Judgment week for Cleveland.
RonBurgundy
Posts: 5,491 ✭✭✭
in Sports Talk
Lebron James will singlehandedly decide the fate of an entire city soon.
Ron Burgundy
Buying Vintage, all sports.
Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
Buying Vintage, all sports.
Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
0
Comments
I think he is staying. Although, I think he could have a great run in Chicago.
Mickey71
How many will:
1. stop working;
2. stop going to school;
3. stop having interaction with other people and become hermits;
4. stop bathing;
5. stop eating;
6. divorce their spouses and abandon their kids;
7. break up with their significant other;
8. start drinking to excess just to kill the pain;
9. start doing drugs to excess just to kill the pain; and/or
10. go postal to garner media headlines on their way out of this life?
I know that sports fans can get bent out of shape if things do not go their way. But come on, this is only a basketball player and it is only basketball. Life is too short to get your knickers twisted up over something as frivilous as a professional sport and a professional athlete. Even if LeBron does not stay in Cleveland, basketball fans can watch his every game on cable TV. I would say the same thing if it were football, baseball or any other sport.
Member ANA, SPMC, SCNA, FUN, CONECA
<< <i>Local Cleveland TV stations have estimated that since Lebron has come to the Cavs, he has brought an average of $20 Million in revenue to the surrounding shops and restaurants PER SEASON. That would be quite a drop off if he leaves. I still think he stays... we'll see soon enough! >>
Past 10 year attendance (year/total/game):
2008-09 820,439 20,010
2007-08 839,074 20,465
2006-07 837,883 20,436
2005-06 792,391 19,326
2004-05 784,249 19,128
2003-04 749,790 18,288
--------- James -------------
2002-03 471,374 11,497
2001-02 596,115 14,539
2000-01 650,775 15,873
1999-00 603,702 14,724
1998-99 352,992 14,120
He's going to do an hour long special Thursday (8 CST), with money going to the Boys and Girls Club.
<< <i>I would be shocked if Bosh does not join Wade in Miami. >>
ESPN is reporting that Bosh and Wade will play together in MIA.
<< <i>
<< <i>Local Cleveland TV stations have estimated that since Lebron has come to the Cavs, he has brought an average of $20 Million in revenue to the surrounding shops and restaurants PER SEASON. That would be quite a drop off if he leaves. I still think he stays... we'll see soon enough! >>
Past 10 year attendance (year/total/game):
2008-09 820,439 20,010
2007-08 839,074 20,465
2006-07 837,883 20,436
2005-06 792,391 19,326
2004-05 784,249 19,128
2003-04 749,790 18,288
--------- James -------------
2002-03 471,374 11,497
2001-02 596,115 14,539
2000-01 650,775 15,873
1999-00 603,702 14,724
1998-99 352,992 14,120 >>
I agree with ya - Just a hunch, but if he were going to another team, i don't think he would want to rub it in Cleveland's face like this with an hour long special and all the hype involved.
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer
8 hours, 59 minutes ago
AKRON, Ohio (AP)—LeBron James’(notes) dramatic and historic free agency will have a fitting conclusion—on TV.
ESPN reported Tuesday night that James will announce his future NBA plans during a one-hour special on its network at 9 p.m. Thursday. ESPN’s Chris Broussard said James’ “representatives” contacted the network and asked for the unusual arrangement.
It is not known which team James will join or where the announcement will take place.
The two-time MVP and marquee name in a stellar free-agent class also featuring Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes), recently met with six teams—the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets.
Both James’ publicist Keith Estabrook and ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz declined comment to The Associated Press.
Citing anonymous “independent sources,” Broussard reported James’ group requested they be allowed to sell sponsorship for the special with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
James’ agent Leon Rose and business manager Maverick Carter did not return phone calls and e-mails from the AP seeking comment.
Earlier, all his fans got was a tweet out of James.
With the Summer of LeBron trudging along, James opened a Twitter account and posted his first message on the social networking site. Although he provided no information about his future plans, he offered something as the NBA awaits the decision on where he’ll play next.
“Hello World, the Real King James is in the Building,” said the tweet from KingJames, which by 11 p.m. EDT had more than 187,000 followers.
