Tonight's game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat has been one of the most anticipated regular season matchups in the NBA in recent memory. The return of Heat superstar LeBron James to Cleveland marks the first time Cavs' fans get to let him know "face to face" how they feel about him leaving them. Most folks are expecting a not-so-friendly response to James' appearance and from everything I have been hearing over the last few months, I do believe it will be overwhelmingly negative. I can understand some of the bitterness that Cavs' fans have; no one wants their superstar player to spurn them for another team and do it in such a "cavalier" way. We can all agree that the platform that James chose to communicate his choice in free agency was ill-advised. But I really hope that the stuff I heard this morning about fans wanting to storm onto the court to display their feelings, having no fear of being arrested, is just talk. Fans have a personal and financial stake in their teams but they do not have the right to do whatever they please. I don't care how much you paid for tickets, how long you've been a fan, how much you've spent on merchandise etc. - you do not have the right to try to get on the court and do anything. As a fan you also do not have the right to throw any objects, which I'm sure someone out there may be plotting. Surprising as it might seem, there will be some James supporters in Quicken Loans Arena. Some of these folks may decide to wear a James jersey or t-shirt. Angry fans should not harass these James devotees. Get some control folks. Loudly boo James and hold up signs displaying your displeasure with him if you wish. Try to shake his game with your voices - let him know you don't care for him anymore - from your seats. Also, James may have burned the bridge with Cavs' fans forever but what's up with fans burning his jerseys? What is that all about? Did he not do any good in Cleveland? I do remember a woeful Cleveland franchise before James was drafted. Though he didn't win a championship for Cleveland, he did get them to the Finals and carried them to multiple playoff appearances. He gave Cleveland national exposure on a level they may have never enjoyed. Now fans want to try their best to emasculate him; in particular calling him "Queen" (in mockery of his nickname King) and displaying photos and t-shirts of him with lipstick on and the sort. Really? Some of this is in jest I'm sure, but for those that are serious about it, why? It's just basketball, it's just entertainment. I know we are passionate about our sports but there are way more important things in life. I digress.....
Well, in a matter of hours we will all "witness" James' return to the place he called home for seven years. I can only hope his former family will show some level of respect because it is apparent that the love is all gone.
No comments:
Post a Comment