Nobody Wins In The LeBracle: ESPN, LeBron, Gilbert & Jackson Are All Wrong
ESPN was wrong in choosing to air an hour long spectacle about Lebron James and his decision without asking James about his quantum failures while with the Cavaliers. If you are going to force feed such a debacle to the American people, at least make it more than a couple of soft balls by Jim Grey.
Lebron James was wrong for fooling us all to believe that he was something special, when clearly he is not. Watching James go from a wide eyed, basketball loving high school phenom that was the hope of his city to a selfish, insincere, egotistical rat has been one of the most deflating transformations that Cavalier fans have ever had to stomach.
Dan Gilbert was wrong in ridiculing James and his crew for exploiting the Cavaliers organization when Gilbert himself was responsible for placing many of James’ entourage in high paying positions within his franchise.
Lebron’s ego has created many monsters over the past few days, but none of those monsters are nearly as ugly as that of Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Jackson, an American civil rights activist, went as far as to call Dan Gilbert a “slave owner,” called the Cavaliers organization a “plantation,” and referred to Lebron himself as a “runaway slave.”
For a man who was voted Most Important Black Leader in 2006, Jackson should be embarrassed at the way that he trivialized the experience of American slavery. To spout such a heavy accusation with little regard for the repercussions doesn’t paint Jackson as a man who defends civil rights, but merely as a man who uses the idea for self-serving gains.
While Dan Gilbert’s comments could be seen as inappropriate and childish, it would take a pompous self-involved windbag like Jackson to misconstrue them into racist. If anything, Gilbert should be looked at like a high school kid heartbroken by a first love… Emotional. Impulsive. Passionate. Hell hath no fury like a billionaire owner scorned.
In the end, most reasonable and educated people can see through Jesse Jackson’s words for what they are; talk show fodder to give the American people a reminder that the reverend is still around.
Jesse Jackson is irrelevant and has been for a long time. Clawing and scratching to stay in the headlines, Jackson has managed to do something that many thought was impossible…
Become less likable than Lebron James himself.
DAN GILBERT WAS NOT WRONG. LEBRON CAN SIT ON A CACTUS AND GET BUTT-HERPES FOR ALL I CARE!!!!!
According to OED, tampering means “ to try to deal or enter into clandestine dealings with (a person), about or in order to some design; often with the connotation of meddling or interfering improperly with a person.”
Joel Litvin, the league’s president of basketball operations, said, “we don’t separate player from agent.’’ Agents aren’t allowed to discuss free agents prior to July 1 – noone is and yet the players are permitted by the league (as represented in the leagues non action – Stern stated there was and will be no investigation) to go around the rules and regulations and do what they want.
Remember the Mavs owner got fined 100k just for having a modest opinion 3 others followed.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/05/22/nba-fines-mavs-owner-100k-for-lebron-james-comments/
but be a player can talk with another player for years about actually choosing a team – that’s ok?? WAY TO ENFORCE the anti-tampering rule NBA!!
But why should they get fined for simply speaking their mind – free speech it’s this wonderful little thing afforded by the US Constitution.
David Stern is old, full of bias, hyped up on control hunger, shows signs of dementia (not remembering what year it is or the players names during the NBA draft on multiple occasions) and obviously has it in for the Cavs. I think he asked James to throw the past couple years play off games. I believe Stern wants the Cavs to stay in their place and it is better for the league if higher revenue areas go to championships. James has said that ultimately his decision would come down to which club gives him the best chance of winning multiple titles. I have no doubt in my mind that Stern made it clear that was not with Cleveland. To add more salt to the wounds of Cleveland, Stern fined the owner for his statement – he was saying what all of Cavs fans felt. James probably cried to Stern and Stern reveled at the chance to shut the Cavs up and put them in their “filler” place. For years, Stern has angrily dismissed the notion that he favors big-market clubs but how can he deny it when we all see it???!! I’m through with the NBA and their March Fakeness!
I didn’t like the way LeBron handled free agency, but David Stern has been a great commissioner. He doesn’t favor big market clubs. Big market clubs win because players would rather play there and they usually have more money/financial opportunity outside of basketball. That’s why Bosh didn’t want to go to Cleveland. Big market teams are, and always will be atop the standings of every sport.
Dear Rev. Jesse Jackson,
If LeBron James is the slave in your scenario:
1) he would have gone about getting away from the slave owner in a less public way (Remember the underground railroad?) Instead he went all Barbara Waltersesque.
2) Even this guy(DT) knows you are just saying whatever to get in the spotlight. Yes you were the first real black President candidate in 1991 but no – people will not vote for you in the next election – no matter how much your Representative son says so.
3) I want slave wages
Holy shit Lebron left Cleveland?!?!!? How did I not hear about this?!?
you live under a rock?