of important.

I'd wager that most of the people that "hate" this are unabashed NBA haters to begin with.

As an aside, I find it laughable that people are bashing what is happening here. This is the same site that had, what, 15 threads composed of thousands of posts the week leading up to the Teixeira signing? I believe they were called "The Great Teixeira Watch" or something like that. And those were only a small percentage of the total threads/posts about Teixeira that off-season. That guy breathed and people were all over this site wondering what it meant and where he was going to sign.

Good call.

While you can argue LeBron may be taking this a little too far with the show, it is not his fault that the media and the people are so interested.

[Pedro Cerrano]

This is the first time I have ever been interested about the NBA in July.

Usually, I am ONLY interested during the playoffs and that's about it.

The hour long special is a bit much but whatever, its a big decision and something that has been building for 2 years, so I don't have a big problem with it.

You should pick an NBA team to follow and give it a go during the regular season. I'm not a huge hockey guy and the NBA regular season helps get you through the winter, especially after the NFL season ends (although the NFL only plays once a week anyway).

May I suggest the Lakers?:thumbsup1:

[Sports Guy]

You should pick an NBA team to follow and give it a go during the regular season. I'm not a huge hockey guy and the NBA regular season helps get you through the winter, especially after the NFL season ends (although the NFL only plays once a week anyway).

May I suggest the Lakers?:thumbsup1:

I root for the Lakers because I like to watch dynasties and am a Jackson and Kobe fan.

I am not a fan of them though...I just like to see them dominate...Its kind of like USC football. You have a respect for what they have been able to build and accomplish...But I am just not a fan.

Unless you are the Pats or Yanks, I am very interested in watching dynasties...Something special about watching teams build something and win championships at an incredible pace. Its just awesome to see and as a sports fan, I think its an incredible feat.

[PaulBako]

You should pick an NBA team to follow and give it a go during the regular season. I'm not a huge hockey guy and the NBA regular season helps get you through the winter, especially after the NFL season ends (although the NFL only plays once a week anyway).

May I suggest the Lakers?:thumbsup1:

college basketball? That is the real deal after the NFL ends.

[Pedro Cerrano]

college basketball? That is the real deal after the NFL ends.

Sure, if you enjoy watching an inferior product, and I say that as a college basketball lover.

[PaulBako]

Inferior prodcut= more fun. Not all shots are made, players don't run up the floor easily, reverse dunks are not normal, there is actually defense, and oh the atmosphere is 100x better.

[scOtt]

Not to go on a tangent, but Tru TV is the best thing ever. Watching World's Dumbest Sporting Events 12 will always make my day.

:) The videos are hilarious enough, but WHAT a cast of commenters. Gary Busy alone is pure gold!

[Pedro Cerrano]

Inferior prodcut= more fun. Not all shots are made, players don't run up the floor easily, reverse dunks are not normal, there is actually defense, and oh the atmosphere is 100x better.

Don't confuse defense with superior offensive ability.

[Bel air bird]

For the last few weeks radio talk shows, TV coverage, newspapers and internet bloggers(not me) have fallen all over themselves in this breathless coverage of Lebron and his courtship by a half a dozen NBA teams. To me, this is a sign of the times of course, lots of sound and fury signifying nothing. Its been a cottage industry and now it culminates with an almost incredible "one hour special telecast" on ESPN where Lebron"live from Akron"(which is the first time in history that anybody cared about ANYTHING live from Akron) will announce his "choice" city.
Being a fan of ESPN, and a person who still works with the world wide leader, not to mention friends with lots of people who work there..I nonethless find all of this stuff outrageously overblown. Yes, I know that the ad revenue generated by this one hour "special" will go to charity..but I think this is a howling example of how a sports network tries to corner a news story and in fact, has lost its objectivity in its coverage.
This isnt the ESPY awards where ESPN can gift and influence an athlete for a TV award show. This is a made"event" that is now become something that might be established in other circles.
Imagine coverage of a one hour "special" of high school athletes deciding which school they will attend? Oh, wait a minute..you mean its already here? Where a 17-18 year old plays a shell game with a hat in front of the national press and belittles institutions of higher learning by dismissing the other"hats"?
Maybe its me, but with the fact that tens of millions of people are out of work, theres a huge environmental disaster in the Gulf, a tragic war on two fronts and other considerations..maybe..just once...the powers that be might think that the world doesnt revolve around an athlete who had already made 100 million before he was 19...signing for another 2-300 million somewhere else. I find this story a bore. But more than that, its a bad taste bore now.

Sorry to nit-pick, but the announcement is being held at a Boys and Girls Club location in Greenwich Connecticut. This is seemingly significant because it is a few footsteps from New York City (and the Knicks).

[notfast]

Biggest free agent in sports history.

[TonySoprano]

Ummm it's arguably the greatest player in the NBA set to announce where he is going to play for the years during his prime. Yea, it's kind of important.

I'd wager that most of the people that "hate" this are unabashed NBA haters to begin with.

As an aside, I find it laughable that people are bashing what is happening here. This is the same site that had, what, 15 threads composed of thousands of posts the week leading up to the Teixeira signing? I believe they were called "The Great Teixeira Watch" or something like that. And those were only a small percentage of the total threads/posts about Teixeira that off-season. That guy breathed and people were all over this site wondering what it meant and where he was going to sign.

If this was lebronhangout.com, your point would work better;)

[Moose Milligan]

I don't see what the big fuss is. If you're someone like him with a ton of people hanging on, a bunch of people waiting on your decision, wouldn't it just be easy to get it all done? Make one big statement, take an hour to answer questions and have it all be done with?

Rather than making a statement through the press, having people harassing you and bugging you for an interview or a sound clip?

Seems like he's doing the easy thing. Everyone gets to find out at once, he'll answer a bunch of questions after the announcement that will give insight into his decision, everyone gets what they want at once.

Seems like a pretty cut and dry way of handling things. I don't mind what he's doing at all. Plus how can anyone be upset for anyone giving the advertising proceeds to charity? It's not like he's pocketing the money for himself.

[Rockford]

You know, ESPN must get good ratings when it shoves coverage of Barry Bonds, Brett Favre, Tiger Woods or Lebron James down our throats. But everyone I ever run into always complains about the overkill. I have never once ran into anyone who said, "You know, I can't get enough of the Brett Favre saga."

[Bel air bird]

And it leaks ...

So it appears he will join Wade and Bosh down in Miami. Talk about a dream team.

Realgm.com

[notfast]

And it leaks ...

So it appears he will join Wade and Bosh down in Miami. Talk about a dream team.

Realgm.com

"But right now, it looks like a "super team" in Miami. LeBron reportedly flew down to Miami for dinner Wednesday night. He also reportedly was in Akron playing softball. And was in New York. And was the first man to walk on Mars. And helped coach the Netherlands's World Cup soccer team."

probasketballtalk.com

:laughlol:

[RHall31]

Couldn't care less about Lebron...

BTW, Here's a link to the NBA
forum...http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=17

[Agent0]

I don't see what the big fuss is. If you're someone like him with a ton of people hanging on, a bunch of people waiting on your decision, wouldn't it just be easy to get it all done? Make one big statement, take an hour to answer questions and have it all be done with?

Rather than making a statement through the press, having people harassing you and bugging you for an interview or a sound clip?

Seems like he's doing the easy thing. Everyone gets to find out at once, he'll answer a bunch of questions after the announcement that will give insight into his decision, everyone gets what they want at once.

Seems like a pretty cut and dry way of handling things. I don't mind what he's doing at all. Plus how can anyone be upset for anyone giving the advertising proceeds to charity? It's not like he's pocketing the money for himself.


WOW! Someone actually using reason here. I've seen other posts along these lines, but most of the world seems to be offended by the notion of this idea without even knowing what he's going to say or what questions will be asked.

It may turn out in the end that he's just being a drama queen, but for right now, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.



I have always thought this since the show was announced: it doesn't take an hour to say, "I'm staying in CLE." It MIGHT take close to an hour to give the reasons why he left his "hometown" and why he chose another team.

edit: oh, and anyone comparing this to a Brett Farvre situation just isn't paying attention. Favre's wiggling takes about 6 months. This will end in 6-7 DAYS.

[ChaosLex]

As has been mentioned in the NBA forum, the Wiz should try to trade for Beasley.

[SouthRider]

And it leaks ...

So it appears he will join Wade and Bosh down in Miami. Talk about a dream team.

Realgm.com

I sure hope this is true. I would like nothing better than to have LaBron's big announcement leaked all over the internet before ESPN's big show. Serves them right.

[OK_Os_Fan]

Lebron who ? :scratchchinhmm:

[TakebackOPACY]

I find it interesting. It's a good story. It's the soap opera side of sports. OF COURSE it's overkill. And I appreciate Roy's angst over his perspective that having Lebron's very own one-hour special is just another precedent being set for the next guy.

[Avsfan]

Everyone moaning and groaning about ESPN...

Put yourself in the CEO/President/whoever's shoes.....you're sitting in your posh office in Connecticut...and you get a phone call from LeBron's management team.

Think about what you would say...would you honestly turn down this opportunity to have the WORLD focused on your channel for an hour in prime-time? This is an insane business opportunity...this is what working in the media is all about, exclusivity. They have no competitors....it's just ESPN, for an hour....with everyone and their mother watching.

I'm actually really surprised that it won't be simulcasted on ABC, as that is ESPNs parent company under the Disney wing.

[blid]

I don't see what the big fuss is. If you're someone like him with a ton of people hanging on, a bunch of people waiting on your decision, wouldn't it just be easy to get it all done? Make one big statement, take an hour to answer questions and have it all be done with?

