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LeBron James is a Tool

Centerfield Jul 07 2010 08:40 AM

It's one thing to go sell yourself and force teams to wine and dine you like you're royalty...but now he wants ESPN to produce a one-hour show so he can announce his decision on TV. I guess it's hard not to think you're the biggest thing in the history of things since when everyone tells you that you are, but I'm really sick of this whole circus. I saw an ad asking me to join some sort of campaign to bring LeBron to NYC. Fuck that. How about this for a site: www.gofuckyourselflebron.com

MFS62 Jul 07 2010 08:46 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I'd feel a lot more confidant if the announcement show would be on YES (the network that carries the Nets). Later

Benjamin Grimm Jul 07 2010 08:51 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Centerfield":3k84902i]I...now he wants ESPN to produce a one-hour show so he can announce his decision on TV. [/quote:3k84902i] Good grief. 1. That's ego gone wild. 2. He should at least have the courtesy to allow the team that's going to give him $100 billion to have the chance to stage their own press conference and make their own announcement. Is the NBA the most personality-driven of the four major team sports? It sure seems to be.

DocTee Jul 07 2010 08:51 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I actually think this is a noble thing. The announcement will be sponsored, with all proceeds to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Ceetar Jul 07 2010 08:55 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I don't follow basketball anyway, so while it annoys me to no end that we're talking about something that is 99% conjecture for weeks, I do get a laugh out of people thinking they know what they're talking about and trying to position themselves into sounding smart when he finally decides. It also reminds me a little of the A-Rod to the Mets drama. The build-up, the certainty he was coming here..

Benjamin Grimm Jul 07 2010 08:57 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="DocTee":1x7ru1uc]The announcement will be sponsored, with all proceeds to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.[/quote:1x7ru1uc] Well, that makes it less douchebaggy. But it's still a big ego thing, and I don't like it. I'd rather see him donate money to the kids without the self-glorifying TV special. How many teams are actually in the running for LeBron? If I'm a big fan of one of the teams I'd probably be unable to resist the urge to watch, but I'd probably have to shower immediately afterwards.

TransMonk Jul 07 2010 09:01 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Benjamin Grimm"]Is the NBA the most personality-driven of the four major team sports? It sure seems to be.

It certainly seems to be to me as well. I gave up on the NBA about 15 years ago. It started with Rodman, but now everyone's got to have a headband or a sleeve or more tats or longer hair or a rosin clap. I enjoy the college game, but I don't like anything about the pros.

[quote="DocTee"]I actually think this is a noble thing. The announcement will be sponsored, with all proceeds to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
It's still self-serving bullshit to make a spectacle. He has no reason not to be charitable...but I can think of many, many reasons not to be a douchebag.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 07 2010 09:03 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

The whole thing makes me sick too. I mean, good on James to make all the $$ he can; what I can do without is the covetousness stoked by populist media like the Daily News, which is sponsoring one of those get-Lebron websites and wrote a sickening editorial to that effect (appearing on Page 3 no less) that should embarrass every New Yorker. One thing that excited me is knowing this will all be over after tomorrow.

Ceetar Jul 07 2010 09:04 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I wouldn't mind him on the Nets, but I'm really hoping he doesn't come to NYC so that the basketball talk ceases until November.

Edgy DC Jul 07 2010 09:05 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

It will?

batmagadanleadoff Jul 07 2010 09:06 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Lebron wants to film his press conference from inside the Oval Office and for the conference to be transmitted by every major network.

Ceetar Jul 07 2010 09:15 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="batmagadanleadoff":3oeo4vw2]Lebron wants to film his press conference from inside the Oval Office and for the conference to be transmitted by every major network.[/quote:3oeo4vw2] But only if Jack Bauer brings him Michael Jordan's head first.

Centerfield Jul 07 2010 09:27 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Benjamin Grimm":19go93a7][quote="DocTee":19go93a7]The announcement will be sponsored, with all proceeds to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.[/quote:19go93a7] Well, that makes it less douchebaggy. But it's still a big ego thing, and I don't like it. I'd rather see him donate money to the kids without the self-glorifying TV special. [/quote:19go93a7] In fact, it makes it seem like one of his advisors told him it was douchebaggy and LeBron told him "then donate some money to starving kids or something". There is no question this is driven by his ego, and not by a desire to help little kids.

Fman99 Jul 07 2010 10:02 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Fuck the NBA right in it's overtattooed asshole.

MFS62 Jul 07 2010 10:05 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

How can the announcement take a full hour? Hopefully, he will introduce his rap duo (with JayZ) of the Nets' new theme song. Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 07 2010 10:41 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

He's young, he's in all likelihood entering his prime, he's an unrestricted* free agent, and his presence on ANY of the league's teams would drastically alter its prospects. Its presentation may be contrived, but the matter's newsworthy, and there's genuine drama underneath all the crap. Really, the annual Return of the Favre stories bother me a lot more. That said... I take daily "press conferences" after breakfast every morning that I'm more eager to experience. And those are only a half-hour! *If you don't count the not-so-subtle roster engineering influence of the salary cap.

Rockin' Doc Jul 07 2010 10:50 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="TransMonk"][quote="Benjamin Grimm"]Is the NBA the most personality-driven of the four major team sports? It sure seems to be.

