A little over a year ago, I wrote this post about LeBron James and the extraordinary humility he demonstrated in his MVP acceptance speech.
My, my, how things have changed.
I don’t think anyone would debate that agreeing to participate in a one hour special to announce his next team was not a good move by LeBron James. Yes, lots of money was raised for the Boys and Girls Club of America, which is admirable, but it does not excuse the poor judgment used in setting up the plan to begin with. And, let’s not forget that Jim Gray – who devised the whole plan – and ESPN are just as much to blame as LeBron’s camp for the spectacle that was.
Worst of all, James chose to share the news with the world before telling the team he was leaving, the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fans of the team feel betrayed, abandoned and once again publicly humiliated by one of their pro sports teams. Dan Gilbert, the owner of the team, has behaved even worse then LeBron with his classless public rantings denouncing LeBron. The entire situation was a mess. As Mitch Albom stated on Sunday morning’s ESPN’s The Sports Reporters, “This is what happens when 25 year olds run the world.”
All that aside, what about the basketball career decision LeBron made?
LeBron James wants to win a championship. He was close last year in Cleveland, but close isn’t quite the same thing, is it? In Miami, circumstances evolved to allow him to play on the same team as other superstars in the game, Chris Bosh and Dewayne Wade. D.Wade already is “the man” in Miami. Bosh and James are coming in to a situation where they have to share the spotlight. James could be going from being the “King” to being a just another member of the King’s court. And, reportedly, all three players are taking pay cuts to make this happen within NBA salary rules.
Some people think this entire situation is all about LeBron’s ego. In some respects, though, isn’t his ego being put aside in order to win?
All of us have the right to choose opportunities to advance our career, to achieve personal and professonal goals, to live and work where we want to, and to enjoy the benefits that come with hard work and success. Why should it be any different for atheletes? Why shouldn’t LeBron be able to play for Miami if that’s what he thinks gives him the best chance to win? As Wade said on an ESPN interview Saturday, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
I hope it works out.
I hope that the “big three” in Miami are able to keep egos in check and show us all that the team comes first. I also hope that if they can do that, that they win and show kids that team really is more important – and more rewarding – than individual glory.
I hope Cleveland fans will someday be able to regain their pride in the hometown guy who grew up to be an international superstar. They should be proud to call him one of their own – admittedly, not right now, though.
I hope someone takes Dan Gilbert aside and tells him his behavior was also pretty bad. From a management perspective, his public rantings, insults aimed at LeBron, and empty promises for future success demonstrate a lack of leadership skills. LeBron is right in his comment that Gilbert “needs to look himself in the mirror and understand that what he may have done may have cost him in the long run.”
I hope that LeBron will be able to overcome the fallout of the choices he made in handling his departure. Perhaps one day he’ll regain public admiration for his athletic skills, team orientation and humble character. He has an uphill climb, but not an impossible one.
Then again, my husband has often told me that, once in a while, I need to remove my rose-colored glasses.