Rather than making a statement through the press, having people harassing you and bugging you for an interview or a sound clip?

Seems like he's doing the easy thing. Everyone gets to find out at once, he'll answer a bunch of questions after the announcement that will give insight into his decision, everyone gets what they want at once.

Seems like a pretty cut and dry way of handling things. I don't mind what he's doing at all. Plus how can anyone be upset for anyone giving the advertising proceeds to charity? It's not like he's pocketing the money for himself.He didn't just say he was going to hold a press conference at whatever time, though. His team called ESPN to request a special hour of programming. Maybe it's about promoting his image so he can be more of a billionaire but it sounds like too much to me.

[Birds08]

Everyone moaning and groaning about ESPN...

Put yourself in the CEO/President/whoever's shoes.....you're sitting in your posh office in Connecticut...and you get a phone call from LeBron's management team.

Think about what you would say...would you honestly turn down this opportunity to have the WORLD focused on your channel for an hour in prime-time? This is an insane business opportunity...this is what working in the media is all about, exclusivity. They have no competitors....it's just ESPN, for an hour....with everyone and their mother watching.

I'm actually really surprised that it won't be simulcasted on ABC, as that is ESPNs parent company under the Disney wing.

Except they are giving away all the proceeds of the ads. It will actually be costing them ad money they would have made from regular programming had they not had this special.

[Avsfan]

Except they are giving away all the proceeds of the ads. It will actually be costing them ad money they would have made from regular programming had they not had this special.

I know that....this is still a no-brainer of a business move. Can you imagine if they turned it down? "Nah, LeBron, there's no profit in it for us...go ahead and go to CNN or Fox Sports".

ESPN's motto: "The World Wide Leader in Sports"

The entire world will be watching tonight...for an hour.

[VTmook213]

I sure hope this is true. I would like nothing better than to have LaBron's big announcement leaked all over the internet before ESPN's big show. Serves them right.What if his "inner circle" purposefully leaked him going to Miami ... when they know he's going to Cleveland!? Talk about some good drama! :scratchchinhmm:



Good for LeBron for doing something for charity.


Why is this in the Orioles Talk section? It has nothing to do with the Orioles. It doesn't even have to do with baseball!

[Can_of_corn]

Why is this in the Orioles Talk section? It has nothing to do with the Orioles. It doesn't even have to do with baseball!

Roy only posts in the Orioles talk forum.

For the record I would go to the team in the state without income tax.

[rochester]

Gee, the media hyping and overplaying a story?? nah....
How in the world can someone blame Lebron for this.
I really wish he would stay in Cleveland - not a Cavs fan - but loyalty is important.

I am so tired of FA's going to "Dream Teams" to win (i.e. Yankees, Sawx, etc.). Yes, I know it sometimes doesn't work (Mets) but what happened to competitiveness? Are athletes that lazy these days that they want to go with a team that lets them win without much sweat so they can get home earlier and review their bank statements?

[PaulFolk]

I thought this thread was going to be about Luis Lebron. I'm disappointed.

[Greg Pappas]

Media-driven hype. Anointing an athlete in their teens "King", when they haven't done anything, much less won a championship (and still haven't seven years later).

ESPN has sold out. Not that this is a new revelation. They have become in some respects the Pro Wrestling Sports Station... all about the entertainment.

The 'World-Wide Leader in Sports' used to be a bastion of quality reporting and insightful interviews. And while they touch this prior level on occasion, they've become lost in the blinding greed of money. It's like watching a friend or relative develop an addiction, and no matter what you do or say, they waste away regardless... losing sight of what was once good, and could be again. ESPN needs an intervention.

[srock]

It's boring. Right up there with Brett Favre.

It's like an elongated NFL Draft. Boring drivel eating up gobs of time with inane, worthless commentary.

FWIW, I don't think anything that you posted regarding jobs or environmental disasters has anything to do with ESPN (or any sports channel for that matter).

Due to this Lebronization of ESPN we have heard nary a peep about Brett Favre. This is good.

Also the World Cup is dominating headlines. Good move by Lebron to make his announcement during the break between the semi-finals and finals.

[KurtCDavidson]

My biggest problem is not the theatrics of it, but the completely unacknowledged conflict of interest that ESPN has now bred. Does ESPN want their reporters digging to uncover where Lebron is going to keep their readers/viewers informed? Or does ESPN want to keep the information secret to build the drama until tonight? To me, this is the biggest problem.

[Pedro Cerrano]

My biggest problem is not the theatrics of it, but the completely unacknowledged conflict of interest that ESPN has now bred. Does ESPN want their reporters digging to uncover where Lebron is going to keep their readers/viewers informed? Or does ESPN want to keep the information secret to build the drama until tonight? To me, this is the biggest problem.

Considering there is a headline on espn.com that reads "Sources state LeBron leaning towards Miami" I'd say that is the case.

[Hank Scorpio]

I sooooooooooooooo don't care.

[DuffMan]

Media-driven hype. Anointing an athlete in their teens "King", when they haven't done anything, much less won a championship (and still haven't seven years later).

ESPN has sold out. Not that this is a new revelation. They have become in some respects the Pro Wrestling Sports Station... all about the entertainment.

The 'World-Wide Leader in Sports' used to be a bastion of quality reporting and insightful interviews. And while they touch this prior level on occasion, they've become lost in the blinding greed of money. It's like watching a friend or relative develop an addiction, and no matter what you do or say, they waste away regardless... losing sight of what was once good, and could be again. ESPN needs an intervention.

Couldn't say it any better and this special is the epitome of what they've become.

[Roy Firestone]

Its says it all..One thing though..and Ill admit it freely. There not a single TV, radio, print or internet reporter(myself included) who would turn down the opportunity to "exclusively" report any decision by James almost regardless of the conditions he set .This is the tyranny of the media "free for all" landscape. Anything, and everything goes for the sake of the story and being"first"...Its sad, and regretable..but true.

In one of the most surreal television segments I’ve ever watched, ESPN basketball writer Chris Broussard “reported” that according to various NBA sources, LeBron will announce his decision on ESPN – the network Broussard works for and the network that he was appearing on to make this “report”. Broussard went on to say that he contacted ESPN officials and they confirmed that they were in discussions with LeBron James’ people but they did not know what his decision was going to be. ESPN officials had no further comment.

So let’s recap. An ESPN reporter got a tip that ESPN was going to break the LeBron news. The ESPN reporter contacted ESPN to get some confirmation. ESPN did confirm the news, but ESPN would not comment further to the ESPN reporter. Does anyone else’s head hurt?

It’s become common to rip ESPN for a variety of reasons. And a lot of it is deserved. But the positives of ESPN still FAR outweigh the negatives. They treat sports as importantly as they deserve to be treated. So I’ve never ripped them all that much because I’d be a hypocrite. I watch ESPN as much as or more than any other network on my cable.

But this LeBron thing is totally open to criticism. ESPN has long blurred the line between covering the news and making the news. There’s no blurring here. They’ve leapt over the proverbial ‘line’. ESPN can claim that they have no idea where LeBron is going to sign. But they’re going to have to know where LeBron is going to be speaking from, and isn’t that a large part of the story. If LeBron is in Chicago, New York or Miami, THAT’S news. If LeBron is in Cleveland or Akron, THAT’S news! ESPN owes it to its viewers to reveal that news. Embargoing that information is muting the news and flies in the face of free press and good journalism.

Who am I kidding though? It’s all about business. It’s all about brand. And it’s all about being first. And by doing this, ESPN can guarantee resounding successes in all three. And the money from the advertising will be donated to charity, so everyone will pat each other on the back for doing such a nice thing.

My dream is for the choice to be leaked out prior to 9 o’clock tomorrow night so that the hour long special is nothing more than an interview and a recap. And that may happen. But it won’t stop ESPN from claiming ownership of the story. It won’t stop the ESPN brand from growing. And it won’t stop ESPN from continuing to buy and create news so that they can own sports as we know it.

[Greg Pappas]

Its says it all..One thing though..and Ill admit it freely. There not a single TV, radio, print or internet reporter(myself included) who would turn down the opportunity to "exclusively" report any decision by James almost regardless of the conditions he set .This is the tyranny of the media "free for all" landscape. Anything, and everything goes for the sake of the story and being"first"...Its sad, and regretable..but true.

In one of the most surreal television segments I’ve ever watched, ESPN basketball writer Chris Broussard “reported” that according to various NBA sources, LeBron will announce his decision on ESPN – the network Broussard works for and the network that he was appearing on to make this “report”. Broussard went on to say that he contacted ESPN officials and they confirmed that they were in discussions with LeBron James’ people but they did not know what his decision was going to be. ESPN officials had no further comment.

So let’s recap. An ESPN reporter got a tip that ESPN was going to break the LeBron news. The ESPN reporter contacted ESPN to get some confirmation. ESPN did confirm the news, but ESPN would not comment further to the ESPN reporter. Does anyone else’s head hurt?

It’s become common to rip ESPN for a variety of reasons. And a lot of it is deserved. But the positives of ESPN still FAR outweigh the negatives. They treat sports as importantly as they deserve to be treated. So I’ve never ripped them all that much because I’d be a hypocrite. I watch ESPN as much as or more than any other network on my cable.

But this LeBron thing is totally open to criticism. ESPN has long blurred the line between covering the news and making the news. There’s no blurring here. They’ve leapt over the proverbial ‘line’. ESPN can claim that they have no idea where LeBron is going to sign. But they’re going to have to know where LeBron is going to be speaking from, and isn’t that a large part of the story. If LeBron is in Chicago, New York or Miami, THAT’S news. If LeBron is in Cleveland or Akron, THAT’S news! ESPN owes it to its viewers to reveal that news. Embargoing that information is muting the news and flies in the face of free press and good journalism.