It certainly seems to be to me as well. I gave up on the NBA about 15 years ago. It started with Rodman, but now everyone's got to have a headband or a sleeve or more tats or longer hair or a rosin clap. I enjoy the college game, but I don't like anything about the pros.

Transmonk is my basketball soul mate. I haven't watched a combine 5 minutes NBA action during the past 20 years. I know they are the best players in the world, but I quit caring about the NBA long ago.

Kong76 Jul 07 2010 10:52 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I just saw a commercial for "The Decision" on ESPNews and I laughed my ass off. In a league full of criminals, fathers of twenty with seven women, drug addicts, etc. calling Lebron a tool for getting caught up in all the hype seems a bit much to me. And fucking a league up it's tattooed ass over it sounds like someone has other issues lol. Do we have to drag ass and dick into everything that makes us angry here? I'm sick and tired of the Knicks being the laughing stock of the professional sports ... it's been like a decade of pure suck and if James announces tomorrow night he wants to play at The Garden on his own ESPN show well god fuckin' bless him. I bet ya the show tomorrow night is one of the highest rated events in the history of TV so don't blame him or his marketers for knowing the audience and playing to it with a bang.

Frayed Knot Jul 07 2010 11:00 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I was going to bring up this topic too. I'm all for free-agency and stuff (although I don't pretend to even slightly understand all the ramifications in the NBA with the salary cap, exemptions, etc.) and guys making as much as they can ... but this whole thing has taken on a new level of crassness IMO. From the handful of elite players and their "FA summit" (is it on? is it not? is it real?) designed to re-make the NBA in whatever way most ensures their legacies; to the cities and their politicians prostituting themselves while dragging out every star and pseudo-star to beg for his interest; and to the media itself for slobbering all over this like it's the key to world peace.

TransMonk Jul 07 2010 11:09 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Rockin' Doc"][quote="TransMonk"][quote="Benjamin Grimm"]Is the NBA the most personality-driven of the four major team sports? It sure seems to be.

It certainly seems to be to me as well. I gave up on the NBA about 15 years ago. It started with Rodman, but now everyone's got to have a headband or a sleeve or more tats or longer hair or a rosin clap. I enjoy the college game, but I don't like anything about the pros.

Transmonk is my basketball soul mate. I haven't watched a combine 5 minutes NBA action during the past 20 years. I know they are the best players in the world, but I quit caring about the NBA long ago.
After reviewing this thread, the whole thing makes me a little sad and more than a little angry. I really enjoy the sport of basketball. I played it more than any other sport growing up. I watch a ton of college hoops and have called in to work in order to follow the tournament. I'm seriously contemplating joing an adult league this winter.

But the NBA isn't basketball to me. It is my least favorite sports league (and I'm including more than just the major four). I wish it were better and I don't have any ideas on where to start in order to fix it. It really pisses me off.

metsmarathon Jul 07 2010 11:39 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Kong76":13n5jew0]I just saw a commercial for "The Decision" on ESPNews and I laughed my ass off. In a league full of criminals, fathers of twenty with seven women, drug addicts, etc. calling Lebron a tool for getting caught up in all the hype seems a bit much to me. And fucking a league up it's tattooed ass over it sounds like someone has other issues lol. Do we have to drag ass and dick into everything that makes us angry here? I'm sick and tired of the Knicks being the laughing stock of the professional sports ... it's been like a decade of pure suck and if James announces tomorrow night he wants to play at The Garden on his own ESPN show well god fuckin' bless him. I bet ya the show tomorrow night is one of the highest rated events in the history of TV so don't blame him or his marketers for knowing the audience and playing to it with a bang.[/quote:13n5jew0] i'm curious to see how the show goes down. do they open with a video montage showing how awesome lebron is? do they run through the whole lot of suitors, inidividually and sequentially bursting the hopes and dreams of the fanbase in each of seven cities, until the final penultimate moment wherein he announces that he's actually decided to retire? or will they blow their wad by playing that new york song while lebron approaches the podium wearing an interlocking ny on his cap and his arm around cc sabathia? personally, i think it would be cool if they staged it like dancing with the stars. have them go through however many teams there are telling them individually if they are safe (meaning no lebron) or in jeopardy (of getting lebron) until finally there are two teams left. then there's a breathless pause as we wait for tom bergeron to finally deliver the name of the team that's going home (with lebron). the whole episode concludes with lebron and his new team president dancing slowly in the middle of the stage as the band plays, and all the other team presidents moving in to congratulate, or well-wish, or merely seem like they care.

Ceetar Jul 07 2010 11:51 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="TransMonk"][quote="Rockin' Doc"][quote="TransMonk"][quote="Benjamin Grimm"]Is the NBA the most personality-driven of the four major team sports? It sure seems to be.

It certainly seems to be to me as well. I gave up on the NBA about 15 years ago. It started with Rodman, but now everyone's got to have a headband or a sleeve or more tats or longer hair or a rosin clap. I enjoy the college game, but I don't like anything about the pros.

Transmonk is my basketball soul mate. I haven't watched a combine 5 minutes NBA action during the past 20 years. I know they are the best players in the world, but I quit caring about the NBA long ago.
After reviewing this thread, the whole thing makes me a little sad and more than a little angry. I really enjoy the sport of basketball. I played it more than any other sport growing up. I watch a ton of college hoops and have called in to work in order to follow the tournament. I'm seriously contemplating joing an adult league this winter.

