LeBron Bails Out of Cleveland

by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright July 8, 2010
All Rights Reserved.                                

             Bailing out of Cleveland, NBA superstar free agent LeBron James opted to join Miami Heat sensation Dwyane Wade and newly acquired Toronto Raptors’ free agent Chris Bosh in South Beach in what promises to be a real title contender.  LeBron’s dramatic departure on national TV triggered an ugly reaction from LeBron’s once adoring fans, burning his jersey in effigy on Cleveland streets.  But most ugly of all were the sour grapes and inappropriate remarks of Cleveland Cavalier owner Dan Gilbert, calling James’ decision a “cowardly betrayal,” accusing the seven-season Cavalier veteran a “quitter” for losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals.  Despite all the raw emotion, NBA commissioner David Stern must look seriously at fining Gilbert for shooting off his mouth, embarrassing the NBA and setting such a bad example.   

          Calling an hour-long primetime ESPN special press conference on Thurs., July 8 at 6:00 p.m. EST, NBA superstar LeBron James irked sports journalists, making a spectacle of his long-awaited decision.  Speculation began at the end of last year’s Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic.  When LeBRon scored 49 points and Cleveland went down to superman-center Dwight Howard’s Orlando Magic May 21, 2009, LeBron showed poor sportsmanship, refusing to shake hands and bolting from the post-game media.  Fast-forward to Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals May 12, 2010 where an unfocused LeBron was booed by Cleveland’s fans for losing at home, facing eventual elimination in Boston’s Game 6 May 13, 2010.  Those stinging boos at the end of Game 5 in Cleveland weighed on LeBron’s decision tonight to leave Cleveland for Miami Beach.

            Misplaced media criticism was directed toward LeBron for his dramatic stagecraft making his announcement.  Critics insist it’s about LeBron’s ego, not typical NBA media hype. With the whole world watching the planet’s most sought-after basketball star, LeBron’s manager, Creative Artist’s Agency, got it right staging a media circus.  NBA officials and LeBron’s agents were thrilled with the publicity, despite Cleveland’s darkest hour.  Without James, the Cavaliers deteriorate into a mediocre franchise. When Cleveland fans booed LeBron May 12, they showed a lack of gratitude.  Cleveland’s owner Dan Gilbert showed no class bashing LeBron for bailing out.  Accusing LeBron of “quitting” in Game 5 or calling his decision a “cowardly betrayal” goes over the top.  Cleveland should have nothing but appreciation for the seven years LeBron worked his tail off to bring a championship.

              LeBron’s decision, announced 6:00 p.m., Thurs., July 8 in a primetime ESPN TV special, to head to Miami stunned only those unable to face reality.  LeBron’s frustration in Cleveland stemmed not from a lack of talent but mediocre coaching, especially in the post-season.  When Gilbert hired former Lakers’ championship guard and former New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets coach Byron Scott July 1, it was clear LeBron wouldn’t return.  Scott’s former Lakers’ “Showtime” Coach Pat Riley, now president of the Miami Heat, agreed to return to hardwood to coach LeBron and company.  LeBron told ESPN host Jim Gray that his decision was based on the probability of winning future NBA championships.  Two-time NBA regular-season MVP and league-leading back-to-back 60-plus-gmae regular-season win streaks pale in comparison to winning NBA championships.

            Cavaliers’ front office did everything possible to guilt LeBron into staying in Cleveland.  Not only did they throw more cash at him but they repeatedly emphasized his deep roots in economically blighted Northern Ohio.  How, if LeBron left, would the region suffer?  Over the last two years, former Cleveland coach Mike Brown couldn’t play the kind of smash-mouth basketball needed to win championships.  Despite LeBron’s single-handed heroics, the Celtics beat up the Cavaliers and nearly took down the Lakers in the 2010 NBA finals.  “He quit,” said Gilbert, lashing out at LeBron.  “Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6.  Watch the tape.  The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar,” openly defaming his ex-26-year-old power forward that put the Cavaliers on the map.  Gilbert’s incendiary remarks warrant immediate action by the NBA.

            LeBron more than paid his dues in Cleveland and deserves to play in Miami with proven winners like Dwyane Wade and Hall-of-Fame coach Pat Riley. Playing with Wade, Bosh and supporting crew, LeBron has a good shot to break through and eventually win a NBA championship.  While there’s no guarantee, the Heat are committed to returning to 2006 championship form that won Wade his only title. Gilbert’s boorish remarks deserve a closer look by league officials because it harms the NBA.  Unable to control his temper, Gilbert lashed out.  “It’s not about leaving.  It’s the disrespect.  It’s time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions.  Is this the way you raise your children?  I’ve been holding this all in for a long time,” said Gilbert, revealing his imperious side.  Gilbert’s classless remarks mute LeBron’s critics and give him the perfect excuse to leave.

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.