Who am I kidding though? It’s all about business. It’s all about brand. And it’s all about being first. And by doing this, ESPN can guarantee resounding successes in all three. And the money from the advertising will be donated to charity, so everyone will pat each other on the back for doing such a nice thing.

My dream is for the choice to be leaked out prior to 9 o’clock tomorrow night so that the hour long special is nothing more than an interview and a recap. And that may happen. But it won’t stop ESPN from claiming ownership of the story. It won’t stop the ESPN brand from growing. And it won’t stop ESPN from continuing to buy and create news so that they can own sports as we know it.

As usual Roy... well-considered commentary.

[O's84]

I'm an NBA fan but I won't watch. I'll see it on SC or ESPNNews later.

[Methodology]

Don't have any idea if this is true or not but I heard that Lebron is going to be in CT for his special and announcement.

Some people are claiming this is proof he is going to sign with the Knicks.

IMO, I think he stays with Cleveland but only under certain circumstances. He will only sign a 3 year deal with an opt out clause after year 2, so he is not locked into Cleveland. It will give Cleveland one last chance to try to create a championship caliber team and if they fail Lebron can opt out and it would be the same year the Nets are moving to Brooklyn.

I dont think he signs with Chicago because no matter what he does he will always be in MJs shadow and not be able to create his own legacy. I don't thik he goes to Miami because it would just be a mockery of the league with Bosh, Wade, Lebron all on the same team. I think Lebron wants a challenge so people don't think he took the easy way out.

I also dont think Lebron has a one hour special just to stick it to his hometown and then bolt on them.

Then again no one has any idea what Lebron's intentions are and he is probably one of the only ones who truly knows what he is going to decide.

[DuffMan]

I will say this about ESPN, they've done a great job covering the World Cup.

[The Wedge]

I think the fact that I can't get away from it, even here on the Orioles specific section of OH, about baseball, makes me hate it with the fiery passion of a thousand suns.

Flame-flames...on the side of my face...heaving breaths...

[frankpembleton]

Completely and utterly indifferent.

[pokerface7418]

ESPN was pretty vocal this morning about LeBron making this announcement from Greenwich CT. So this conspiracy about not divulging the location is simply not true. I honestly believe ESPN does not know where LeBron is going to sign. I just wish they wouldn't tell me that every 3 minutes when I watch SC getting ready for work. I'd much rather see a couple more highlights from each of the 30+ ML games that happen every night.

[TGO]

I don't really care about ESPN's role in the whole thing. Of course they're going to jump on the opportunity when it's offered to them. I don't like what ESPN has become but I am not up in arms about it either. I just don't watch.

As for LeBron, I think this is a dumb thing to do. Charity or no, if he does not announce he is signing with Cleveland then he has basically chosen the most obnoxious way to piss off the entire state of Ohio. But whatever, it's his life.

[Slappy]

My opinion? This thread doesn't belong in "Orioles Talk".

[PaulBako]

My opinion? This thread doesn't belong in "Orioles Talk".

Well there ain't anything good to talk about the Orioles. This is much more interesting.

[CrimsonTribe]

Probably one of the most narcissistic displays I've ever seen. I think Adrian Wojnarowski said it best. Some excerpts:


The Championship of Me comes crashing into a primetime cable infomercial that LeBron James and his cronies have been working to make happen for months, a slow, cynical churning of manufactured drama that sports has never witnessed. As historic monuments go, this is the Rushmore of basketball hubris and narcissism. The vacuous star for our vacuous times. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.

James is throwing a few foosball tables at Boys & Girls Clubs, an empty gesture out of the empty superstar. He’s turned free agency into the title of our times, a preening pageant of fawning, begging and pleading. Hard-working people are dragged into municipalities and told to hold signs, chant scripted slogans and beg a diva who doesn’t care about them to accept a $100 million contract.


Team LeBron is having the time of its life, but has no idea the repercussions of what it’s done here. All that comes to James now is the biggest burden to win a championship that sports has ever seen. They aren’t making James a bigger star with this big-top, but a bigger target. All those teams that marched into the presentations and listened to some of the foolish and naive questions asked of them believed these kids had no idea what they were doing, or what they had gotten themselves into. They’re all feeling more validated every day. From beginning to end, this process has been a farce.


Everyone ridicules Cleveland, makes it a butt of jokes, but LeBron James has the chance to change all of that. And even then, it has to crush Cleveland’s sporting psyche that James could still walk out. If one of our own won’t stay, what does that say to the rest of the country?

That’s the hardest part here, and that makes the possibility that James would go on national television – with those split-screen shots of stunned fans in Akron and Cleveland – and completely crush those people so impossible to believe. He couldn’t be that cold, that callous, that cunning? Or perhaps, maybe this is all a rollout – the website, the Twitter page and the infomercial – to introduce a new LeBron, a new city, to the world.


Whatever happens, James and the television network will hide behind some money going to the Boys & Girls Clubs. But this isn’t about kids and sports, and it sure isn’t about the credibility that comes with winning championships. Something’s changed here, and LeBron James has gone a long way to devaluing winning and losing in the NBA. David Stern has long pushed the individual over team, marketed showy over substance, and LeBron James represents the manifestation of it all.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070710

[waroriole]

Probably one of the most narcissistic displays I've ever seen. I think Adrian Wojnarowski said it best. Some excerpts:









http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070710

I couldn't agree more.

[CrimsonTribe]

Stan Van Gundy also had a pretty good quip:


Come on, an hour long? It takes 15 seconds to say "I've decided to stay in Cleveland" but we've got another 59 minutes and 45 seconds to, what? Promote LeBron James? As if we don't do that enough. Look, the guy's a great player and wherever he goes, my bet would be Cleveland, that place will be excited. But an hour long special?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Stan-Van-Gundy-says-what-we-re-all-thinking;_ylt=AmoXN0IKR7eRu3P.YH55wdTTjdIF?urn=nba ,254359

[Sports Guy]

Good article by Simmons:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/100708

[osfan83]

ESPN? NBA? I'm sorry, I'm not familure with those terms.

Haven't really watched either in years.

[KurtCDavidson]

Considering there is a headline on espn.com that reads "Sources state LeBron leaning towards Miami" I'd say that is the case.

...in an effort to keep us informed or misinformed. Therein lies the conflict. Like Roy said, this one steps way over the line.

[osfan83]

...in an effort to keep us informed or misinformed. Therein lies the conflict. Like Roy said, this one steps way over the line.

Because they have been non-biased up until now :rolleyes: ESPN (ABC) is a for profit company (nothing wrong with that) who's job is to get ratings and revenue. I wouldn't be suprised to hear ESPN funnels money to the Yanks and RedSox to help them aquire players, or pays off umps to make sure those two make it to the post season (don't really think that). On the list of priorities:

1a Revenue
1b Ratings




15 Journalistic integrity

[Slappy]

If LeBron does all of this, and then publicly embarrasses Cleveland by going somewhere else...

That would be GREAT! Suck it Browns fans.

I kid, I kid. A little.

[The Epic]

Stan Van Gundy also had a pretty good quip:



http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Stan-Van-Gundy-says-what-we-re-all-thinking;_ylt=AmoXN0IKR7eRu3P.YH55wdTTjdIF?urn=nba ,254359

It also takes 5 minutes to show the NCAA tourney field. But people watch. The point isn't that it's overkill; everybody knows that. The fact is that people will watch, so who cares? The nation watched and overanalyzed Tiger Woods' press conference, and that had less to do with sports than this.

[adamwolff11]

I think one of the main issues people should have with it is that it's an "hour long special". Had Lebron said "Hey, I'd like to hold a press conference at 9:00 where I'll announce my decision and answer questions.", I think that goes over differently, even if that may be what this is. Calling it this hour long special, it'll probably be filled with a lot of empty commentary and Lebron promotion.

It really doesn't bother me. I'm looking forward to it, and plan on watching it. I love the NBA, and I think most of the people on here who are so vehemently against this probably dislike the NBA as well. Nothing wrong with that, to each his own (novel idea for this board, isn't it?).

Lebron is the best basketball player in the game right now. This decision is going to have a lot of effect on the NBA for quite awhile, so yeah, it's a big deal. Everyone freaking out about it should be glad it's over after tonight.

[SJA]

Well I'll be watching too unfortunately. At the end of the day, I don't want to be ignorant when the cooler talk at work on Friday is going to be all about LeBron.

That's why I get all of my sports news right here on the Hangout. Screw the big networks, I will get better analysis from OH posters anyway. :D

[The Epic]

Here's a random question.

If this was a young Peyton Manning, or Ryan Howard, or Sidney Crosby...a young superstar in another sport...that was in this situation, would you feel the same way? Would a one-hour special still seem horrible to you?

To the people who are watching, the team he picks will win championships. It changes the whole scope of the sport. That's why it's so big. The one decision he makes will shift the entire league.

[CrimsonTribe]

It also takes 5 minutes to show the NCAA tourney field. But people watch. The point isn't that it's overkill; everybody knows that. The fact is that people will watch, so who cares? The nation watched and overanalyzed Tiger Woods' press conference, and that had less to do with sports than this.

I'm not a fan of those either.

I'll watch this anyway though just so I can make fun of it.

[waroriole]

Here's a random question.

If this was a young Peyton Manning, or Ryan Howard, or Sidney Crosby...a young superstar in another sport...that was in this situation, would you feel the same way? Would a one-hour special still seem horrible to you?

To the people who are watching, the team he picks will win championships. It changes the whole scope of the sport. That's why it's so big. The one decision he makes will shift the entire league.