But the NBA isn't basketball to me. It is my least favorite sports league (and I'm including more than just the major four). I wish it were better and I don't have any ideas on where to start in order to fix it. It really pisses me off.

Not to hijack a Labron thread, because I hear that can get me fined, but what is it that you don't like about the NBA? (I don't watch basketball, I enjoyed watching Jordan growing up, I watched Shaq a bit when he was in Orlando, but haven't watched since) Personally I despise the NCAA, they're not as good, most of them are basically slave labor getting the equivalent of an honorary degree (education wise), the teams look to cheat in just about every avenue they can (between illegal recruiting and forging test grades and all that other stuff) Not to mention that I like to root for the players and personality of a team too, and the turnover in college is too big. There's no real connection to the team itself, unless you happen to go to a school worth rooting for (so far, Buffalo hasn't been that) If i was going to watch basketball, I'd watch the NBA. Hockey doesn't play every day in the winter, there's plenty of time for me to flip on a Nets game, but I just don't. I'll watch Fringe, or How I Met Your Mother, read about what the Mets are doing in the offseason, tell myself I should find a summer baseball league, but I never think "Maybe I'll watch the NBA." Especially since the playoffs don't happen until I'm already invested in baseball. (I haven't had that issue with Hockey lately, since the Islanders don't play then.)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 07 2010 12:03 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Kong76"]And fucking a league up it's tattooed ass over it sounds like someone has other issues lol. Do we have to drag ass and dick into everything that makes us angry here?

Hear, MFing hear, Kase. No offense, but you guys sound a little more than a little like Gran Torino Clint Eastwood when you drag this stuff onto the debate floor.

If there's anything that bugs me about the modern NBA, it's that the officiating is absurdly bad.

Centerfield Jul 07 2010 12:16 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Frayed Knot":1t36ixv7]I was going to bring up this topic too. I'm all for free-agency and stuff (although I don't pretend to even slightly understand all the ramifications in the NBA with the salary cap, exemptions, etc.) and guys making as much as they can ... but this whole thing has taken on a new level of crassness IMO. From the handful of elite players and their "FA summit" (is it on? is it not? is it real?) designed to re-make the NBA in whatever way most ensures their legacies; to the cities and their politicians prostituting themselves while dragging out every star and pseudo-star to beg for his interest; and to the media itself for slobbering all over this like it's the key to world peace.[/quote:1t36ixv7] Exactly.

metirish Jul 07 2010 01:01 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

How do they keep the location of the announcment secret , because it would make sense that if he chooses to stay in Cleveland then he won't be doing the announcing from the Daily News editorial desk with Mort Suckerman standing next to him.

Ceetar Jul 07 2010 01:13 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="metirish":27x3g7fb]How do they keep the location of the announcment secret , because it would make sense that if he chooses to stay in Cleveland then he won't be doing the announcing from the Daily News editorial desk with Mort Suckerman standing next to him.[/quote:27x3g7fb] He's doing it in Cleveland regardless right? People are reading into that plenty. I wonder if he'll tell the team he's signing with before the announcement?

TransMonk Jul 07 2010 01:17 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Ceetar"]Not to hijack a Labron thread, because I hear that can get me fined, but what is it that you don't like about the NBA? (I don't watch basketball, I enjoyed watching Jordan growing up, I watched Shaq a bit when he was in Orlando, but haven't watched since) Personally I despise the NCAA, they're not as good, most of them are basically slave labor getting the equivalent of an honorary degree (education wise), the teams look to cheat in just about every avenue they can (between illegal recruiting and forging test grades and all that other stuff) Not to mention that I like to root for the players and personality of a team too, and the turnover in college is too big. There's no real connection to the team itself, unless you happen to go to a school worth rooting for (so far, Buffalo hasn't been that) If i was going to watch basketball, I'd watch the NBA. Hockey doesn't play every day in the winter, there's plenty of time for me to flip on a Nets game, but I just don't. I'll watch Fringe, or How I Met Your Mother, read about what the Mets are doing in the offseason, tell myself I should find a summer baseball league, but I never think "Maybe I'll watch the NBA." Especially since the playoffs don't happen until I'm already invested in baseball. (I haven't had that issue with Hockey lately, since the Islanders don't play then.)

IMO, there is no team play in the NBA. It is basically a skills showoff where individual talent superceeds great team play. That in and of itself is not a horrible thing, but it is being advertised as a team sport. Personality and individual marketability have gotten in the way of teams playing together. In addition to, and maybe because of the lask of team play in the NBA, I find that defense is overlooked. I would rather see a well defended basketball game over a shoot-out. But, that's personal taste (the same way I'd rather see a 1-0 pitcher's duel than a 11-8 HR fest).

I despise the fact that over half of the teams make the playoffs after an 81 game season (and NBA teams do not play every day in the winter either). It makes it very easy for a mediocre team to make the playoffs. Seven game series in the first round is redonkulous! Their playoffs last for 2 months!