After arriving for the second day of his skills academy on Tuesday four hours later than expected, James spent six hours at Rhodes Arena in meetings and playing ball with several Cavaliers teammates against high school campers before heading home. He didn’t speak to reporters before pulling away in his customized Dodge pickup.
“That’s the question,” Cavs teammate Daniel Gibson(notes) said when asked what he thinks James will do. “I don’t know. I’m here with the hanging-out, having-fun LeBron. I’m not out here with the business LeBron.”
Estabrook confirmed the superstar joined Twitter, a place where Wade and Bosh often post details about their public lives off the floor.
In the past, James poked fun at athletes for giving details of their daily routines on Twitter and Facebook, but at the prodding of New Orleans guard Chris Paul(notes), his U.S. Olympic teammate and closest friend in the league, the two-time MVP decided it was time to join the fun.
Now, if he would only announce which team he’s going to.
James arrived at his Nike-sponsored skills academy at the University of Akron at 3:15 p.m. for the second day of the camp hosting many of the nation’s top high school and college stars.
James did not speak to reporters before walking into Rhodes Arena with former Cavs teammate Damon Jones(notes). James wasn’t dressed for a workout, and was not visible when organizers cleared the media from the school’s arena at roughly 4 p.m.
James’ plans still are a closely guarded secret. Until his announcement, other teams are positioning themselves to make a run at the 6-foot-8, 260-pound All-Star—or Bosh or Wade, or maybe a combination.
There have been various reports that Toronto was working on a sign-and-trade deal with Cleveland for Bosh, and that James is trying to convince him to join the Cavaliers.
However, a person familiar with the talks said the Cavs have spoken to the Raptors and several other teams but that no players have been discussed and nothing is close to being finalized. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations.
Cleveland can offer James a maximum-length deal worth $30 million more than any other team. But if they re-sign him, the Cavs would have no more money to sign a player of Bosh’s stature unless they open room under the salary cap. Teams can not sign players before Thursday, one day after the new salary-cap figure is announced.
Miami and Chicago could be interested in making a similar deal with the Raptors.
With all this swirling around him, James seemed as cool as ever when he arrived for his camp as outside temperatures hit 94 degrees.
Dressed in a white Nike T-shirt and orange shorts, he entered the building just as the college players were finishing their second session of the day. He shook a few hands and plopped down on a sideline table before moving to a courtside chair. Shortly after he arrived, his two young sons, LeBron Jr. and Bryce, came in with former high school teammates Dru Joyce III and Romeo Travis.
As their dad was in meetings with Nike executives, the two boys wrestled for the basketball and took shots on the floor.
Later, one of James’ bodyguards brought in a bag believed to contain the star’s workout gear, and Gibson arrived looking as if he was ready to play some ball. And that’s exactly what he did, teaming with James and Cavaliers Jamario Moon(notes), Jawad Williams(notes) and Christian Eyenga(notes) in some full-court scrimmages against high school players.
The prep stars won the first game against the pros.
While James is the star attraction in this summer’s stacked class of free agents, other players have either stayed home or found a new one. On Monday, Amare Stoudemire agreed to a five-year deal with the New York Knicks and said he would continue to recruit James to join him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imagine Cal Ripken doing that.
We'll find out soon enough.
Buying Vintage, all sports.
Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
You're right Ron, and that's what I've been telling everyone here... it's a GOOD THING that he's planning on making the announcement on TV. I can't wait until tomorrow night.
<< <i>I think if any pro athlete were to get on TV and do an hourlong special to announce they were leaving their hometown city, they would be a douchebag of epic proportions. >>
It would be such a historic EFF YOU!! that I almost want it to happen.
His house would be torched, along with The Q.
<< <i>If LeBron did that to this area, you would see worse riots than Rodney King and Detroit Red Wings championship roits combined... lol
His house would be torched, along with The Q. >>
Current speculation from ESPN is that Lebron is going to MIA.
Probably should call CFD to have backup ready for tomorrow night.
Like I said, it's all speculation and BS until 9pm tomorrow.
None of it will matter when he announces he's staying... mark my words.
cleveland will always be a browns/indians town.