I think it's the apparent ego. None of those other players have or would hold an hour long special for themselves to announce where they are going to play. Not even ARod did something like this. He's been promoting this for some time, and I just don't care for the "Hey, look at me" crap that goes along with it.

[CrimsonTribe]

Here's a random question.

If this was a young Peyton Manning, or Ryan Howard, or Sidney Crosby...a young superstar in another sport...that was in this situation, would you feel the same way? Would a one-hour special still seem horrible to you?

To the people who are watching, the team he picks will win championships. It changes the whole scope of the sport. That's why it's so big. The one decision he makes will shift the entire league.

What if Peyton Manning, Ryan Howard, Sidney Crosby, or any other athlete was such a raging narcissist that he had to orchestrate his whole sport's offseason around his own free agency and create a one-hour special to declare which team he was going to? Yeah, I'd say the same thing.

[Birds of B'more]

I think one of the main issues people should have with it is that it's an "hour long special". Had Lebron said "Hey, I'd like to hold a press conference at 9:00 where I'll announce my decision and answer questions.", I think that goes over differently, even if that may be what this is. Calling it this hour long special, it'll probably be filled with a lot of empty commentary and Lebron promotion.

It really doesn't bother me. I'm looking forward to it, and plan on watching it. I love the NBA, and I think most of the people on here who are so vehemently against this probably dislike the NBA as well. Nothing wrong with that, to each his own (novel idea for this board, isn't it?).

Lebron is the best basketball player in the game right now. This decision is going to have a lot of effect on the NBA for quite awhile, so yeah, it's a big deal. Everyone freaking out about it should be glad it's over after tonight.

The weird part his that ESPN says he intends to announce his decision within the first 10 minutes of the show. Other than the fans of the team he chooses, how many people are going to stay tuned for the rest? Not many, I'm guessing.

[The Epic]

What if Peyton Manning, Ryan Howard, Sidney Crosby, or any other athlete was such a raging narcissist that he had to orchestrate his whole sport's offseason around his own free agency and create a one-hour special to declare which team he was going to? Yeah, I'd say the same thing.

So when high school students do the same thing, it's narcissism? Harrison Barnes, John Wall, etc? (Answer: Well, yeah.) Dude's never been recruited before. He's milking it for what it's worth.

[mweb]

The weird part his that ESPN says he intends to announce his decision within the first 10 minutes of the show. Other than the fans of the team he chooses, how many people are going to stay tuned for the rest? Not many, I'm guessing.

I think the viewship will certainly go down after the reveal, but a lot of people will want to hear Wilbon and the others interview him.

[waroriole]

So when high school students do the same thing, it's narcissism? Harrison Barnes, John Wall, etc? (Answer: Well, yeah.) Dude's never been recruited before. He's milking it for what it's worth.

Yes, of course. At least they have an excuse b/c they're only 17 or 18 and never had any national attention before. This guy has been the focal point of the NBA for at least 3 years, and it's not enough.

[mweb]

What if Peyton Manning, Ryan Howard, Sidney Crosby, or any other athlete was such a raging narcissist that he had to orchestrate his whole sport's offseason around his own free agency and create a one-hour special to declare which team he was going to? Yeah, I'd say the same thing.

What's the big deal about the special? Like Moose said, he'd get interviewed by ESPN guys anyway, and tons of people will want to see him declare and talk about his decision. Plus, the attention would obviously be there regardless of the show. This way, we get most of the info we want to hear in that hour, instead of hearing things from different sources over the course of days about why he decided to what he did, then getting a press conference where questions may not even be asked, and then getting the big ESPN interview at some point.

The fact that the money is going to charity is a positive as well.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Does anyone here still think he's not going to Miami?

[Birds of B'more]

I think the viewship will certainly go down after the reveal, but a lot of people will want to hear Wilbon and the others interview him.

I suppose some might. Of course this is coming from someone who won't watch at all and will just check my phone at about 6:15 (Pacific time) to see what he said.

BTW: Despite all the rumors, my money is still on him staying in Cleveland, but he'll sign a contract that he can void after 3 years if he chooses. Makes perfect sense really. If in 3 more years Cleveland still can't build a good enough team around him, people will probably be less judgmental of him if he leaves. He'll still only be 28, young enough to easily command a max contract. And best of all (for him) in just 3 more years he'll be able to preen all over our TV screens again like the attention-whore that he is. The only potential downfall is that a max contract in 3 years might not be what it is right now under a new CBA...but I doubt he'd lose that much money in the grand scheme of things.

[The Epic]

Yes, of course. At least they have an excuse b/c they're only 17 or 18 and never had any national attention before. This guy has been the focal point of the NBA for at least 3 years, and it's not enough.

Ehhhh, some players get that attention well before. Not nearly to LeBron's scale, I admit, but still.

But still, he's never been courted. He's never had that choice. Yeah, he'd had that attention, but he's never had franchises waiting on his decision like that. Now he will.

And given the importance of this, I can't blame him. Hell, most of the people that will watch this probably can't name five players on the team that won the NBA Finals, or who went third in the NBA Draft, but they'll know who Maverick Carter is. If you're that big, hey, milk it.

[CrimsonTribe]

So when high school students do the same thing, it's narcissism? Harrison Barnes, John Wall, etc? (Answer: Well, yeah.) Dude's never been recruited before. He's milking it for what it's worth.

To a much lower degree, sure. But it's also standard operating procedure for top high school athletes, their high schools, and their communities. LeBron's song and dance is so far above and beyond what any other free agent has done in any other sport that it's in another galaxy.

[beaner]

It's the biggest SPORTS story in the nation, and it'll be on the biggest SPORTS network in the country. Good god, how does this not make sense to people.

Jim Gray approached LeBron and his people during the NBA finals with this idea, and they went and ran with it. This whole "LeBron's Ego" thing is blown waaaay out of proportion.

Is it ridiculous? Of course it is, but man, just enjoy the ride or change the channel.

[waroriole]

Ehhhh, some players get that attention well before. Not nearly to LeBron's scale, I admit, but still.

But still, he's never been courted. He's never had that choice. Yeah, he'd had that attention, but he's never had franchises waiting on his decision like that. Now he will.

And given the importance of this, I can't blame him. Hell, most of the people that will watch this probably can't name five players on the team that won the NBA Finals, or who went third in the NBA Draft, but they'll know who Maverick Carter is. If you're that big, hey, milk it.

I just don't see why this matters. KG, Kobe etc. never had been courted and they didn't act like attention whores. Also, it's nobody's fault but his that he's never been courted. He could have gone to college.

[Sports Guy]

It's the biggest SPORTS story in the nation, and it'll be on the biggest SPORTS network in the country. Good god, how does this not make sense to people.

Jim Gray approached LeBron and his people during the NBA finals with this idea, and they went and ran with it. This whole "LeBron's Ego" thing is blown waaaay out of proportion.

Is it ridiculous? Of course it is, but man, just enjoy the ride or change the channel.

:clap3::clap3::clap3::clap3:

You better believe if he was announcing that he was going to the Wizards, most of the people in this thread would be excited.

[CrimsonTribe]

What's the big deal about the special? Like Moose said, he'd get interviewed by ESPN guys anyway, and tons of people will want to see him declare and talk about his decision. Plus, the attention would obviously be there regardless of the show. This way, we get most of the info we want to hear in that hour, instead of hearing things from different sources over the course of days about why he decided to what he did, then getting a press conference where questions may not even be asked, and then getting the big ESPN interview at some point.

The fact that the money is going to charity is a positive as well.

It's the special as it fits in with everything else he and his team have done to orchestrate this mess. But what's wrong with having a regular old press conference like everyone else? Is he on such a higher plane that he deserves such special treatment? Because, if so, you'd think he would have won a championship by now.

[The Epic]

I just don't see why this matters. KG, Kobe etc. never had been courted and they didn't act like attention whores. Also, it's nobody's fault but his that he's never been courted. He could have gone to college.

Because he –wants- it to matter, and the public and ESPN are feeding the beast. Nothing more, nothing less.

Favre never had people hanging on his every word. Boxers never had that "24/7” crap they have before big fights. TO/Chad never had their own reality shows. But now they do. Because we watch. And it sells.

You treat players like this, some will become attention whores. The only way to stop is to not pay attention, and that isn't happening.

[The Epic]

Beaner (Tar Heel) agreeing with Sports Guy (Dookie) on one side, and waroriole (War Eagle) agreeing with CrimsonTribe (Roll Tide) on the other?

Excuse me while my brain explodes.

[TGO]

Don't count out the O's. James has the size and athleticism to be a fixture at 1B for years, and MacPhail reportedly still has the WOW offer in his pocket.

[osfan83]

First there was just 3 or 4 channels to watch in each city.
Then cable came with 30 channels and a 24 hour sports channel.
Then each league started their own channel, 24 hours of MLB or NBA....
Now is the time for 24 hour player channels. The Lebron Network. 24/7/365 nothing but Lebron... or 24 hour Kobe, or 24 hour Arod. Why not?

[CrimsonTribe]

Beaner (Tar Heel) agreeing with Sports Guy (Dookie) on one side, and waroriole (War Eagle) agreeing with CrimsonTribe (Roll Tide) on the other?

Excuse me while my brain explodes.

Hell hath frozen over.

[Birds of B'more]

First there was just 3 or 4 channels to watch in each city.
Then cable came with 30 channels and a 24 hour sports channel.
Then each league started their own channel, 24 hours of MLB or NBA....
Now is the time for 24 hour player channels. The Lebron Network. 24/7/365 nothing but Lebron... or 24 hour Kobe, or 24 hour Arod. Why not?

