LeBron Wants Your Hate

See what I mean?

LeBron James had been a tough sports figure to root against.  He’s incredible on the court and usually a charismatic and charming character off of it.  Then, at some point during this past season, he decided he’d like to alienate everyone who has ever cheered for him.  First, he was a poor loser by snubbing his post-game media responsibilities after a playoff loss to the Magic.  Then, he was involved in the video of him getting dunked on being confiscated.  Now, he’d like to tell you how hard it is being a 17-year-old phenom who can do whatever he wants in high school.  I have one word for you LBJ…boo. 

James has written a book with co-author Buzz Bissinger, known best for book ‘Friday Night Lights’ and his generally insane statements.  In it, James admits to smoking marijuana once.  Once?!?  Really?  Once?  He isn’t really building his credibility with that admission, but let’s move on.  He blames teachers and coaches for giving he and his teammates inflated egos and allowing them to be rock stars around the school.  Wow, LeBron, that must have been really hard for you.  Tell me, which is more difficult to look back on now, knowing you could have sex with any student, or teacher, you wanted to, knowing you could do anything you wanted to without consequence or knowing you’d be a millionaire in another year?  There are surely war veteran amputees who will read this book and gain perspective.  ‘Boy, I thought I had it tough,’ they’ll say. 

Like all of today’s NBA superstars, LeBron is probably just trying to emulate Michael Jordan.  MJ was once a beloved and respected figure who no one openly despised.  But then, he retired, came back, retired, came back, retired, his gambling problems became public, he failed repeatedly as a front office guy, got divorced and is probably right now consulting with Mike Vick about how to further alienate fans.  Maybe James truly is better than Jordan.  While Mike’s fan-losing tour has lasted for years and years, LeBron is on his way to losing more fans in a single off-season. 

Based on the recent evidence, is there any doubt that LeBron will be leaving Cleveland after this season?  That’s the one group that will continue to cheer him as long as he can win them a championship.  The only way to piss them off is to play for another team.  I’d say New York and Philadelphia are the front runners to get him.  You know, somewhere even the home fans aren’t afraid to boo you.

Tags: basketball, Cleveland Cavaliers, high school, LeBron James, NBA

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