I'm a Big Ten basketball fan, which means I want basketball as depicted in the movie Hoosiers, which is really my hang-up and fairly unrealistic. But, I do want the NBA to at least meet me half way. They glorify selfish sports the way that no other pro team sport does and it pisses me off.

metirish Jul 07 2010 01:18 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Ah , I didn't know he was doing in Cleveland anyway. Wade and Bosh announced on Sportscenter that they were both signing with the Heat.

batmagadanleadoff Jul 07 2010 01:20 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I'm with Monk. The sum is greater than the parts is how I'd explain my own preference for NCAA hoops over the NBA.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 07 2010 01:24 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="metirish"]How do they keep the location of the announcment secret , because it would make sense that if he chooses to stay in Cleveland then he won't be doing the announcing from the Daily News editorial desk with Mort Suckerman standing next to him.

On the other hand, if he sat down in a Cleveland TV studio and announced he was leaving the Cavs, things might get a little... em... real.

As far as locales go, I'm kind of rooting for Legion of Doom Bubble on the ocean floor. Neutral ground, it's got a savoir-faire to it, and it goes hand-in-hand with the alliances-of-three crap they've been leaking to the press.


"I'm going to sign a five-year max deal... with eeeeeevil!!"

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 07 2010 01:30 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="TransMonk"]I'm a Big Ten basketball fan, which means I want basketball as depicted in the movie Hoosiers, which is really my hang-up and fairly unrealistic.

Fair enough. This is like wanting every home run hit at CitiField to bring down a shower of sparks in slow-motion to Randy Newman orchestral scoring.

If it's been a while since you watched, you might want to check in from time to time. There's a bit more team play in the NBA-- at least, with teams that don't have Kobe or Lebron on them-- than you might remember.

Edgy DC Jul 07 2010 01:34 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Just because I haven't been following this, and my mind needs occasional blowing, what kind of annual salary are we expecting?

TransMonk Jul 07 2010 01:35 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":19k0iyv4]If it's been a while since you watched, you might want to check in from time to time. There's a bit more team play in the NBA-- at least, with teams that don't have Kobe or Lebron on them-- than you might remember.[/quote:19k0iyv4] I can live with that. Maybe I'll try to keep tabs on how the Atlanta Hawks do next season.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 07 2010 01:43 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Edgy DC":migatyc4]Just because I haven't been following this, and my mind needs occasional blowing, what kind of annual salary are we expecting?[/quote:migatyc4] I haven't been following it either, but I think I just saw that the Knicks signed some other guy (who I had never heard of) for five years, $100 million.

Ceetar Jul 07 2010 01:44 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Benjamin Grimm":3l9880sw][quote="Edgy DC":3l9880sw]Just because I haven't been following this, and my mind needs occasional blowing, what kind of annual salary are we expecting?[/quote:3l9880sw] I haven't been following it either, but I think I just saw that the Knicks signed some other guy (who I had never heard of) for five years, $100 million.[/quote:3l9880sw] I think max is like 16.5 a year? He'd be turning down 30million total if he left Cleveland based on salary cap rules or something.

Edgy DC Jul 07 2010 01:50 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Soba, waitba... Cleveland can payba himba 85% more than anybody elbus?

Ceetar Jul 07 2010 01:56 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Edgy DC":do81to55]Soba, waitba... Cleveland can payba himba 85% more than anybody elbus?[/quote:do81to55] Sorry, I meant overall. something about amount of years, or whatever, for resigning a player. I think the total amount Cleveland can offer equates to 30million more over the (5 versus 6?) years of the deal. Of course, things like income tax greatly affect these number comparisons too. $30 million or so is the number I've been hearing on the radio when I'm in teh car, which always seems to be discussing labron.

metsmarathon Jul 07 2010 02:04 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

iirc, any other team can offer him 5@95, whereas cleveland can give him 6@125, either to retain him or as part of a sign and trade. i hate the idea of the sign and trade. also the max contract. i think the max contract actually leads to more players getting grossly overpaid.

Frayed Knot Jul 07 2010 02:25 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="metirish":fn1vb41l]How do they keep the location of the announcment secret , because it would make sense that if he chooses to stay in Cleveland then he won't be doing the announcing from the Daily News editorial desk with Mort Suckerman standing next to him.[/quote:fn1vb41l] Heard briefly this morning in passing - have no idea how true or if new details have since emerged: - the announcement (stage, show, flea circus, whatever) is NOT being held in Cleveland - the team he's going to agree to play for will only be informed [u:fn1vb41l]5 minutes[/u:fn1vb41l] prior to show-time - ESPN brass has no idea what the final answer is/will be I have no idea what's going to go on for the other 59-1/2 minutes of this wing-ding. I'll read about it Friday morning.

Ceetar Jul 07 2010 02:32 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Frayed Knot":23h8f41r][quote="metirish":23h8f41r]How do they keep the location of the announcment secret , because it would make sense that if he chooses to stay in Cleveland then he won't be doing the announcing from the Daily News editorial desk with Mort Suckerman standing next to him.[/quote:23h8f41r] Heard briefly this morning in passing - have no idea how true or if new details have since emerged: - the announcement (stage, show, flea circus, whatever) is NOT being held in Cleveland - the team he's going to agree to play for will only be informed [u:23h8f41r]5 minutes[/u:23h8f41r] prior to show-time - ESPN brass has no idea what the final answer is/will be I have no idea what's going to go on for the other 59-1/2 minutes of this wing-ding. I'll read about it Friday morning.[/quote:23h8f41r] wow. nice of him to tell that team in advance..hahaha.. I guess that's so they don't leak his big moment. He's really just not going to tell anyone. Well, here we go. Let's see how good/relevant you are, mainstream media. get on this. If you can't break this story, I have no more use for you.