With Kobe and Arod's antics, their channels would have to be on the Adults Only package.

[mweb]

It's the special as it fits in with everything else he and his team have done to orchestrate this mess. But what's wrong with having a regular old press conference like everyone else? Is he on such a higher plane that he deserves such special treatment? Because, if so, you'd think he would have won a championship by now.

I think that's largely semantics as far as the press conference vs special. Why does that matter to you? He's going to say where he's going and why either way and then be asked questions. The primary difference is we may not know where he's going beforehand and the money generated is going to charity.

The second part is clearly a positive while the first is different and debatable. However, at the same time, I bet a lot of people who are into this would be disappointed if they just got a tweet or a breaking story saying where LeBron was going and then had to wait awhile before hearing from him. You don't seem to care much about this story, so you probably don't relate to that.

With the media and the social media evolving as much as it is, I think we are going to be hearing from the athletes first much more often as far as decisions like this, or at least we'll hear from them before they have a team press conference.

[beaner]

Beaner (Tar Heel) agreeing with Sports Guy (Dookie) on one side, and waroriole (War Eagle) agreeing with CrimsonTribe (Roll Tide) on the other?

Excuse me while my brain explodes.

If I'm being honest, I agree with SG on 90% of his posts. Shhh, don't tell anyone.

I do agree with the Bama boys that it's ridiculous, but I don't think it's all ego like some do.

[VThokies]

Just out of curiosity, what was scheduled to be on at 9 before The Decision was anounced? Sorry if I missed that somewhere already in this thread.

[CrimsonTribe]

I think that's largely semantics as far as the press conference vs special. Why does that matter to you? He's going to say where he's going and why either way and then be asked questions. The primary difference is we may not know where he's going beforehand and the money generated is going to charity.

The second part is clearly a positive while the first is different and debatable. However, at the same time, I bet a lot of people who are into this would be disappointed if they just got a tweet or a breaking story saying where LeBron was going and then had to wait awhile before hearing from him. You don't seem to care much about this story, so of probably don't relate to that.

With the media and the social media evolving as much as it is, I think we are going to be hearing from the athletes first much more often as far as decisions like this, or at least we'll hear from them before they have a team press conference.

It only matters to me in that it's another reason to dislike LeBron and point out that he's a raging narcissist. The charity thing is just a way to sugarcoat that he and his people have arranged another giant ego stroke. Read Adrian Wojnarowski's article (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070710) that I posted earlier. It pretty much sums up how I feel about James and his posse.

[beaner]

It only matters to me in that it's another reason to dislike LeBron and point out that he's a raging narcissist. The charity thing is just a way to sugarcoat that he and his people have arranged another giant ego stroke. Read Adrian Wojnarowski's article (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070710) that I posted earlier. It pretty much sums up how I feel about James and his posse.

Jim Gray supossedly approached LBJ and his people about this for what it's worth. He was on the Dan Patrick show this morning.

[mweb]

It only matters to me in that it's another reason to dislike LeBron and point out that he's a raging narcissist. The charity thing is just a way to sugarcoat that he and his people have arranged another giant ego stroke. Read Adrian Wojnarowski's article (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070710) that I posted earlier. It pretty much sums up how I feel about James and his posse.

Well whatever you want to get worked up about I guess.

[CrimsonTribe]

Jim Gray supossedly approached LBJ and his people about this for what it's worth. He was on the Dan Patrick show this morning.

Did not know that. Fill me in, were LBJ and his people trying to do the special and then Jim Gray suggested giving the ad revenues to charity?

[CrimsonTribe]

Well whatever you want to get worked up about I guess.

Calmer than you are.

[beaner]

Did not know that. Fill me in, were LBJ and his people trying to do the special and then Jim Gray suggested giving the ad revenues to charity?

Jim Gray had the idea to buy the time on TV, not LeBron, not "his people". Anyway, here's the link to the real story.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/

[mweb]

Calmer than you are.

Haha, ok. I'm perfectly calm. I just don't understand why people are upset or whatever word you want to use about this.

[CrimsonTribe]

Jim Gray had the idea to buy the time on TV, not LeBron, not "his people". Anyway, here's the link to the real story.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/

Well, I'll shut up about that part then. But I still think it's ridiculous.

[waroriole]

Beaner (Tar Heel) agreeing with Sports Guy (Dookie) on one side, and waroriole (War Eagle) agreeing with CrimsonTribe (Roll Tide) on the other?

Excuse me while my brain explodes.

His team still sucks though.;)

[beaner]

Well, I'll shut up about that part then. But I still think it's ridiculous.

It seems to be a pretty common misconception (understandably) that this was LeBron's idea, and that his ego demanded this, so I certainly understand people's frustration with it. I just wanted to point out how this really came about, that's all.

I do agree that it's ridiculous.

[CrimsonTribe]

It seems to be a pretty common misconception (understandably) that this was LeBron's idea, and that his ego demanded this, so I certainly understand people's frustration with it. I just wanted to point out how this really came about, that's all.

I do agree that it's ridiculous.

I still think it's a massive ego stroke too. It fits in with his actions during free agency and over the last few years to set this all up.

[beaner]

I still think it's a massive ego stroke too. It fits in with his actions during free agency and over the last few years to set this all up.

Sure, I can't disagree that it's an ego stroke also, however, I believe that if Jim Gray wouldn't have come up with the TV idea, it would have just been a press conference like everyone else. I just didn't want everyone to jump to the conclusion that this was all LBJ's idea...

[mweb]

Plus, newsflash: most of the best athletes in the world have huge egos.

[scOtt]

The weird part his that ESPN says he intends to announce his decision within the first 10 minutes of the show. Other than the fans of the team he chooses, how many people are going to stay tuned for the rest? Not many, I'm guessing.
Doesn't matter. A 30 share (or whatever) for the first 10 minutes is a 30 share for the whole hour. ;)

[CrimsonTribe]

Well, I'll shut up about that part then. But I still think it's ridiculous.


It seems to be a pretty common misconception (understandably) that this was LeBron's idea, and that his ego demanded this, so I certainly understand people's frustration with it. I just wanted to point out how this really came about, that's all.

I do agree that it's ridiculous.

Check That.


sportsguy33 And BTW - ESPN execs talked to Maverick about this idea as far back as Dallas during All-Star Weekend in February. Jim Gray is delusional.

http://twitter.com/sportsguy33/status/18066733793

[Pushmonkey]

Who cares? This is in the Orioles Talk section why?

[beaner]

Check That.



http://twitter.com/sportsguy33/status/18066733793

Interesting..I'm a Simmons guy, so I trust his stuff when it comes to the NBA.

[notfast]

IF he choses Mia/Chi/NYC, does this move him ahead of Art Modell in Cleveland? I think so.

[Methodology]

IF he choses Mia/Chi/NYC, does this move him ahead of Art Modell in Cleveland? I think so.

Read Mark Cuban's take...

http://blogmaverick.com/

[Moose Milligan]

He's gonna stab the people of Cleveland in the back on national TV.

Actually, I think it's more like stabbing in the chest. They've seen it coming.

I feel bad for Cleveland sports fans. They cannot get a break...their teams almost always suck. Elway kills the Browns with The Drive. The next year, Ernest Byner fumbles on the goal line. Jordan over Ehlo. Indians can't win game 7. Modell moves the team. That poor fanbase cannot get a break.

And now their favorite son, hometown hero and arguably the best player in the game is going to leave.

It's hard not to feel bad for them.

[Sanfran327]

This TV special is other worldly...

2010 has officially jumped the shark.

[notfast]

Read Mark Cuban's take...

http://blogmaverick.com/

:clap3::clap3:

[Moose Milligan]

Read Mark Cuban's take...

http://blogmaverick.com/

I don't even think it's a contest. I think he passes Modell at Usain Bolt speed in about .3 seconds.

Yeah, Modell moved the team...but Cleveland finally got a football team back. IMO, that softens the blow a little bit.

LeBron came up in Ohio, people there have been watching him since he was a teenager. He's a God in Ohio.

And he's gonna crap all over that in a minute here.

[notfast]

And he's gonna crap all over that in 45 minutes here.

Are they really gonna announce it soon? or Drag out?

[Crazysilver03]

Who cares? This is in the Orioles Talk section why?

Because Roy Firestone has permission to post where ever he wants.

[Sanfran327]

I don't even think it's a contest. I think he passes Modell at Usain Bolt speed in about .3 seconds.

Yeah, Modell moved the team...but Cleveland finally got a football team back. IMO, that softens the blow a little bit.

LeBron came up in Ohio, people there have been watching him since he was a teenager. He's a God in Ohio.

And he's gonna crap all over that in a minute here.

I'm not sure of the exact timeline, but didn't the Ravens win the Super Bowl shortly after the Browns moved to Baltimore? And wasn't that before the new Browns popped up in Cleveland?

That's pretty bad.

[eddie83]

I'm not sure of the exact timeline, but didn't the Ravens win the Super Bowl shortly after the Browns moved to Baltimore? And wasn't that before the new Browns popped up in Cleveland?

That's pretty bad.

Browns came back in 1999, Ravens won the SB next season.

[Crazysilver03]

I'm not sure of the exact timeline, but didn't the Ravens win the Super Bowl shortly after the Browns moved to Baltimore? And wasn't that before the new Browns popped up in Cleveland?

That's pretty bad.

The Ravens moved to Baltimore in 1996 and won the SuperBowl during the 2000 season. The Browns restarted in 1999.

[Sanfran327]

Browns came back in 1999, Ravens won the SB next season.

Ahh. Thanks.