Is that the headquarters of ESPN? Oh crap...
<< <i>That's not good... "Newsday is reporting LeBron will do Thursday's ESPN show from Greenwich, CT."
Is that the headquarters of ESPN? Oh crap... >>
-------------------------------------------------------
ESPN HQ is in Bristol, Connecticut
View Vintage Football Cards For Sale
eff...
State of LeBron: Live at 9, from his ego
The Championship of Me comes crashing into a primetime cable infomercial that LeBron James(notes) and his cronies have been working to make happen for months, a slow, cynical churning of manufactured drama that sports has never witnessed. As historic monuments go, this is the Rushmore of basketball hubris and narcissism. The vacuous star for our vacuous times. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.
James is throwing a few foosball tables at Boys & Girls Clubs, an empty gesture out of the empty superstar. He’s turned free agency into the title of our times, a preening pageant of fawning, begging and pleading. Hard-working people are dragged into municipalities and told to hold signs, chant scripted slogans and beg a diva who doesn’t care about them to accept a $100 million contract.
Privately, Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) weren’t pleased on Wednesday morning with the belief that James’ camp was responsible for leaking their plans to a television partner, but then again it makes perfect sense: This isn’t about Wade and Bosh choosing the Heat. It’s about LeBron getting the stage to himself on Thursday night.
One front-office executive whose team made a presentation to LeBron James told Yahoo! Sports that he believes James is choosing between Miami and Cleveland. And yet, if James wants to deliver the biggest kick in the gut to his hometown, he’ll pick the flat-lined New York Knicks. Whatever the decision, he’s made clear that the teasing and tormenting of the loser isn’t his concern.
Team LeBron is having the time of its life, but has no idea the repercussions of what it’s done here. All that comes to James now is the biggest burden to win a championship that sports has ever seen. They aren’t making James a bigger star with this big-top, but a bigger target. All those teams that marched into the presentations and listened to some of the foolish and naiuml;ve questions asked of them believed these kids had no idea what they were doing, or what they had gotten themselves into. They’re all feeling more validated every day. From beginning to end, this process has been a farce.
On James’ new website, under the headline dubbing this TV debacle “The Decision,” there come these words: “Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR Marketing said…” This explains everything. Carter’s marketing company isn’t doing so well trying to get its one client Jonny Flynn(notes) a used-car dealership endorsement in the Twin Cities, and now Carter’s going to try to justify all that plush office space, staff attorneys, private planes and resort hotels by translating the Championship of Me into the making of his reputation.
Carter’s pushed one agent – Aaron Goodwin – and one advisor – William Wesley – aside because he wanted to be the voice in James’ ear and the one getting credit on the masthead. So far, Carter’s been a superstar at spending James’ money on LRMR, but now he’s getting the company name out there and turning LeBron into Mr. July after LeBron didn’t have the stomach to be Mr. June.
Team LeBron had discussed a documentary on the free-agent process, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported, but the narrative changed after James’ Game 5 meltdown in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Carter says there was never a plan for a free-agent tour, but this is what he means: There was never a plan for James to get held accountable, to have his motivations and priorities called into doubt. There was never a plan for the blame to shift from Danny Ferry, Mike Brown and his Cavaliers teammates. There was never a plan that real-world rules applied to the self-proclaimed King.
They scrapped the tour, the documentary and set sights on hijacking the network for an unprecedented special they believe will elevate James’ brand. Only, James has never looked smaller, never more insecure and unsure of who he is and what he wants to be. He won’t look so much like Kobe Bryant(notes) and David Beckham, but rather a three-star linebacker from Shaker Heights picking Bowling Green over Kent and Ohio U. on local access television.
Team LeBron has known all along it was going to do this, and the cushy, protective relationship with that television network culminates with a basketball player commandeering his own coverage on his own terms. Now James and his buddies spoon out misdirection plays on his possible destination – feeding everyone for days and weeks that the Knicks were dead, only to say now, “Well…who knows?” – to build back drama for the infomercial.
