Lebron James' Fall from Grace

Lebron "King" James attended friend and fellow NBA star Carmelo Anthony's wedding in New York City just two days after "The Decision", proving the great Roman philosopher Seneca correct in his assertion: "The foremost art of kings is the ability to endure hatred." I do not know if LeBron is indeed hated, but everything I have read and heard since "The Decision" suggests that he is. I do not hate LeBron, but I do not think he is the kind of player I want to watch. He certainly is not the kind of player I want my sons to watch. LeBron has been vilified in every major news outlet from the Atlanta-Journal Constitution (Were the Hawks ever in the mix?) to The New York Times (Has Mike Lupica found a new A-Rod?). I wouldn't be surprised if LeBron's former high-school tabloid, The Leprechaun Gold, ran a headline: "What did you expect, he left us too." Which begs the question: What kind of monster is this guy?

In the spirit of full disclosure I do not follow LeBron James, The Cavaliers, or the NBA. This was not always true. Thanks to John Sparks stellar two for 22 shooting performance in game seven of the 1994 NBA finals, I have been rather uninterested in The Garden as anything more than a rain and sun shield for New York Penn Station. Also, I have no sons. So, on this lazy Sunday afternoon I decided evaluate James and do what my college philosophy professor calls critical thinking. Turns out, all the radio shows, newspapers, Internet blogs and fans may have been right about LeBron.

I learned "King" James is a self promoting narcissistic egoist had the audacity to evaluate the coverage his free agency was getting and decided to make a little money. Oddly enough, he had a crisis of conscious and designated the profits generated from the ESPN special to The Boys and Girls Club of America. Who does he think he is anyway? Denzel Washington taped a couple of public service announcements and wrote a check and he is an Oscar winner.

I have also concluded "King" James enjoys stringing people along. A New Yorker interviewed on the street said, "I do not care that he went to Miami, but he could have just told us." This man was right. LeBron James makes a lot of money. He should told us his decision privately. Maybe via cellphone. The show was on at 9pm, who doesn't have free nights and weekends? It reminds me of the girl you ask to the prom who says, "let me think about it", then says, ""thanks, but no thanks" a week after you've rented a tux and a limo. The only difference, at the end of the LeBron dance we hoped to score big. I guess there is not much difference.

The Cleveland fans were so incensed that they took incense to LeBron gear, a modern day burning in effigy. Even Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cavaliers, while not involved in any public bonfires, issued statements reminiscent of 17th century gallants. If that last reference seems aloof, feel free to look up "Cavalier." Why so much vile from the hometown faithful? They feel betrayed by an ungrateful trader. They should. After all, what has "King" James done for them? The Cavaliers could have drafted anyone seven years ago, instead they took a chance on a long shot. They put their faith in the 18 year-old three-time "Mr. Basketball" with more records than all the DJ's at WKRP. Furthermore, this young upstart doesn't just sit back like a rookie should and wait his turn. No, not "King" James, he goes on to be NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003-04, NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008-09 and 2009-10, and has been both All-NBA and an All-Star every season since 2005. LeBron help lead the Cavaliers to the conference finals for the first time since 1992 and to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. I spent seven years at a four year college and never even advance to commencement rehearsal. If my fans (parents) were from Cleveland. I would be out of the will.

Perhaps the greatest transgression made by James was his explanation for heading south to Miami. LeBron wants to win championships, and he wants to win them now. Doesn't LeBron know that sort of mentality is reserved for owners? According to sports pundits and fans, leaving a team once you have fulfilled your contract for no reason other than wanting to win championships is selfish and disloyal. I agree. Think we are wrong? Ask Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, Dan Marino or any of a dozen or so former loyal Chicago Cubs. They will all tell you a thing or two about loyalty.

My friend Gregg, an ardent Knick fan said it best, "You know what all this hype is crazy. He has not won anything really. I mean Kobe has the rings." Gregg is right. I think Kobe has five rings, though it should be noted that the Kobe's most famous ring may be the one he bought his wife after his ill spent trip in the rocky mountain state a few years back.

Is LeBron James a traitor, a selfish athlete, a monster? I do not know. What I do know is I was willing to give the NBA another look. The sting of 1he 1994 final had become tolerable. Then along comes LeBron James with loads of talent, a generous heart, and a desire to win and now I am conflicted. I am glad I never had those sons. I would not know how to explain all this to them. Long live the King.