Not sure that makes it any better though. :noidea:

[backwardsk]

I'd be much more interested if LeBron showed up with his twin tower enforcers --Bryant Reeves and Todd Fuller-- and said the Big 3 were going to play together in Seattle.

[Trojanman]

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cleveland-com-live-broadcast

Live feed from a bar in Cleveland. Things could get really ugly if Lebron leaves.

[Sports Guy]

He's gonna stab the people of Cleveland in the back on national TV.

Actually, I think it's more like stabbing in the chest. They've seen it coming.

I feel bad for Cleveland sports fans. They cannot get a break...their teams almost always suck. Elway kills the Browns with The Drive. The next year, Ernest Byner fumbles on the goal line. Jordan over Ehlo. Indians can't win game 7. Modell moves the team. That poor fanbase cannot get a break.

And now their favorite son, hometown hero and arguably the best player in the game is going to leave.

It's hard not to feel bad for them.
And this is why I still think he stays in Clev...Hard to believe he is going to do that to Clev on national TV.

[Sanfran327]

Come on, LeBron... pick Cleveland and restore some of my faith in professional sports.

[notfast]

Ask the question jim gray!

[Sports Guy]

Come on, LeBron... pick Cleveland and restore some of my faith in professional sports.

Well, remember something here...Everyone says sports is about money.

LeBron will take less money if he goes elsewhere.

[backwardsk]

What if he walks away from Gray because of the way he treated Pete Rose at the All-Star game. Who was that? Chad Curtis?

[Sanfran327]

Well, remember something here...Everyone says sports is about money.

LeBron will take less money if he goes elsewhere.

He's gotta stay.

He's gotta stay.

I'm not a basketball fan at all... he's gotta stay.

[Sports Guy]

And Miami it is.

[The Rick]

Well, it's the Heat--Good for him. Gets to play with his best friends, gave Cleveland several years to win, didn't happen, is moving on.

[Sanfran327]

Sickening...

Bad day for pro sports.

[notfast]

He's gotta stay.

He's gotta stay.

I'm not a basketball fan at all... he's gotta stay.

I feel a little twinge in my gut for Cleveland. :(

[backwardsk]

This has become a spectacle of the WWE variety. Will DeShawn Stevenson hit him over the head with a folding chair?

[Moose Milligan]

And this is why I still think he stays in Clev...Hard to believe he is going to do that to Clev on national TV.

Looks like he just did it.

Man, this is awful. I hoped he'd stay in Cleveland and I don't particularly like him or the Cavs.

[Sanfran327]

I feel a little twinge in my gut for Cleveland. :(

Srsly. This is awful.

[tvz1997]

Great, now I have three NBA teams to hate.

[Moose Milligan]

"I've never wanted to leave Cleveland."

Uhhh...yeah right. You just did.

[Greg Pappas]

Sadly expected. Will the Cavs ever recover... will their great fans?

[The Wedge]

Great, now I have three NBA teams to hate.

It's a lot easier if you hate all of Not Basketball Anymore.

[Bosibus]

I really thought he was going to stay in Cleveland to be honest.

[The Rick]

"I've never wanted to leave Cleveland."

Uhhh...yeah right. You just did.

He gave Cleveland 7 years, they didn't win. Now he's moving on to play with his best friends and win some rings.

[Sports Guy]

This is really Chris Bosh's fault.

Had he gone to Cle, LeBron stays.

End of the day, Clev hasn't done enough to give him a chance to win in the playoffs. I don't blame him but I think this is the wrong way to do it.

[backwardsk]

It's a known fact that he always wanted to play with Shavlik Randolph.

[Sanfran327]

This is really Chris Bosh's fault.

Had he gone to Cle, LeBron stays.

End of the day, Clev hasn't done enough to give him a chance to win in the playoffs. I don't blame him but I think this is the wrong way to do it.

LOL... you're joking, right?

[MrOrange82]

"I've never wanted to leave Cleveland."

Uhhh...yeah right. You just did.

Silver lining: even with that trio, the Heat's going to get dusted with no supporting cast (or cap space for a supporting cast). That's a team built to wear down by the time the playoffs roll around.

What an ---.

[Sports Guy]

Sadly expected. Will the Cavs ever recover... will their great fans?

No...Lebron is now Modell.

They couldn't get Bosh to come there WITH LEBRON!

They are going to have to land another top pick and have that player be a great one.

Right now, their roster isn't good and many of the pieces aren't tradeable..at least for anything of value.

[backwardsk]

This is really Chris Bosh's fault.

Had he gone to Cle, LeBron stays.

End of the day, Clev hasn't done enough to give him a chance to win in the playoffs. I don't blame him but I think this is the wrong way to do it.

If Boozer didn't screw over Cleveland to go to Utah, they may have won a ring by now.

[Sports Guy]

Silver lining: even with that trio, the Heat's going to get dusted with no supporting cast (or cap space for a supporting cast). That's a team built to wear down by the time the playoffs roll around.

What an ---.

They will get the supporting cast.

[Sports Guy]

LOL... you're joking, right?

Not at all..Nothing I said there was even remotely funny..just the truth.

[The Rick]

No...Lebron is now Modell.

They couldn't get Bosh to come there WITH LEBRON!

They are going to have to land another top pick and have that player be a great one.

Right now, their roster isn't good and many of the pieces aren't tradeable..at least for anything of value.

Stinks for Cleveland, and stinks for Byron Scott.

[MrOrange82]

They will get the supporting cast.

How? By trading in Pepsi points? I think money is going to be a major problem in re: that department.

[Sports Guy]

Now, they apparently have a trade of Beasley to Charlotte...Not sure what Miami is getting back.

[notfast]

They will get the supporting cast.

Who? Serious question. I dont think they're gonna win the east.

[Bosibus]

Are the Magic still better than the Heat though?

[Sports Guy]

How? By trading in Pepsi points? I think money is going to be a major problem in re: that department.
But there are different exemptions that a team can have and the salary cap is going to be higher than initially thought.

[backwardsk]

No...Lebron is now Modell.

They couldn't get Bosh to come there WITH LEBRON!

They are going to have to land another top pick and have that player be a great one.

Right now, their roster isn't good and many of the pieces aren't tradeable..at least for anything of value.

Out of curiosity, why would the Raptors be compelled to do the sign and trade? Why wouldn't they prefer the cap space instead of taking on a bad player with a bad contract?

[notfast]

But there are different exemptions that a team can have and the salary cap is going to be higher than initially thought.

Its only $2m more.

[The Rick]

How? By trading in Pepsi points? I think money is going to be a major problem in re: that department.

The role players they need won't be that expensive. Bottom line is, James now has his Pippen, and more. They will win, no doubt about that at all.

The only thing that worries me here is Wade's knee and his injury history, but if everyone stays healthy, this team will be very very good for quite a long time.

[Sports Guy]

Are the Magic still better than the Heat though?

Today, they are.

These guys are going to have to play together, get to know each other and have some of the supporting cast know their role.

Remember, the East isn't that difficult of a conference.

[Sanfran327]

Not at all..Nothing I said there was even remotely funny..just the truth.

I don't know, man... not so sure you can pin this on Bosh. 'Bron 'Bron is is own person. He could have stayed.

But I will say this: I had the good fortune of playing my last year of Babe Ruth baseball with my two best friends on my team. I wasn't that good, but they were two of the better players in the league, and somehow my dad 'drafted' both of them. Most fun season of baseball I've ever had, including my college years.

If Lebron, Bosh, and Wade are as close as advertised, this is the only thing that makes this any better.

[MrOrange82]

The role players they need won't be that expensive. Bottom line is, James now has his Pippen, and more. They will win, no doubt about that at all.

The only thing that worries me here is Wade's knee and his injury history, but if everyone stays healthy, this team will be very very good for quite a long time.

That's the thing, though. They're going to need the big three to play a LOT. If one goes down, that team takes a dive.

They'll definitely win if healthy, but I don't see a championship in their near future.

[Moose Milligan]

Cavs won 60+ games this year and last year, IIRC. I'll agree that his supporting cast wasn't the best, but it's not like his team was completely awful. LeBron hurts his elbow and the Delonte West rumors certainly played a part this year.

To say he "hasn't won" is an absurd statement. He's won a ton of games...let's keep in mind that it's a team sport and that the NBA chooses to market it's stars first. And at the end of the season, only one team holds up that trophy. It's not like he didn't completely turn around Cleveland Cavalier basketball almost singlehandedly....he certainly did. He made the Cavs relevant and something should be said for that.

It's a dumb move...LeBron, Bosh, Wade...and who else? The Celtics are a deep team, the Lakers are a deep team. There's no way that Miami can be a deep team like that, they can't afford a supporting cast like Kobe has in Gasol, Odom, etc.

[The Rick]

That's the thing, though. They're going to need the big three to play a LOT. If one goes down, that team takes a dive.

They'll definitely win if healthy, but I don't see a championship in their near future.

But the same can be said about any other team. Bosh & Wade are Pippen'esque to LeBron. Hopefully one doesn't go down, but even if one does, they're still two very very good players that can carry that team.

[Sports Guy]

Its only $2m more.

2 million can be a lot when you can have vets taking the league minimum or slightly more to come join that team and win rings.

What do they get for BEasley? That is one thing..They will probably keep Haslem.

What kind of vet exemptions will they be able to get?

They will have other guys there...Plus, they have their 3 second round picks...Butler isn't back until the second half of the season but a guy like Varnado may be very important for them.

[Sports Guy]

I don't know, man... not so sure you can pin this on Bosh. 'Bron 'Bron is is own person. He could have stayed.

But I will say this: I had the good fortune of playing my last year of Babe Ruth baseball with my two best friends on my team. I wasn't that good, but they were two of the better players in the league, and somehow my dad 'drafted' both of them. Most fun season of baseball I've ever had, including my college years.