Edgy DC Jul 07 2010 02:39 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I picture the first twenty minutes packed with profiles on each city, with begging celebrities and dolled-up groupies, and face-painted fanz. The next twenty go to interviews with people "close to the situation," along with their speculation about where he's going and what it's all about for him. Their remarks will all conclude with a variation on "One thing's for sure, whatever LeBron decides to do, it'll be what LeBron wants." Last third will be a bachelor-type situation, with James shaking the hand of the presidents of the courting teams saying "I really respect you and all, but you weren't able to put the package together that I was looking for." The last president not to get this speech, won't know --- as we will --- that the others have all been eliminated, so there will be REAL DRAMA as he says "It's you; it's been you ALL ALONG." Tears, hugs, shaking hands covering the speechless mouth, crowds watching the downtown jumbotron partying in the street. James dons the jersey. Curtain.

TransMonk Jul 07 2010 02:48 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I can almost taste the bile in the back of my throat.

Willets Point Jul 07 2010 02:55 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Edgy DC"]I picture the first twenty minutes packed with profiles on each city, with begging celebrities and dolled-up groupies, and face-painted fanz. The next twenty go to interviews with people "close to the situation," along with their speculation about where he's going and what it's all about for him. Their remarks will all conclude with a variation on "One thing's for sure, whatever LeBron decides to do, it'll be what LeBron wants." Last third will be a bachelor-type situation, with James shaking the hand of the presidents of the courting teams saying "I really respect you and all, but you weren't able to put the package together that I was looking for." The last president not to get this speech, won't know --- as we will --- that the others have all been eliminated, so there will be REAL DRAMA as he says "It's you; it's been you ALL ALONG." Tears, hugs, shaking hands covering the speechless mouth, crowds watching the downtown jumbotron partying in the street. James dons the jersey. Curtain.

Shit man, why aren't you a television programing exec? That's pure gold right there. I mean it is shit, but as far as what people pay to see on television, it's gold.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 07 2010 03:01 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Edgy DC"]I picture the first twenty minutes packed with profiles on each city, with begging celebrities and dolled-up groupies, and face-painted fanz. The next twenty go to interviews with people "close to the situation," along with their speculation about where he's going and what it's all about for him. Their remarks will all conclude with a variation on "One thing's for sure, whatever LeBron decides to do, it'll be what LeBron wants." Last third will be a bachelor-type situation, with James shaking the hand of the presidents of the courting teams saying "I really respect you and all, but you weren't able to put the package together that I was looking for." The last president not to get this speech, won't know --- as we will --- that the others have all been eliminated, so there will be REAL DRAMA as he says "It's you; it's been you ALL ALONG." Tears, hugs, shaking hands covering the speechless mouth, crowds watching the downtown jumbotron partying in the street. James dons the jersey. Curtain.

Ooh... can one of the teams be a plant? Like, maybe the Bulls have no intention to sign him, but are only out to ruin it for everyone else?

Also, can we get the kiss-offs sponsored? I want the "Lowe's Rose Ceremony, brought to you by Gromaster."

Edgy DC Jul 07 2010 03:10 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Willets Point":3i70unoe]Shit man, why aren't you a television programing exec? That's pure gold right there. I mean it is shit, but as far as what people pay to see on television, it's gold.[/quote:3i70unoe] It's awful, isn't it? It's my curse to have a mind filled with million dollar schemes that I'd blow my brains out if I was ever associated up with.

Frayed Knot Jul 07 2010 03:20 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Plus, this one-hour song-and-dance comes on at 9PM following A THREE-HOUR SPORTSCENTER Gee, wonder what they're going to talk about during those 180 minutes?

Centerfield Jul 07 2010 03:24 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Brett Favre. Duh.

metirish Jul 07 2010 03:31 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Just heard on CBS 880" announcment to come from a Boys & Girls Club in Greenwich CT, it will happen in the first ten minutes of the show, after the 180 minute Sportscenter that FK mentioned. MSG stock went up 6% today the same report said.

TransMonk Jul 07 2010 03:35 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Frayed Knot"]Plus, this one-hour song-and-dance comes on at 9PM following A THREE-HOUR SPORTSCENTER Gee, wonder what they're going to talk about during those 180 minutes?

I hope at least one hour will be devoted to the no-hitter that Jonathan Niese throws tonight.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 07 2010 03:42 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="TransMonk"][quote="Frayed Knot"]Plus, this one-hour song-and-dance comes on at 9PM following A THREE-HOUR SPORTSCENTER Gee, wonder what they're going to talk about during those 180 minutes?

I hope at least one hour will be devoted to the no-hitter that Jonathan Niese throws tonight.

Local interest. Plus, that's, like, 59 no-hitters this year, isn't it? How often does Lebron step in front of a camera?

Farmer Ted Jul 07 2010 04:51 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

There's an NBA team in Cleveland?

