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Judgment week for Cleveland.

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  • BigDaddyBowmanBigDaddyBowman Posts: 1,896 ✭✭✭
    I forgot to mention, but I agree that Lebron will be viewed in the same light as Art Modell if he chooses to leave. Yes Modell moved the team which is FAR worse, but Lebron being a native son, and with the personal attachment in this situation...I don't believe people will forgive and forget the slap in the face from the beloved Lebron.
  • stevekstevek Posts: 29,035 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I forgot to mention, but I agree that Lebron will be viewed in the same light as Art Modell if he chooses to leave. Yes Modell moved the team which is FAR worse, but Lebron being a native son, and with the personal attachment in this situation...I don't believe people will forgive and forget the slap in the face from the beloved Lebron. >>



    Interesting perspective from you, Jeffcbay, Stown and others. Since I don't follow the NBA very much at all, and frankly I don't care all that much what happens with James, the most interesting part of the story to me is the Cleveland fans reaction, and being a long suffering Philadelphia fan, I think it helps me to understand the Cleveland fans feelings somewhat on the matter.

    The perspective from my other comments was and I didn't Google it to get every precise timeline, but the 76ers traded Chamberlain, a hometown guy in his prime, and not debatable the best basketball player ever up until that time, and I was too young to recall the details of the trade, but I never hear older Sixers fans mention it with disdain. but of course as was mentioned, times are different now with internet forums and live TV sports shows etc so events like this are more in the forefront.

    I know this for sure and not to get into a long history but there was "talk" about the Eagles moving to Phoenix in the 1980's before Norman Braman bought the team from Leonard Tose who only considered selling the team because he was a compulsive gambler losing all his money and assets at the AC casinos blackjack tables and needed money to fuel his addiction. I would have been devastated if the Eagles had moved, while a player is a player and even a great player to me doesn't equate to a team. But James is a special player there's no doubt about that and only 25 years old yet, not like losing some older great player who played for a team for many years but is now losing his skills, like what happened to a Willie Mays.

    I guess we'll see what happens on Thursday. I still think he stays in Cleveland...but I wouldn't bet my life on it or even a dollar for that matter. LOL
  • BarndogBarndog Posts: 20,492 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I am a life-long Clevelander...actually Parma, which borders Cleveland. Lebron is exactly what the marketing campaign slogan to keep him in Cleveland states...he's "More than a Player" in the Cleveland/Akron area. Lebron means "hope" to the area. Pathetic and sad as it probably is, Lebron provides us with at least hope of a championship...something to rally around...something to be proud of. In this terrible economy, with our city like others struggling, Lebron is that shining star. Since he is homegrown, that just magnifies the importance of him to the area. Being a multiple Mr. Ohio high school basketball player who won 3 state championships (and one runner-up), we have watched him grow up. I remember seeing him on the news as a 6th grader and have followed him like so many since. The die-hard Cleveland sport fan is like an abused or neglected child...getting rejected by Lebron James will be pretty devastating on the psyche, but all will carry on and continue and choose another to belove and put our hope and faith in. There are so many viewing parties scheduled for the announcement in the area at local bars and gathering spots, I expect the scene to be interesting no matter what his announcement is. The ultimate Party...or a powder keg. I think he will sign with the Cavs...I just can't see him going on national television and knifing the area in the back like that. I know alot has been said recently about his character and ego, but he has demonstrated alot of class and loyalty to the area and I just can't see him breaking the hearts of the people of Cleveland and Akron like that. >>



    so maybe there will be a few riots if he heads to Miami?
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I forgot to mention, but I agree that Lebron will be viewed in the same light as Art Modell if he chooses to leave. Yes Modell moved the team which is FAR worse, but Lebron being a native son, and with the personal attachment in this situation...I don't believe people will forgive and forget the slap in the face from the beloved Lebron. >>



    I'm still hurt from the Oilers leaving 15(?) years ago, even though the Texans have since replaced them. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankfull for the Texans and will proudly show my homerisms but it's just not the same. One of my earliest childhood memories is going into the Dome on my dad's shoulders...