This is some plan they’ve hatched and some game they’re playing with those Cleveland fans who’ve been so relentlessly loyal to James. First, he marched the biggest suitors in the sport to come court him in downtown Cleveland with those pointless presentations. He wanted those people out there creating a visual public push-and-pull for him, and because James needed to be told something that probably isn’t completely true anymore: Cleveland loves him.
Well, Cleveland craves him. Love is a strong word, and it ought to be unconditional, but loving a sports hero is the most conditional kind of love there is. Only, it was different with Cleveland. He’s one of them, but you still have to wonder: Are they one of him?
James never shared that town’s angst with the Browns and Indians. He wanted winners in his life, and rooted for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees. He doesn’t feel the pain of a city’s broken heart. Shaquille O’Neal(notes) leaving the Orlando Magic for the Los Angeles Lakers 14 years ago was a hard hit, but LeBron bailing on Cleveland is far more devastating on a different level.
Everyone ridicules Cleveland, makes it a butt of jokes, but LeBron James has the chance to change all of that. And even then, it has to crush Cleveland’s sporting psyche that James could still walk out. If one of our own won’t stay, what does that say to the rest of the country?
That’s the hardest part here, and that makes the possibility that James would go on national television – with those split-screen shots of stunned fans in Akron and Cleveland – and completely crush those people so impossible to believe. He couldn’t be that cold, that callous, that cunning? Or perhaps, maybe this is all a rollout – the website, the Twitter page and the infomercial – to introduce a new LeBron, a new city, to the world.
Whatever happens, James and the television network will hide behind some money going to the Boys & Girls Clubs. But this isn’t about kids and sports, and it sure isn’t about the credibility that comes with winning championships. Something’s changed here, and LeBron James has gone a long way to devaluing winning and losing in the NBA. David Stern has long pushed the individual over team, marketed showy over substance, and LeBron James represents the manifestation of it all.
Greatest talent to ever walk into this league, the self-proclaimed King, and now everyone gets a front-row, primetime seat for how it means to live without self-awareness, without restraint. The vacuous star for our vacuous times, live on Thursday night and fitting himself for a ring as the undisputed Championship of Me. All about ‘Bron and all about nothing.
All of this manufactured drama is totally and completely unnecessary. Our real unemployment rate is around 16.5%, retirement nest eggs are wiped out, and hard people are struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The self-proclaimed "King" is sitting back and enjoying people BEG him to accept a $100MM contract to play basketball 82 times a year.
Absolutely, positively pathetic.
Money cannot buy happiness and karma will come back to haunt.
Buying Vintage, all sports.
Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
If he stays, locals will be jaded due to him maliciously keeping them in limbo for no reason other than to boost his ego.
If he leaves, locals will riot.
Well played.
Leaving Cleveland is his choice. No legal reason exists to compel him to stay with Cleveland. Truth be said, no moral reason exists either.
However, announcing his departure on TV to the world would be comparable to telling Cleveland and to a lesser extent Ohio that they are stupid chumps who he never cared for at all.
If Le Bron uses his prime time TV hour to announce he is remaining in Cleveland for the rest of his pro career, that would still be self absorbed, but Cleveland, Ohio and his fans around the world would think it is just fine, so long as he is theirs.
I wonder if a leak of his decision will get out before his TV appearance?
I've stated before that most of these athletes make poor role models - they always point to their contributions, but it's "easy" to donate say a million dollars when you're making 100 million. I have a lot more respect and admiration for say a construction worker who labors in one hundred degree heat and freezing temperatures, who raises his family through truly hard work, not just from skillfully bouncing and shooting a basketball...and it's tough for the worker financially but he manages to contribute money to his religious group or charity organizations - that to me is a role model.
Link
The suspense surrounding LeBron James' free-agency plans continued to mount Wednesday as details of "The Decision" -- the hourlong broadcast on ESPN on Thursday night -- began falling into place.
'The Decision' Is Coming
Where will LeBron James' basketball future take him? The NBA's two-time defending MVP will reveal his destination on "The Decision" on ESPN (Thursday, 9 p.m. ET). Stuart Scott, Jon Barry and Michael Wilbon will host the hourlong special.
James will announce his future NBA plans within the first 10 minutes of the 9 p.m. ET special, ESPN said.