Frayed Knot Jul 07 2010 04:55 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="metirish":3s0zg94p]Just heard on CBS 880" announcment to come from a Boys & Girls Club in Greenwich CT, it will happen in the first ten minutes of the show, ... [/quote:3s0zg94p] So the remaining 50 minutes can be devoted to how his announcement affects the economic recovery, the prospects for middle-east peace, and the future of 'American Idol'

Kong76 Jul 07 2010 06:15 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

And since we're all over the map here, the NCAA tourney has become just as annoying on some level as (in this case) a LeBron Decides on ESPN show. March Madness was cute for a year or two but now it's Bracketology, Countdown to Selection Sunday starting in January, etc. It's a month of and a half of pure stroke fest that everyone eats up and it has all the things wrong with it that one might complain about an over-hyped NBA event. And it happens every year (and gets worse each year), not once for an hour. At least tomorrow night there'll be no Dick Vitalle, BAYBEE!

Frayed Knot Jul 07 2010 06:20 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Kong76":vzfuaqbl]And since we're all over the map here, the NCAA tourney has become just as annoying on some level as (in this case) a LeBron Decides on ESPN show. March Madness was cute for a year or two but now it's Bracketology, Countdown to Selection Sunday starting in January, etc. It's a month of and a half of pure stroke fest that everyone eats up and it has all the things wrong with it that one might complain about an over-hyped NBA event. And it happens every year (and gets worse each year), not once for an hour. At least tomorrow night there'll be no Dick Vitalle, BAYBEE![/quote:vzfuaqbl] Yup!

metsmarathon Jul 07 2010 07:51 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

we hope...

Nymr83 Jul 07 2010 08:08 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

i hope its 10 minutes in, so i can turn it off if he's not a knick

Edgy DC Jul 07 2010 08:24 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

The redemption of Dick Vitale would cure like 32% of everything wrong with American sports.

Fman99 Jul 07 2010 09:17 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Kong76":smku05q2]And fucking a league up it's tattooed ass over it sounds like someone has other issues lol. Do we have to drag ass and dick into everything that makes us angry here? [/quote:smku05q2] Hey, in all fairness to me, yes I have other issues. At the same time I think if you go back and check, you'll see that I also drag ass and dick into all the things that make me happy as well. Don't hate on the zebra because it's striped. That's just how it got to be.

seawolf17 Jul 08 2010 05:04 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

http://deadspin.com/5581889/lebron-jame ... cocksucker

Kong76 Jul 08 2010 06:00 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Fman99":po2cage8]Don't hate on the zebra because it's striped. [/quote:po2cage8] There's plenty of hate in this thread, little of it from me. I'm sorry, and won't on about it, but fucking something in it's unwilling ass (even jokingly) because it displeases someone just isn't funny. It's a pretty violent means of expressing yay ncaa boo nba.

Edgy DC Jul 08 2010 06:15 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

And that article is a pretty ugly manifestation as well. The key good-point half a paragraph there though is "And FUCK YOU to ESPN for going along with this "Bonds on Bonds" redux. If an ESPN reporter found concrete proof this morning that James was going to Cleveland or somewhere else, do you think ESPN would let him run with it? FUCK AND NO. They'd stick him in a fucking Lucite box and throw him in the cellar until 10PM."

Frayed Knot Jul 08 2010 07:31 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

And, btw, since when is NCAA hoops a trash-talking & tattoo-free zone?

metsmarathon Jul 08 2010 07:32 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

seriously. punch the league in its cunt instead.

TransMonk Jul 08 2010 07:46 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Frayed Knot":29ltaqcd]And, btw, since when is NCAA hoops a trash-talking & tattoo-free zone?[/quote:29ltaqcd] Who said it was?

Frayed Knot Jul 08 2010 07:49 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Edgy DC"]And that article is a pretty ugly manifestation as well. The key good-point half a paragraph there though is "And FUCK YOU to ESPN for going along with this "Bonds on Bonds" redux. If an ESPN reporter found concrete proof this morning that James was going to Cleveland or somewhere else, do you think ESPN would let him run with it? FUCK AND NO. They'd stick him in a fucking Lucite box and throw him in the cellar until 10PM."

A related passage from that same site was even better:
ESPN is televising a by now galactically newsworthy event, one made galactically newsworthy in no small part due to ESPN's own coverage, and one that will be reported on breathlessly by ESPN itself and whose outcome will have an enormous impact on the value of ESPN's television contract with the NBA. Word of this show was broken by an ESPN reporter, and ESPN.com felt obliged to note that it came from "independent sources," lest it appear that ESPN The News Division was unduly hyping ESPN The Network's programming, even though that's precisely what it does all the time.

Frayed Knot Jul 08 2010 07:56 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="TransMonk":2jcnimuq][quote="Frayed Knot":2jcnimuq]And, btw, since when is NCAA hoops a trash-talking & tattoo-free zone?[/quote:2jcnimuq] Who said it was?[/quote:2jcnimuq] Directly, no one. But in a thread that started as a comment on the way LeBron et al were staging this announcement and then veered for some into an anti-NBA diatribe based, at least partially, on its tattooed and trash-talking image, college hoops was offered up as a superior choice even though it also contains healthy doses of both.

