Jason Whitlock, Fox.com columnist, wants to give up on LeBron James. Whitlock wanted LeBron to apologize to Cleveland fans for the classless way he left town. Whitlock says an apology would serve James’ image well, allowing his objective critics to move on. But I give up. LeBron James looks, feels and sounds like a lost cause today, a millionaire celebrity incapable of...
LeBron James Jason Whitlock, Fox.com columnist, wants to give up on LeBron James. Whitlock wanted LeBron to apologize to Cleveland fans for the classless way he left town.
Whitlock says an apology would serve James’ image well, allowing his objective critics to move on.
But I give up. LeBron James looks, feels and sounds like a lost cause today, a millionaire celebrity incapable of reaching rock bottom, self-reflection or uttering an ounce of remorse.
Talent in the kind of abundance James is blessed with is a curse. It seduces the owner into believing his flaws are his strengths.
Whitlock goes on to write how guys like LeBron, who have enormous talent, can excel in the NBA without ever submitting to coaching, can earn lifetime financial security without ever attending college or grinding at the bottom of the corporate ladder.
According to an ESPN story, the Heat players, particularly LeBron, are bothered that Erik Spoelstra is demanding that LeBron conduct himself in a more professional demeanor. Spoelstra has committed the felonious crime of yelling at LeBron in front of his teammates. Spoelstra won’t let LeBron be LeBron the way a parent won’t let a child be an unbathed child day after day.
The story appears to be intentionally leaked by members of Team LeBron -- the clueless group that brought you The Decision — to undermine Spoelstra. In reality, it undermines James.
That’s why Whitlock gives up.
Calm
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert expects Cleveland fans to be boisterous but behave when LeBron James returns, writes The Associated Press.
Gilbert doesn't believe things will go over the top when LeBron plays here Thursday with the Miami Heat.
"You don't want to see anything stupid happen," Gilbert said at halftime of Cleveland's game Tuesday night against Boston. "I don't want to see anybody do something they shouldn't do, whether it was Thursday night or any night. I'm sure a lot of them will make their feelings known, but as long as everybody plays by the rules and doesn't go over the top, everything will be fine.
"I really believe that Cleveland people will do the right thing."
Gilbert said things will be loud and exciting, but nothing outrageous.
Another decision
Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe writes the Cavaliers are more concerned about what they're doing than what Miami is all about.
Coach Byron Scott is more concerned about his young team, and how they need to get familiar with one another.
“We’re getting there, but I’m still trying to find some things out about my guys and they’re still trying to find out some things about me. We are still in the honeymoon stage.’’
But when it comes to Miami, coach Byron Scott encouraged James to stay, but since July 8, he has refused to focus on the past.
James is gone, his legacy relegated to a small mural on the wall of the Cavaliers Hall of Fame. Brad Daugherty, Bingo Smith, and Nate Thurmond have bigger displays.
“I’m not in Miami. I’m in Cleveland, with a great organization, with a great young team, and 100 percent of my attention is here. Obviously, if you can do the math, none of my attention is there.’’