-->LeBron James Chooses His Own Path ~ Let Him Be
I remember when Johnny Damon went to the Yankees. The locals blamed it on his narcissistic wife and his greed. I remember when Patriots Coach Bill Parcells defected to the Jets with a torrent of nasty comments to the organization on the way out. Fans couldn’t wait for the next Jets/Pats game and a good old fashioned thrashing to show that defector a lesson.
LeBron James chooses his own path, let him be ...
Cleveland fans watched a dream slip away last night. Actually, they watched it literally get up and walk out the door. It hurt. Instead of going philosophical some of them went on the war path. Burning James jersey and promptly posting it on YouTube and even the owner of the Cavs got in the act with a scathing letter from Cav’s majority owner Dan Gilbert, calling James a coward and a desserter.
Wow. Really?
I have to admit I was really pissed when Bill Parcells left New England. He did it in a way that wasn’t kind. He made parting shots and he wanted people to know that New England sucked. I was happy to root against the Jets and I still have a lingering dislike of the team because Parcells used to coach there.
But when Damon left I didn’t get what the hub bub was about. I was bummed to see him go, he was one of my favorite players, but it was a personal decision involving money, lifestyle and opportunity. Isn’t that what the rest of us do all the time when we’re deciding where to live and what job to take?
Even when James was confronted with an image of his jersey being burned by a somewhat gleeful ESPN interviewer he kept his composure and said he made the decision for personal reasons.
Don’t bash the guy for doing that. It’s his right. Ya know the whole Independence Day we just celebrated a few days back? The whole reason why we think we’re so cool, our right to choose how we live our lives.
The fact is Cleveland knew this was a real possibility and they had some time to get some players around James and they failed to do that. The other thing is James didn’t play to his full potential during the playoffs. I watched a couple of Celtics games where he pretty much just didn’t exist. Yes, the Celts had good defense but he was off somehow. All players have this happen to them. A big game and they can’t quite get it together. Kevin Garnett had some abysmal games during the playoffs. We gave him a pat on the back and moved on.
So is Kobe better than LeBron? Can a newer, fresher Miami Big 3 bring home a title with no bench to speak of? How much does heart count when an athlete is going for the big prize?
I have nothing but respect for LeBron, he is going in the direction he thinks is best for him. Just like the rest of us.
I am rooting for Cleveland to put their franchise back together and win a championship soon. If it miraculously happens before Miami then more power to them. Living well is the best revenge.
What do you think?
Lisa
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The owner did a silly thing writing that letter. Obviously he’s going to get a fine, but he also paints himself as a hypocrite. Teams buy and sell players like livestock, you can’t change the rules or the expectations for one in particular just because you can’t bear the thought of losing him.
The other ridiculous response is the journos who are saying any championship he wins at Miami will be a lesser accomplishment than if he won at Cleveland, or that he can no longer be considered one of the greats. There is not a single great player in the history of the game who wears at least one ring who did it alone. Not one.
Some amazing team changes this off-season, I’m looking forward to an awesome season.
well put Paul, well put … :-)
That letter is ridiculous because none of it mattered when LeBron was playing for him. Hypocrisy. I agree that LeBron can & should make decisions that are best for him. I also think it would be a tad more classy to inform a franchise that has been your home from the beginning of your departure personally & not in a live television interview. I wish LeBron well. And to answer your question re: Kobe being better than LeBron~ Well, this Laker fan says he’s got 5 rings & presently LeBron is a King without a ring. Just sayin’. ;-p
Good point that he should have informed the Cavs of his choice before some random guy watching TV in Podunk, Idaho … that’s not so classy …
LeBron James has every right to do what he pleases, period. With that said, the way he went out wasn’t very nice at all. The Fans, Cav players and the Cavs organization have every right to be angry. But, burning jerseys and writing that crappy letter isn’t the answer, the answer is simply build a team and show that your city/organization can win a Championship.
And, finally, as LeBron James’s tweeted this morning as he arrived in Miami, “The Road to History starts now.” We shall see, he has to pass Kobe, Pao and the Lakers first. Just like Gini said, “just sayin.” :)
Nice post, Lisa.