… About LeBron James? I still believe it, I suppose.
Sports is a business, mostly, and entertainment, and all of that, and I still believe what I said. Even though LeBron James may be a jerk or an uncaring lummox, I don’t think the PR stunt of the last two weeks damages him. In five months we’ll all have forgotten about this, and his coverage will mostly be positive. I believe all of this, and I even believe that he probably energized a core of true fans, and will weather any backlash. After all, we forgive greatness.
But, wow, that did … suck … tonight. Even in a hollow industry with hollow people, I can’t remember feeling so bleak. It was very difficult, very disappointing, and tough to root for anyone involved. If I sat here long enough, I could justify LeBron James sublimating his ego to play a Pippen- or Magic-like role. Maybe that’s him.
I could justify, certainly, ESPN’s special announcement devoted to the announcement. It’s justifiable.
I could even justify the charity – which shouldn’t really need it. Despite several sportswriters claiming the charity was phony, all for show, and a blank facade … Well, I don’t think Boys and Girls Clubs will turn down a $2.5 million check. It’s all justifiable.
And it’s not the end of the world, nor is it life and death, and doesn’t deserve to be romanticized as such.
But that doesn’t make it any easier to stomach. Sports suck sometimes. So does business. So does public relations, and so do decisions, even if they’re justifiable. Onward and upward, then.
