“The Decision” was an absolute PR disaster for current free agent LeBron James, who drew a ton of criticism from the media and fans about how he handled his move from Cleveland to South Beach four years ago.
No one really focused on the fact that The Boys and Girls Club of America received about $2.5 million in charitable donations from that televised event. But I digress.
Fast forward four years, and we are all waiting for LeBron to make another decision about where he plans to play in 2014-2015. Despite the fact that NBA free agents were only recently able to sign on the dotted line, many are questioning James’ decision to “take so long” in what has to be considered a serious decision-making process.
One such media “personality” even took it one step further.
LeBron James, Drama King, loving this, playing it for all it's worth. I applaud him. Brilliant. Made himself even bigger story than WCup!
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 10, 2014
It really is a no-win situation for James. He has done absolutely nothing during this entire process for us to question his motives or that he is in some way egocentric enough to force the entire NBA into a waiting game. James has yet to make a comment publicly since his season-ending press conference with the Miami Heat. His agent hasn’t spoken on the record about anything happening at this point.
Still, we want to find that one villain in the Hollywood ensemble that is “The Decision 2,” and James has to be the Bane to Tim Duncan’s Batman.
After all that's transpired, if LeBron James doesn't go to Cleveland, he may be even more hated by Cavs fans now than when he left in 2010.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 10, 2014
Why? Is this a story of someone that has led on an entire fan base and city into believing that, as the apparent second coming, he is returning? No. It’s more about reports and suggestions that the Cleveland Cavaliers are favorites to land James’ services. In no way has anyone come out and said, with a 100 percent guarantee, that LeBron is returning to the Cavs.
Sure there have been reports (heck we have posted them). Sure there have been “sources,” but those aren’t always 100 percent foolproof. Still, LeBron is seen as the menace in this entire situation.
Reality is that fans and the media are the ones having a negative impact on what is currently happening in what has to be called “LeBronMania.”
The madness outside of LeBron’s house now includes a car crash http://t.co/sQcGcgiH1a pic.twitter.com/wDJOL9kaTZ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 10, 2014
The gate was open and some people here tried to get pictures. #LeBronWatch2014 pic.twitter.com/5vvaHBT2C2
— Jon Bozeka (@JonBozeka) July 11, 2014
Two Bath police officers are standing in front of the main gate at #Lebron's house. #LeBronWatch2014 pic.twitter.com/YUyqpJzsQl
— Jon Bozeka (@JonBozeka) July 11, 2014
https://twitter.com/HPbasketball/status/487343109219844097
Update: An Ohio news station has set up a live feed outside LeBron's house that he's not at. Because THAT makes sense http://t.co/KqzXAhWWD2
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) July 10, 2014
All the while, LeBron is still in Vegas conducting a summer basketball camp.
Is this what America has come to? Maybe we should start to look at ourselves in the mirror rather than blaming LeBron for taking the time to do what’s right for his family and himself.
Just a thought.
Photo: USA Today