Sorry to my massive fan base for being away so long… finished my two camps and missed out on a lot a big sports happenings. So, I’ll get right to it, as opposed to the despicable Jim Gray.

1) The ESPN coverage of LeBron’s decision is one of the most evil marketing ploys of television history. LeBron James himself promised to break the news within fifteen minutes of the show’s start. After 27 questions and a panelist analyzing the unknowable, everybody was falling asleep. ESPN should be ashamed for beating around the bush in an attempt for more air time; all anybody wanted to know was where LBJ was headed.

2) Shame on Cleveland’s owner Dan Gilbert; talk about a sore loser! It’s fine to be disappointed but please be a professional. He made outlandish remarks that he will undoubtedly be unable to fulfill. First of all, the Cavs are sunk- Gilbert promises to win a championship before LeBron. You and what army, Dan? Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams and Big Z? Quite the crew; they might even have a chance to beat the Heat if Miami’s entire starting five is injured! Also, Gilbert called LeBron the “self-proclaimed former king.” LeBron is one of the most humble stars in the league, never did he nickname himself the king. The fan-named present king will continue to dominate the NBA for years to come. Gilbert’s in denial, he’s trying to convince himself that his team is not going to be a cellar dweller next year. Gilbert should have used the 24 hour rule – think about your decision for a day. His anger would’ve subsided and he wouldn’t have committed ownership suicide, as he has lost all credibility.

3) Cleveland’s fans burned his jersey and ripped his pictures down from all around the city, their actions ultimately being shown on Sportscenter. LeBron owes you nothing Cleveland. He gave you six great years and the notion that he tanked on purpose during the playoffs is absurd.When asked about what he thought of the burning jersey, LeBron said that his true fans wouldn’t do that. I absolutely agree; it’s clear that the people of Cleveland are in need of a time-out.

4) I cannot let James off the hook. He held ESPN and the NBA hostage as they waited for him to make his decision. I hate to admit it, but that does seem a bit narcissistic- make decisions like the rest of us mere mortals, i.e. without a television program dedicated to one sentence! Furthermore, LeBron did one of the meanest things a player has ever done in sports- everybody in Cleveland thought “The Decision” was going to be a welcome home party. That was on the same level as when the Baltimore Colts packed their bags in the middle of the night and left for Indianapolis.

I’ll close by saying that as a Knicks fan, I’m seriously disappointed. However, I still love LeBron as a player. I don’t think there’s an honest fan in the world who isn’t excited to watch the Heat play. I’ll talk about what I think of LeBron’s actual decision business wise in my next entry.

As always, feel free to comment and tell me where my thinking is flawed. I am completely tolerant of opposing opinions as long as they are non offensive to anyone who might visit this blog.

Fletcher