Having worked in professional sports and been behind the scenes for a long time, I sometimes think my viewpoint is a little different than most fans. I have a better understanding of how front offices work and I am a little more grounded. So, in this case too, I am not as "fired up" as many Cavaliers' fans. However, that doesn't mean I am happy about the situation.
As far as I'm concerned, James was free to go wherever he wanted. It has been long stated what each of his suitors had to offer, whether that was location, a better immediate roster or the comforts of home with the chance at more money. Obviously, I wish he stayed in Cleveland but if he wants to go play with his buddies in Miami, so be it.
Some thoughts though:
1. I'm not sure James fully understood the ramifications of his decision and how it would impact northeast Ohio and how the fans would react. Whether that was his own failing or that of his friends and agent, many of whom are from the area, I don't know but someone dropped the ball here. If James did know, then shame on him for how he handled the situation and he is going to have to live the rest of his life knowing that the circumstances surrounding any potential return to the area are of his own doing.
2. James probably could not have handled the situation any worse. This is the area where many fans went from bummed-out and disappointed to angry. To call ESPN for an hour-long special to announce his decision was pompous to begin with. It was the first big decision of LeBron's career where his image started to tarnish. Many thought there was no way he could call a nationally-televised special only to break Cleveland's heart, but as soon as I heard about the charity aspect and then later when I heard it wouldn't take place in Ohio, I knew the outcome would be a departure of some sort.
The charity aspect was a charade. Sure, I'm glad that the Boys and Girls Clubs of America will get $2.5 million from the show, but I knew that was just to mitigate the pomposity of calling the special and to dull some of the pain he was about to inflict.
Then came the spectacle of the special itself. Digging up Jim Gray from sports' no-man's land, for whom LeBron's people paid for the show, was just the humorous part of the episode. ESPN and Gray dragged it out for 27 minutes after promising the announcement would come in the first 10. Then LeBron handled the actual announcement
Like I said, he could have said whatever he wanted, but there was a way it should have been done, which is where James blew it. Never in the course of the special while making the announcement or in the 30 minutes to follow did LeBron throw the people of northeast Ohio a bone. He didn't need to cry and get emotional, but he needed to address the fans directly one way or another. Thanking them for their support or explaining why he left home or showing some degree of sympathy for an area of the country that is the most damaged in its sports fanhood and more recently by the economic situation that anywhere else.
Akron may be where James is from but it will never be the same again for him
He knew this. He knew how much the city was struggling and how the town just wants more than anything else, to be called a champion. To handle it as coldly as he did and on national television, well that was too low of a blow for many. Even fans in Miami have expressed, despite their excitement over his decision, that they felt bad for Cleveland and worse for the way the whole episode went down.
LeBron James will never be the same. His image has taken a major hit, but it will improve to some degree if NBA titles follow. However, he'll never have the sterling image he once had and he'll never be confused with Michael Jordan or even Kobe Bryant because he left and couldn't do it in his own city as the leader of the team. I know he wants a handful of titles to compete with Bryant's five and Jordan's six, but how many reach that? If he does reach it, but with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade's help, then do they mean as much as the ones the other guys won?
On the flip side, one title with the Cavaliers would have defined him forever. He would be given credit by everyone that he brought Cleveland the title it so desperately wanted and needed after close to a 50-year drought. The country would identify with what he did and give him credit for it, much more credit than he will get now if Miami wins multiple titles.
Finally, I gave some thought to when LeBron's career is long over. Jordan had a fall-out with the Chicago Bulls and is no longer a presence in that city. However, that isn't home for him, which is North Carolina where he is the Charlotte owner now. James may own a franchise one day when his career is done, but it won't be in his hometown.
Jim Brown only played nine seasons for the Browns, but because he never shunned his Cleveland ties even after going "hollywood," he has been able to make a career and life long after his playing days ended. Willie Mays has his long-standing ties with the Giants and Hank Aaron does with the Braves. Dominique Wilkins is a Hawks announcer and Austin Carr and many others still relish their ties with their former clubs. James will be a vagabond wherever he winds up. He'll never have those ties to home he once said he cherished so much and when he sits back and looks at the meaningfulness in his life I believe he'll regret "The Decision."
After Jim Brown went "Hollywood" he still held to his Cleveland ties
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