If Lebron, Bosh, and Wade are as close as advertised, this is the only thing that makes this any better.

I am not pinning it on Bosh...But there is absolutely no doubt that if Bosh says, I will go to Clev, that LeBron stays in Clev...and Wade likely ends up in Chicago...For the NBA, that would have been better than what happened IMO.

[Moose Milligan]

Cavs won 60+ games this year and last year, IIRC. I'll agree that his supporting cast wasn't the best, but it's not like his team was completely awful. LeBron hurts his elbow and the Delonte West rumors certainly played a part this year.

To say he "hasn't won" is an absurd statement. He's won a ton of games...let's keep in mind that it's a team sport and that the NBA chooses to market it's stars first. And at the end of the season, only one team holds up that trophy. It's not like he didn't completely turn around Cleveland Cavalier basketball almost singlehandedly....he certainly did. He made the Cavs relevant and something should be said for that.

It's a dumb move...LeBron, Bosh, Wade...and who else? The Celtics are a deep team, the Lakers are a deep team. There's no way that Miami can be a deep team like that, they can't afford a supporting cast like Kobe has in Gasol, Odom, etc.

[The Rick]

Cavs won 60+ games this year and last year, IIRC. I'll agree that his supporting cast wasn't the best, but it's not like his team was completely awful. LeBron hurts his elbow and the Delonte West rumors certainly played a part this year.

To say he "hasn't won" is an absurd statement. He's won a ton of games...let's keep in mind that it's a team sport and that the NBA chooses to market it's stars first. And at the end of the season, only one team holds up that trophy. It's not like he didn't completely turn around Cleveland Cavalier basketball almost singlehandedly....he certainly did. He made the Cavs relevant and something should be said for that.

It's a dumb move...LeBron, Bosh, Wade...and who else? The Celtics are a deep team, the Lakers are a deep team. There's no way that Miami can be a deep team like that, they can't afford a supporting cast like Kobe has in Gasol, Odom, etc.

No it's not at all. It's a REAL statement, it's the only thing that mattered in this decision. It's all about the ring, period, end of conversation.

I understand your sentiment here and see what you're saying, but at the end of the day it's all about the fact that he spent 7 years in Cleveland, and he's 0/7 in his quest for a ring.

[Moose Milligan]

Happy that the Knicks lost out here. Way to look like idiots and putting all your eggs in one basket, NY. May you continue to rot in the depths of NBA hell forever.

[ChaosLex]

What a piece of freakin' garbage.

[Sports Guy]

Cavs won 60+ games this year and last year, IIRC. I'll agree that his supporting cast wasn't the best, but it's not like his team was completely awful. LeBron hurts his elbow and the Delonte West rumors certainly played a part this year.

To say he "hasn't won" is an absurd statement. He's won a ton of games...let's keep in mind that it's a team sport and that the NBA chooses to market it's stars first. And at the end of the season, only one team holds up that trophy. It's not like he didn't completely turn around Cleveland Cavalier basketball almost singlehandedly....he certainly did. He made the Cavs relevant and something should be said for that.

It's a dumb move...LeBron, Bosh, Wade...and who else? The Celtics are a deep team, the Lakers are a deep team. There's no way that Miami can be a deep team like that, they can't afford a supporting cast like Kobe has in Gasol, Odom, etc.

Championships...Winning 60 regular season games is meaningless.

Kobe's supporting cast that you just named isn't a big 3 of LeBron, Wade and Bosh.

The Heat have to find guys like Artest, Blake, Fisher, etc....And they will find those guys..there is no doubt that.

[The Rick]

I am not pinning it on Bosh...But there is absolutely no doubt that if Bosh says, I will go to Clev, that LeBron stays in Clev...and Wade likely ends up in Chicago...For the NBA, that would have been better than what happened IMO.

Maybe, but if the Heat go on a dynasty esque run, I think that will have been better for the league. Dynasties are always good for the league's history, to a degree. Obviously parity is great, but the best player in the league getting rings is better. I think there's enough talent to have some other competitive teams in the East too, mainly Orlando & Boston.

[Sanfran327]

I am not pinning it on Bosh...But there is absolutely no doubt that if Bosh says, I will go to Clev, that LeBron stays in Clev...and Wade likely ends up in Chicago...For the NBA, that would have been better than what happened IMO.

Gotta agree here.

Shifting gears... I still think it's crazy for people to think that the Heat aren't already the 2011 Finals winners.

[MrOrange82]

But the same can be said about any other team. Bosh & Wade are Pippen'esque to LeBron. Hopefully one doesn't go down, but even if one does, they're still two very very good players that can carry that team.

This could very well be an awful comparison, but I'm reminded somewhat of past Wizards teams. They've often had 2-3 all-star caliber players, and little in the way of support, and they've gone...nowhere for the most part. Yes, LeBron and D-Wade are way beyond what the Wizards have ever had (aging Jordan doesn't really count), but those great Bulls teams had much more than Pippen to lean on...and like others have said, the Heat probably won't be able to afford a Gasol, Odom, etc.

[Sports Guy]

Maybe, but if the Heat go on a dynasty esque run, I think that will have been better for the league. Dynasties are always good for the league's history, to a degree. Obviously parity is great, but the best player in the league getting rings is better. I think there's enough talent to have some other competitive teams in the East too, mainly Orlando & Boston.

Yea but having a real rivalry would also have been great for the league.

[Moose Milligan]

No it's not at all. It's a REAL statement, it's the only thing that mattered in this decision. It's all about the ring, period, end of conversation.

I understand your sentiment here and see what you're saying, but at the end of the day it's all about the fact that he spent 7 years in Cleveland, and he's 0/7 in his quest for a ring.

And who's to say he won't go 0/7 in Miami?

It is about the ring, this is true. However there's reason to believe he could have won a ring in Cleveland. It's not like he never got close.

[Sanfran327]

This could very well be an awful comparison, but I'm reminded somewhat of past Wizards teams. They've often had 2-3 all-star caliber players, and little in the way of support, and they've gone...nowhere for the most part. Yes, LeBron and D-Wade are way beyond what the Wizards have ever had (aging Jordan doesn't really count), but those great Bulls teams had much more than Pippen to lean on...and like others have said, the Heat probably won't be able to afford a Gasol, Odom, etc.

2 or 3 all stars is waaay different that 3 of the top 5 in the NBA (from what I understand).

Also, the Wiz have never had 2 or 3 all stars at once...

[The Rick]

This could very well be an awful comparison, but I'm reminded somewhat of past Wizards teams. They've often had 2-3 all-star caliber players, and little in the way of support, and they've gone...nowhere for the most part. Yes, LeBron and D-Wade are way beyond what the Wizards have ever had (aging Jordan doesn't really count), but those great Bulls teams had much more than Pippen to lean on...and like others have said, the Heat probably won't be able to afford a Gasol, Odom, etc.

But here's the thing, Gasol & Odom are sort of like the Wade & Bosh for LeBron... except not nearly as good.

LeBron/Wade/Bosh are head and shoulders above Gil/Jamison/Butler. The challenge is going to be finding the Artests/Fishers/Longleys/Rodmans, etc. as well as LeBron/Wade/Bosh learning how to play together.

[Sports Guy]

Gotta agree here.

Shifting gears... I still think it's crazy for people to think that the Heat aren't already the 2011 Finals winners.

As of today, they aren't as good as the Lakers, especially with Phil coming back to the bench.

Its going to depend on how all of the pieces fit together...Until they play together and you see how the role players fit their roles, you don't know.

However, just said on ESPN that a simulation of the season has them at 66-16...With a starting 5 of Wade, Bosh, LeBron, Beasley and Chalmers and bench players the equivalent of the 9th and 10th players on an NBA team.

[The Rick]

And who's to say he won't go 0/7 in Miami?

It is about the ring, this is true. However there's reason to believe he could have won a ring in Cleveland. It's not like he never got close.

He could go 0/7 in Miami, but Cleveland could not have given LeBron Wade/Bosh or anything close to it. This is his best chance, and I think that's what it comes down to.

[Birds of B'more]

I am not pinning it on Bosh...But there is absolutely no doubt that if Bosh says, I will go to Clev, that LeBron stays in Clev...and Wade likely ends up in Chicago...For the NBA, that would have been better than what happened IMO.

Yeah, the NBA is a loser here. Now the Cleveland Cavaliers become irrelevant. That's one less team to pull in TV viewers. Actually, this whole FA offseason has been a loss for them. Now it's basically Miami, Chicago, Boston, Orlando the Lakers and maybe Dallas. Other than that, no one cares about any other team outside their home city. The marquee players are now consolidated on just a few teams.

[The Rick]

As of today, they aren't as good as the Lakers, especially with Phil coming back to the bench.

Its going to depend on how all of the pieces fit together...Until they play together and you see how the role players fit their roles, you don't know.

However, just said on ESPN that a simulation of the season has them at 66-16...With a starting 5 of Wade, Bosh, LeBron, Beasley and Chalmers and bench players the equivalent of the 9th and 10th players on an NBA team.

If the Heat stay healthy, I don't see them being stopped.

But Phil Jackson is up for a challenge, that's for sure. He probably saw this coming a mile a way and it wouldn't surprise me if this factored into his decision to come back for one more year. Should be interesting.

[MrOrange82]

But here's the thing, Gasol & Odom are sort of like the Wade & Bosh for LeBron... except not nearly as good.

LeBron/Wade/Bosh are head and shoulders above Gil/Jamison/Butler. The challenge is going to be finding the Artests/Fishers/Longleys/Rodmans, etc. as well as LeBron/Wade/Bosh learning how to play together.