MFS62 Jul 08 2010 08:09 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

If James signs with Miami, I will move him from my category of really good players on other teams who I have respected (Pujols, Ichiro, Bob Gibson, Mantle) to the list of good players on other teams who I dispise (Clemens, Chipper, Farvre). Later

TransMonk Jul 08 2010 08:15 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Trash-talking is a part of all sports at all levels and would seem to be born of the competitive nature of organized team play. It is a part of both the NBA and NCAA, as it should be...and I can't find anywhere in this thread where it is listed as a positive or a negative for either league. I have no problem with tattoos in and of themselves. I was using this thread to provide my distaste for the way that the NBA has become a league of individuals rather than a league of teams. I listed the prevalence of tattoos, among many other things, including this LeBron hour-long "ME"-fest, as an example of that. There are flaws with the NCAA as well, just as there are with the MLB, NFL, etc. For my personal basketball tastes, I enjoy the NCAA more than the NBA. Tattoos and trash-talk really have very little to do with it. Unneccessary hour-long ego trips do.

metirish Jul 08 2010 09:10 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

ESPN has had nothing esle on today except this, apparently their sources are saying Miami.

Kong76 Jul 08 2010 10:13 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Frayed Knot":31s5ohc6]college hoops was offered up as a superior choice even though it also contains healthy doses of both.[/quote:31s5ohc6] And it's coverage is just as (if not more) overly sensationalistic as the other nationally televised sports, BAYBEE!

Willets Point Jul 08 2010 10:55 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Greenwich? If this is going to take place in Connecticut shouldn't it be in Bristol?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 08 2010 11:03 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I think it's at the Boys and Girls club that's going to get the donation.

Kong76 Jul 08 2010 11:35 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Hopefully he was real estate shopping in Greenwich today.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 08 2010 11:40 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Maybe he's going to really pull a surprise and sign with the Hartford Whalers.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 08 2010 11:43 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Or pull a switch, and sign with the Sun? He might be able to pull a championship that way, since Lisa Leslie retired.

soupcan Jul 08 2010 01:06 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I've got just as many issues with this whole press conference thing as everybody else but the bottom line is that ESPN wouldn't be wasting its time if nobody was going to watch and there wasn't money to be made (indirectly by promoting its brand since all proceeds are apparently going to a Boys & Girls Club in one of the two wealthiest counties in the country). There are so many folks up in arms about this but I'll lay dollars to donuts that this LeBron press conference will have very high ratings. All ESPN and LeBron are doing is giving the people what they want. If there were no demand there wouldn't be a supply.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 08 2010 01:15 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Oh, I don't doubt that there's demand. But it would be nice to see the guy who's about to accept a $300 billion contract do so with just a touch of humility.

Centerfield Jul 08 2010 01:43 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

ESPN should absolutely broadcast this event. They are a network in the business of making money. If they don't broadcast it, one of their competitors will. LeBron is a tool for creating such an event, even if people want it. Like Ben said, it may be asking too much, but some humility would be nice.

Frayed Knot Jul 08 2010 03:05 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Considering that ESPN's scheduled programming consisted of World Cup wrap-up/preview show in the midst of a three day stretch where there's no WC games to a nation that barely cares about the event to begin with, film of LeBron shaving would probably represent a ratings jump meaning that of course they're going to televise it. It's just that virtually everything the four-letter network does is about what else is on the network, the passage earlier about this being an event created by ESPN is response to a story hyped by ESPN and later "broken" by ESPN about a sport with a contract with ESPN, is right on. In the end, I think what we're seeing here is the creation of a guy who's grown up in the reality show generation who thinks it's natural to go that route when it can serve him and, to cover his tracks, a charity. In all, a big contrast to Jordan's two word fax of 'I'M BACK' upon his return to the sport.

Kong76 Jul 08 2010 04:12 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I'd forgotten how funny it was when Michael wanted to play baseball.

metirish Jul 08 2010 04:36 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 08 2010 05:10 PM

Is it at all likely that this gets higher ratings than cable NBA Playoffs?

Frayed Knot Jul 08 2010 05:05 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I don't want to say that ESPN/ABC is invested in this LeBron thing, but the ABC (ESPN's owner) Nightly News just did TWO separate pieces on him while also squeezing in stuff on the Russian spies and the oil spill in between. They also managed to mention 1 or 7 times that his decision will BE CARRIED LIVE on ESPN at 9PM and that *SURPRISE, SURPRISE* he'll be live on Good Morning America tomorrow morning. Now who could have seen THAT coming?

Ceetar Jul 08 2010 05:11 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="metirish":ozm4htbn]Is it at all likely that this gets higher ratings than cable NBA Playoffs?[/quote:ozm4htbn] More than the big game 7 with Kobe? I doubt it, but if it does, that's pretty sad that more people would rather gossip about a star player than actually watch one.

Willets Point Jul 08 2010 05:37 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

So if James is really informing the team he wants to sign with 5 minutes before show time, that means that there is no actual agreement or contract at this time, correct? Which means that negotiation/signing will happen later on? Which means that the team and James may not actually agree? Probably highly unlikely that would happen with all the attention of the show, but it's a possibility right?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 08 2010 06:48 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I would assume that the "winning team" already knows, but I guess it's possible that they don't.

Kong76 Jul 08 2010 07:01 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I guess is would be overkill to start a IDTT? I'm not going to watch, watching a couple of episodes of season two of All in the Family. It'll hit the interwebs like stink on a Mel Rojas butterball down the gravy boat train anyways soon enough ...

metirish Jul 08 2010 07:13 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I'm watching like a fool.

Kong76 Jul 08 2010 07:18 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

You're not a fool if you're interested in watching.