Norby Williamson, ESPN's vice president of production, said Wednesday that sportscaster Jim Gray will handle the introduction, announcement and questions. Gray was handpicked by James' team, which approached the network last week about the special, Williamson said.
Gray and James will be at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Conn., where the interview will take place, ESPN said. The broadcast also will include a long-form interview with ESPN's Michael Wilbon and others via satellite from ESPN's studios in Bristol, Conn.
Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that representatives for James contacted the network, proposing the idea of a dedicated special. The sources said James' representatives requested they be allowed to sell sponsorship for the broadcast, and ESPN agreed.
---snip---
James is one of their own. Although he led the Cavs through the most successful stretch in their 40-year history, the Akron native came up short in winning a championship and snapping the city's pro sports title drought dating to 1964. In Clevelanders' minds, James has unfinished business. If he decides to leave them dry, he will be viewed as a villain on equal footing with Art Modell, who packed up the Browns and bolted for Baltimore.
Very little when it comes to sports analysis..
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>As much as Cleveland basketball fans wouldn't like James leaving, I don't think it closely equates with what Modell did, moving an entire team - but I don't live in Cleveland so what do I know? >>
Because he's "The Chosen One".
It would be like Him taking a poop on their front doorstep, hopping into a limo full of beautful women, and laughing all the way to Fort Knox on national TV.
<< <i>so what do I know?
Very little when it comes to sports analysis..
I said Secretariat would win the Belmont...nothing right since.
<< <i>
<< <i>As much as Cleveland basketball fans wouldn't like James leaving, I don't think it closely equates with what Modell did, moving an entire team - but I don't live in Cleveland so what do I know? >>
Because he's "The Chosen One".
It would be like Him taking a poop on their front doorstep, hopping into a limo full of beautful women, and laughing all the way to Fort Knox on national TV. >>
I see what you're saying about the chosen one...hometown guy, favorite son, etc.
Frankly, I don't see any benefit whatsoever to James from this TV show, other than to his ego.
@kingjames: U just got PUNKED! lol! Goin 2 [insert city here] ! Haaaaaaaa!
My opinion, as a Cleveland Sports fan (my heart is in Baltimore, but my body is in NE Ohio) it's very difficult to compare LeBron leaving to Art Modell stealing the Browns. I think you will see a much more public backlash with LeBron leaving, because he will HAVE to show up at the Q next season, with very fresh wounds... and his house is still here and very easily accessible (not a gated community). There would be a very fresh target, unlike when Modell took the team to Baltimore. We didn't have a public forum to display our disgust, until a few years later when the wounds were slightly healed.
Plus, when the Browns left, we still had a half-decent Tribe. Currently, the Tribe sucks... the Browns suck... and without the Cavs dangling that golden carrot in our faces, the city of Cleveland will fall flat on it's face. Heck, it's barely holding on by a string as it is. Even the criminals are looking elsewhere to do their business, because there is NOTHING going on in Cleveland anymore.
As for LeBron's destination speculation... you could argue about all of the places mentioned before:
Bulls: instant contenders with Rose, Noah, and Booser. Plus, there is a stupid rumor floating around that his tax mailing have been forwarded from Summit County to a permanent address in Chicago. That has to be just a silly rumor, but it's still out there.
Heat: Obvious Wade and Bosh... plus the weather and hoochies are about ten times better in South Beach than Cleveland. Let's just say we have some serious corn-fed hoes in NE Ohio...
Knicks: Amare... LeBron loves NY... and the location of the announcement is 30 miles from Madison Square Garden.
Nets: Proximity to NY... Jay-Z... and Jay-Z owns a home in Greenwich, CT... where The Decision is taking place.
Staying in Cleveland (my guess): Home town hero... legacy... commitment... promises... contract money... loyalty... cap room for other stars...
Back when LeBron was in High School and everyone was going nuts about him, I was one of his biggest skeptics because I figured he would get arrested for something, or his skills wouldn't measure up. He's proven me wrong about every negative thought I had about his skills and character. I'm hoping he proves everyone wrong again and does the right thing by staying in Cleveland.
Sorry for such a long post...
View Vintage Football Cards For Sale