    Having said that, I honestly hope James stays in CLE. I don't know what it feels like to have a hometown player, that brought so much to the local area, leave via free agency. I can only imagine the anticipation y'all are going through right now. Just makes me sick thinking that he's holding your emotions hostage and that's no way to treat a loyal and desperate fan base.

    Shame on James for playing with your emotions and hopefully, at the end of the day, he puts his ego aside to help the local community.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Just posted:

    @Adam_Schefter FWIW: ESPN's Chris Broussard reports all indications are that LeBron James will announce tonight he's signing with the Miami Heat.

    Gotta love the speculation coming out of Bristol...
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,949 ✭✭✭✭
    It's all BS until 9pm tonight... they're even saying all of these conflicting reports are coming directly from LeBron's camp, just to add to the suspense of the broadcast. It is ALL BS until 9pm, no matter what anyone hears...
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭


    << <i>It is ALL BS until 9pm, no matter what anyone hears... >>



    You're absolutely correct. Either ESPN or James' camp are leaking information just to hype tonight's infomercial.

    ESPN will boast about record breaking viewers, yet still place blame on James for orchestrating all of this drama.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stevekstevek Posts: 29,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think maybe if he had won a championship, he wouldn't have the inclination to do all this TV show crap. He's looking for some sort of ego thrill which probably would have been satisfied with a title.

    I hate to admit it - I'll probably be watching the dam show. LOL
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,949 ✭✭✭✭
    Oh I'll be sitting at Winking Lizards in Canton with a tall glass of suds in my hand... (working on my tour) image
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    There's an A++ article on Deadspin written by Drew Magary. I cannot link it here due to very graphic, NSFW language but it's a great read.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,949 ✭✭✭✭
    Wow, that was entertaining! lol
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Good article from Bill Simmons.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    The King would not approve of y'all going 3 hours without discussing His greatness.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,949 ✭✭✭✭
    I like this guy!! imageSI.com
  • BigDaddyBowmanBigDaddyBowman Posts: 1,896 ✭✭✭
    Jeff....I like him too! I am keeping my fingers crossed.
    Lebron will either remain as the Cleveland/Akron area's favorite son....or become Benedict Lebronald.
  • BigDaddyBowmanBigDaddyBowman Posts: 1,896 ✭✭✭
    Local news just reported that Lebron put in an offer on a mansion in South Beach...I have decided to not watch or listen to any more media outlets until tonight...I can't take it anymore!
  • HallcoHallco Posts: 3,646 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I wonder what team the World Cup Octopus would pick for Lebron?? image
  • Mickey71Mickey71 Posts: 4,252 ✭✭✭✭
    Holy crap---He's signing with the Sonics.....Oh never mind.image
  • RonBurgundyRonBurgundy Posts: 5,491 ✭✭✭
    Sports douchebag.
    Ron Burgundy

    Buying Vintage, all sports.
    Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
  • stevekstevek Posts: 29,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Enough of this! - I've decided to join in the protest and NOT watch the show tonight.

    image
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Exclusive info from our newest sideline reporter, Drew Brees:

    @drewbrees Truth on LeBron situation: he either goes to Knicks or Heat - Knicks to be with Stoudamire in a huge market or Wade and Bosh to win
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stevekstevek Posts: 29,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Maybe he signs with two or three different teams - play say 1/3 of the season with Cleveland, then 1/3 of the season with New York, then 1/3 of the season with Miami - that way all these teams can enjoy the honor and priviledge of having the King on their team.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    He should retire, donate all of his wealth to the Boys and Girls club, move to some 3rd world country, and help build villages.

    At that point, anything and everything I've ever said negatively about James will be fully renounced and I'll humbly apologize.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • jeffcbayjeffcbay Posts: 8,949 ✭✭✭✭
    Sounds like something Ricky Williams would do... lol
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    T-42 minutes until the greatest decision ever made in the history of mankind.

    I'm just so excited and giddy with anticipation!!1

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 12,121 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Can't you just feel the emotion building with about 30 minutes to go before the TV extravaganza extraordinaire during which his highness/holiness will either be cheered or jeered by Cleveland and all of Ohio.

