Allow yesterday's post about what's positive in sports be an anomaly of sorts, because today we will revert back to identifying all things negative - and what better way to show the ugly side of professional sports than by highlighting LeBron's comments from earlier today.
Anybody that knows me personally or has read this site is aware of my distaste for LeBron James. It's not that I hate the person, but that I hate the fact that he is the most talented and skilled basketball player in the history of the game, but lacks the mental tenacity and killer instinct necessary to place him atop the pedestal of greatness amongst a pantheon of stars.
Earlier today, LeBron and his 'brilliant' manager/homey Maverick Carter released a statement claiming that much of the backlash surrounding his 'Decision' broadcast and the subsequent news was racially motivated. LeBron claims that his decision to take his talents to Miami and the nationally broadcasted hour-long show which he used as a platform was so negatively received because he was black. Let's get something straight here Mr. James - the backlash was not because you are black, it's because you embarrassed the city that raised you and the only team you've known. Identifying something as based on the colour of one's skin is so 1960's and has no place in a sport dominated by African-American athletes.
Perhaps a comparison would help. Indianapolis Colts quarterback and Super Bowl Champion Peyton Manning is arguably his sport's biggest star. He is well-spoken, humorously self-depricating (see Saturday Night Live) and a wonderful role model for children. He is also white. Not just white, but we're talking the love child of L.L. Bean and Betty Crocker white. If he were to entertain the prospects of leaving the Colts via free agency, only to broadcast his decision to leave Indianapolis for greener pastures, you bet your life the city would be pissed and burn his jerseys a la LeBron's #23 Cavs kit.
Their reaction would have absolutely nothing to do with race. The reason the people of Cleveland are pissed at LeBron is because the city is an absolute hole riddled with terrible sports franchises like the Indians and Browns, and he was their saviour. He put the team on his back and led the to an NBA Final. He was a product of nearby Akron, Ohio and the city of Cleveland embraced him as their saviour.
There is nothing wrong with leaving via free-agency, but to do so by embarrassing the place you called home is why you have received such a negative reaction and why your brand image has been hurt in the process. It has absolutely nothing to do with race, and as long as professional athletes cower behind the veil of race relations, many people will not be able to look beyond it. It's your call Mr. James, we're clearly all paying close attention.
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