| 12 July 2010
We're all sick of hearing about Lebron. Even I admit James' vehicle for leaving Cleveland through a one-hour “Me, Me, Me and my Brand,” special on ESPN probably wasn't the best business decision. I can see where it would sound great in a board room filled with people trying to get the LBJ brand some exposure, but it clearly annoyed more people than it impressed.
I am not one of those people who thinks any exposure is good exposure. I'm the type that remembers PR gaffs like this one. I had a lot of respect for Lebron. I had thought he was a classy young player, and if he had quietly moved to Miami I would still feel that same way. He deserves his chance at a few rings and I don't fault him for going looking for them. I fault him for dragging Cleveland through the mud while he played out the little fantasy orchestrated by his childhood sycophants trying to get him overexposed.
Dan Gilbert is no better. Actually, as a pure businessman, he should know better. Sure Lebron blew it, but to limbo under him and show that you're a rung lower on the skeezy ladder, what was the point? Did you need to blow off a little steam? Go to the gym or find yourself a $2000 a night hooker. Whatever blows your dress up. But whatever you do, don't dignify Lebron's antics by responding in an even more childish fashion.
The Cavs are worth hundreds of millions of dollars as a franchise. A genuine established brand. Don't devalue it any further by showing the players around the league what a douche bag you are. Fans and players are going to forget Lebron's PR stunt far sooner than they are going to forget a vitriolic owner hating on one of the best players in the league.
A month from now people will have forgotten “The Decision”. People will have turned around and realized that Lebron didn't leave Cleveland, he went in search of a legacy and they're going to forgive Lebron because he deserves it. As far as Dan Gilbert is concerned, people are only going to remember that he couldn't deliver that legacy. Why couldn't he deliver? Oh yeah, it must be because he's a real asshole treating his players with such contempt.
On a personal note: My apologies for being absent the past six weeks. I moved to another state and still haven't quite settled in yet. I know, it's no excuse but life does get in the way sometimes. I'll post again soon on matters regarding the Suns. This post, I just had to get out of my system, like everybody else, I had my two cents on the LBJ happenings.
Take care!
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