    A slow, steady, methodical build of emotion. With a slowly increasing heart beat and respiration rate. Nerve endings seeing an increase traffic of chemical/electrical impluses firing across the synapses. Various centers in your brain and glands kick into high production, releasing various substances into your various bodily systems. Tigthness starting too manifest itself in the pit of your stomach.

    All together a heightened state of awareness with all senses working at optimal levels, eagerly waiting to receive sensory input provided by the outside environment, including video and audio [maybe even smellavision, tactile, taste and sixth sense].

    After typing the above words we now have about 22 minutes to go.

    As a distraction to the importance of the forthcoming decision of his highness, the radio I am listening to is providing reports about civil strife commencing in Oakland, Cal. in response to the LA jury verdict of involuntary manslaughter in the trial of a BART Police Officer for shooting and killing Oscar Grant at a Bart Station on 1-1-2009. Must change the radio channel from the news station to KNBR so I can get the most recent news of "The King".

    20 minutes to go.

    I just can not take anymore of thisimage

    I am just so excited. Life is grand, since The King is providing my life with purpose and meaningimage

    Whatever will I do tomorrow?image


    Long live The King (if he resigns with Cleveland). Off with his head (if he leaves Cleveland and stabs his fans in the heart on National TV)image
  • stevekstevek Posts: 29,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The Eagles cheerleaders wanted me to come over to their hot tub party tonight, but I declined in favor of watching Lebron make his live announcement.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Three. Minutes. To. Go!

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    He didn't look too happy.

    Hmmmmmm.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Dammit!

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Is there any way to fast forward live tv?
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

    : snap :

    Dammit, no hot tub.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Thought he was going to announce within the first 10 minutes.

    LIAR!

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    EXCLUSIVE!!

    Sources tell me that I'm going to poop tomorrow morning.

    In my heart, think it will be tonight but I'm going to have to go with my sources.

    Tomorrow morning it is!
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Here we go........
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Say it, dammit!

    I can't take it no more!!!
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    May he get a bad case athlete's foot.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    I don't care where he goes, I now officially hate him.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    A few minutes?!?

    Effin turd.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    MIAMI!

    HA! HA! HA!
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

    image
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,219 ✭✭
    The city of Cleveland is starting to blow up already:

    image
    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    My heartfelt condolences to all CAV fans.

    Keep your chin up and karma will come back to haunt.
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 12,121 ✭✭✭✭✭
    What really demonstrates a lack of maturity and a selfish narcisscism is that LeBron and his "advisors" chose to go on National TV, after setting up the entire gig, to announce his decision.

    The only thing I thought that would make his TV appearance ok would be to announce he was staying with Cleveland.

    By announcing he is going to leave Cleveland, he showed a lack of respect for the people who have idolized him for 10+ years. It is like he publicly humiliated Cleveland and his fans their.

    A lack of maturity. Selfish. Classless.

    Admiration that people have had for him will drop off dramatically. His sterling image and public profile will take a hit.

    Just think how the people he has known for years in Cleveland and Akron will respond to him the next time that they are in the same room as him.
  • GarabaldiGarabaldi Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭
    He earned the right to go where ever he wanted to go, but he could have done this in a much better fashion.
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 12,121 ✭✭✭✭✭
    LJ is compeletly free to go wherever he wants to go. His contract expired and he is free to test the market and sign with whoever he wants to sign with.

    The manner in which he announced his departure is really awful.
  • GootGoot Posts: 3,496


    << <i>He earned the right to go where ever he wanted to go, but he could have done this in a much better fashion. >>




    Yeppp!


    And I'm just happy all the bandwagon hoppers that don't watch a game all season can hop off the Magic for now. Orlando's road would have been tough wherever Lebron went so it really didn't matter.

    The Heat play the Magic in Tampa during preseason...probably sold out now image
  • stevekstevek Posts: 29,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image
  • stownstown Posts: 11,321 ✭✭✭
    100!
    So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
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