JaBronie

FYI I have always for fun called Lebron James "Jabronie".

Last night we watched history as Lebron James in his free agency glory, chose to play for the Miami Heat next year on National TV.

Ah where to even begin.  This whole Lebron James thing is madness.  From the actual announcement to the hooplah involved.

From a PR perspective, it was great.  He created something with his opportunity and literally everyone and their moms, people who didn't even know what NBA stood for, were discussing where he would go.  I think it's safe to say that everyone knows the name Lebron James now.

From a sports fan perspective (and by no means do I know what I am truly talking about, as you will see in my comments), I understand his choice.  He played in Cleveland for 7 years and found no success.  What if you were told you had to eat the same flavor ice cream your whole life?  It's unrealistic.  The dude wants to win.  You can't blame him.  BUT...

From a Clevelander's point of view, it sucks a big one.  Realistically you cant expect a 25 year old basketball player to be held responsible for the success of a city but the truth is, he is a huge factor.  Restaurants he goes to skyrocket in sales.  Bars on game nights are affected.  There is a hero and it gives kids something and someone to look up to.

For him to go on national TV on a long distance location, call himself this great person and ball player, its hypocritical, disrespectful and insulting.  People are saying he had no responsibility to Clevelanders but Clevelanders did have a special bond with this person and it almost was like a relationship.  Sucks to be broken up with via National TV (cue the breakup CD circa 1999).

But all in all, I am excited to see what the future will bring.  Wouldn't it be great if the Cavs won in 2011?    


Related posts:
Lebron Sound Off on ESPN
Dan Gilbert's Letter
The Decision