Completely agree. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how the rest of the roster rounds out.

Now I'm wondering...and thinking the answer is in the affirmative...has LeBron surpassed A-Rod for the biggest, free-agent heel in professional sports?

[The Rick]

James noticeably with tears in his eyes and almost broke down as he saw his jersey burning in a Cleveland street. This is tearing him up, you can tell.

[Sanfran327]

As of today, they aren't as good as the Lakers, especially with Phil coming back to the bench.

Its going to depend on how all of the pieces fit together...Until they play together and you see how the role players fit their roles, you don't know.

However, just said on ESPN that a simulation of the season has them at 66-16...With a starting 5 of Wade, Bosh, LeBron, Beasley and Chalmers and bench players the equivalent of the 9th and 10th players on an NBA team.

Do you think they win 66 in their first year together? I don't know if I do.

But by next June, they're be on fire. I'm really looking forward to the eventual LA/MIA Finals. I'd love to see what Phil pulls out of his hat in his last stand.

[Moose Milligan]

Ahhh, he's talking in the 3rd person. Ugh.

And for the record, I don't think the Heat can field a supporting cast that'll get these 3 to where they want to be, at least not right away. Not enough money.

Bold, wild prediction: Shaq takes the league minimum to sign with them.

[waroriole]

2 or 3 all stars is waaay different that 3 of the top 5 in the NBA (from what I understand).

Also, the Wiz have never had 2 or 3 all stars at once...

Bosh isn't even close to Top 5. Maybe Top 20.

[Sanfran327]

Bosh isn't even close to Top 5. Maybe Top 20.

I'm no NBA analyst. I hear Hollinger (is that the right guy?) has all of them in the top 4.

[Birds of B'more]

James noticeably with tears in his eyes and almost broke down as he saw his jersey burning in a Cleveland street. This is tearing him up, you can tell.

He had to know it was going to happen. Not saying it should make it any easier on him, but don't act surprised. And Mark Cuban was right...if he had said he was staying in Cleveland (or going somewhere else) people in Miami would have just shrugged and gone back to their mojitos.




Mmmmmmmm......mojitos. :002_sdrool:

[Sports Guy]

Ahhh, he's talking in the 3rd person. Ugh.

And for the record, I don't think the Heat can field a supporting cast that'll get these 3 to where they want to be, at least not right away. Not enough money.

Bold, wild prediction: Shaq takes the league minimum to sign with them.

I said this earlier today...it makes a lot of sense...They need a body to take up space and play some defense. He can split time with Pittman and Vernado down low, plus whatever they can maybe acquire.

BTW, there are somethng like 155 FAs in the NBA this year...That is a ton of players...Some guys will take less to go there and win.

A guy like Brad Miller was mentioned. He could be a good target.

[Sports Guy]

Bosh isn't even close to Top 5. Maybe Top 20.

No maybe's about it...Most think he is top 10...top 20 is worst case scenario.

[ChaosLex]

James noticeably with tears in his eyes and almost broke down as he saw his jersey burning in a Cleveland street. This is tearing him up, you can tell.

:newcry:

LeBronsucks

[waroriole]

I'm no NBA analyst. I hear Hollinger (is that the right guy?) has all of them in the top 4.

I'm not a big NBA guy, I don't even know who Hollinger is, but Bosh IMO is not a great player. He's good, and will be better by having two great players around him.

[waroriole]

No maybe's about it...Most think he is top 10...top 20 is worst case scenario.

I'll defer to people who know more about the NBA than me, but from what I've seen I'm not particularly impressed.

[Birds of B'more]

I'm not a big NBA guy, I don't even know who Hollinger is, but Bosh IMO is not a great player. He's good, and will be better by having two great players around him.

Bosh is very good. But he's no superstar....and not worthy of a max contract IMO. He never led Toronto anywhere. But he'll be a great 3rd option for the Heat.

[Sports Guy]

I'll defer to people who know more about the NBA than me, but from what I've seen I'm not particularly impressed.

He is a double double every night...20-25 PPG, 10+ boards and a few blocks a game.

Is he a superstar, build your team around him player? No he's not..but there are only 5 or so guys in the league that are that type of player IMO.

[SouthRider]

James noticeably with tears in his eyes and almost broke down as he saw his jersey burning in a Cleveland street. This is tearing him up, you can tell.

That's what he gets for announcing this on live tv. I don't blame him for making the move. It's his life. He gave Cleveland seven great years. He owes them nothing. But to announce it on live tv like this, and the way ESPN dragged it out, is a slap in the face to the fans. I hope this doesn't become the wave of future free agency in sports. Can you imaging Cal Ripken back in 1987 announcing his intentions to join the Red Sox on a live tv show? How would that have gone over in Baltimore?

[Stotle]

Ahhh, he's talking in the 3rd person. Ugh.

And for the record, I don't think the Heat can field a supporting cast that'll get these 3 to where they want to be, at least not right away. Not enough money.

Bold, wild prediction: Shaq takes the league minimum to sign with them.

I know next to nothing about the NBA, but just talked to a knowledgeable buddy of mine that basically said this word-for-word. Basically, Heat become very good for next year, but it will be 2-3 years before they can become the next reincarnation of the 90s Bulls.

[The Rick]

That's what he gets for announcing this on live tv. I don't blame him for making the move. It's his life. He gave Cleveland seven great years. He owes them nothing. But to announce it on live tv like this, and the way ESPN dragged it out, is a slap in the face to the fans. I hope this doesn't become the wave of future free agency in sports. Can you imaging Cal Ripken back in 1987 announcing his intentions to join the Red Sox on a live tv show? How would that have gone over in Baltimore?

Apples to oranges. First of all, LeBron has not won anything in Cleveland. Secondly, he gave them 7 years.

Nevertheless, how would we have responded to the Cal situation? It makes my stomach churn just to think about that.

I feel horrible for Cleveland.

[PitchingWins]

Apples to oranges. First of all, LeBron has not won anything in Cleveland. Secondly, he gave them 7 years.

Nevertheless, how would we have responded to the Cal situation? It makes my stomach churn just to think about that.

I feel horrible for Cleveland.

I don't. They never did anything worthwhile to help the kid out.

[Bosibus]

Wonder how Wade axed LBJ to play in Miami?

[SouthRider]

Apples to oranges. First of all, LeBron has not won anything in Cleveland. Secondly, he gave them 7 years.

Nevertheless, how would we have responded to the Cal situation? It makes my stomach churn just to think about that.

I feel horrible for Cleveland.

Not really. 1983 aside. I chose the 1987 time frame for my post because Cal has stated that after the firing of his father he did consider leaving the O's via free agency. As gut wrenching as that thought may have been it would have been 100 times worse if he made the announcement on live tv. It's disgusting what ESPN just did - charity or no charity.

[Birds08]

I look forward to watching Kobe rips Lebron and DWade's heart out. I wish he was a couple years younger so he could do it every year for the next five.

[CrimsonTribe]

Dan Gilbert is pissed.

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html

Can't say I blame him.

[The Epic]

From that write-up:


"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

Ha. Haha. Hahahahahahahaha.

[beaner]

Gilbert, you gonna criticize the 7 cowardly, narcissistic years of sellout crowds, national TV games, jersey sales and playoff revenue, too?

Don't forget where your bread was buttered for the past 7 years..

[CrimsonTribe]

Gilbert, you gonna criticize the 7 cowardly, narcissistic years of sellout crowds, national TV games, jersey sales and playoff revenue, too?

Don't forget where your bread was buttered for the past 7 years..

Leaving the Cavs and going to be the Heat so that he doesn't have to be The Man anymore is one thing. I bet Cleveland fans would have been pissed, but would have gotten over it. But the way he did it with the narcissism and the fanfare and the great big FU to Cleveland is what spurred that letter. LeBron might as well have taken a dump in the middle of the Q while he was at it. I mean, he didn't even have the common decency to call Dan Gilbert before "The Decision."

And to tear up and act surprised when they're burning your jersey? I know jersey burning is over the top, but what did he expect? It's like he seriously doesn't understand human emotion and thought that it would be ok to humiliate an entire city without them reacting harshly. It's don't think understands that people have feelings.

That being said, who the hell writes an angry letter in comic sans?

[CrimsonTribe]

From that write-up:



Ha. Haha. Hahahahahahahaha.

You know what? I can't stand the Cavs, but I hope he's right.

[beaner]

Leaving the Cavs and going to be the Heat so that he doesn't have to be The Man anymore is one thing. I bet Cleveland fans would have been pissed, but would have gotten over it. But the way he did it with the narcissism and the fanfare and the great big FU to Cleveland is what spurred that letter. LeBron might as well have taken a dump in the middle of the Q while he was at it.

And to tear up and act surprised when they're burning your jersey? I know jersey burning is over the top, but what did he expect? It's like he seriously doesn't understand human emotion and thought that it would be ok to humiliate an entire city without them reacting harshly.

That being said, who the hell writes an angry letter in comic sans?

Dan Gilbert hired a rookie coach and a rookie GM and entrusted them to LeBron's legacy. He played with ONE all star in his 7 years there, and he was an injury replacement. Mistakes were made by Gilbert and his people, and he still made a fortune from what I mentioned above...

No player will willingly come to Cleveland now after he treated the greatest player in franchise history that way...Never burn bridges, you never know.

I understand he's mad, I understand the fans of Cleveland are mad, I don't blame them. But this is not the way to handle it.

[ccbird]

The Gilbert letter is awesome on so many levels. He's obviously going to get ripped for being unprofessional but I love that he didn't just throw out the status quo response.