Ceetar Jul 08 2010 07:23 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Kong76":3gxfo7q0]You're not a fool if you're interested in watching.[/quote:3gxfo7q0] You're missing a zany Phillies-Reds game on mlb Network if you are. Cueto got his glove knocked off at first base, tried to catch a ball gloveless. botched squeeze play. Werth gets tagged out as the second out in a 4-3-3 DP standing inches from the bag. madsen struck out Phillips to end the 8th, but it was a wild pitch, both pitch and catcher bolt for the ball, Phillips reaches, Stubbs scores from second because they didn't cover the plate, save is blown and now Wilson Valdes leads off with a triple.

Nymr83 Jul 08 2010 07:27 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

lebron says its all about winning....so Bulls or Heat then?

The Second Spitter Jul 08 2010 07:27 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I guess that rules out the Knicks.

Nymr83 Jul 08 2010 07:28 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Miami it is, fuck.

Nymr83 Jul 08 2010 07:28 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

i'll bet 90% of viewers just turned it off and ESPN is cursing themselves for not fitting one more commercial break in first

Ceetar Jul 08 2010 07:31 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Nymr83":2d5xei3v]i'll bet 90% of viewers just turned it off and ESPN is cursing themselves for not fitting one more commercial break in first[/quote:2d5xei3v] 90? 95, easy. Does this even make it as most of the discussion tomorrow, or do we finally get back to all baseball on WFAN and what not?

metirish Jul 08 2010 07:32 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Riley still sticking it to the Knicks.

SteveJRogers Jul 08 2010 07:40 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Ceetar":3bz2d9li][quote="Nymr83":3bz2d9li]i'll bet 90% of viewers just turned it off and ESPN is cursing themselves for not fitting one more commercial break in first[/quote:3bz2d9li] 90? 95, easy. Does this even make it as most of the discussion tomorrow, or do we finally get back to all baseball on WFAN and what not?[/quote:3bz2d9li] WFAN? Don't know, but ESPN Radio should still be talking about this through the weekend. Mostly what the Knicks, and Nets, do now.

The Second Spitter Jul 08 2010 07:42 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I'm watching Orioles@Rangers -- announcer said: "If you switched over to the Lebron announcement, you should have your head examined"

Ceetar Jul 08 2010 07:54 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="The Second Spitter":2o94r6v7]I'm watching Orioles@Rangers -- announcer said: "If you switched over to the Lebron announcement, you should have your head examined"[/quote:2o94r6v7] Mlb Network guys on Phillies Reds between pretty critical too.

Frayed Knot Jul 08 2010 08:14 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

So as I understand this now, Miami now has like a total of 7 players under contract and since three of them are making a combined billion dollars or so they can only fill out the rest of their roster with guys at or near minimum wage. Good luck with that.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 08 2010 10:25 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Open letter to LeBron from the Cavs owner. Holy shieet. http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbe ... 00708.html

Willets Point Jul 08 2010 10:31 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

It comes off so much more cheerful in comic sans.

Willets Point Jul 08 2010 10:33 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

And "comic sans" is trending on Twitter. You thought this was a big deal, but now that they've drawn in the font snobs, there will be no end to this.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 08 2010 10:45 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Willets Point":1vjcjyfr]It comes off so much more cheerful in comic sans.[/quote:1vjcjyfr] Jauntily bitter, almost.

Valadius Jul 08 2010 11:57 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

You know, normally, the free market should reign when it comes to the NBA. But this is one instance where the commissioner NEEDS to step in and say, "In order to protect the competitive balance of the league, I cannot allow this to go forward." To allow the best small forward in the league to be on the same team as the best shooting guard and probably the best power forward would ruin the NBA for years to come.

Nymr83 Jul 09 2010 04:21 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

it won't ruin shit, who is going to play with them? theres no team around them and no money for one!

Edgy DC Jul 09 2010 05:28 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I would hope the commissoner would consider no such thing. Most free agent drama happens when a young player turns his back on his hometown fans and cashes in elsewhere. This guy has made enemies all over the league. the commssioner probably loves it to death.

Ceetar Jul 09 2010 05:47 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="A Boy Named Seo":4w1bd9cb]Open letter to LeBron from the Cavs owner. Holy shieet. http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbe ... 00708.html[/quote:4w1bd9cb] I like that. Curse on Miami? cool. (Not that I thought the Marlins had a prayer)

Edgy DC Jul 09 2010 06:10 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Reads kind of like Charlie Daniels is his ghostwriter. One wonders how disgusting his narcissistic display would have been had he come back to Cleveland.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 09 2010 06:12 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Wow! I have to say, that reads like one of those nutty political e-mails that my father is always forwarding to me. Now I know who writes them. "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE" You can take it to the bank. Like any such thing can be guaranteed. It's refreshing, in a way, that he's not mincing words, but this is such pandering that it's ridiculous. If I was a Cavaliers fan, I'm really not sure how I'd react to this.

Frayed Knot Jul 09 2010 06:57 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Valadius":3buhl46d]You know, normally, the free market should reign when it comes to the NBA. But this is one instance where the commissioner NEEDS to step in and say, "In order to protect the competitive balance of the league, I cannot allow this to go forward." To allow the best small forward in the league to be on the same team as the best shooting guard and probably the best power forward would ruin the NBA for years to come.[/quote:3buhl46d] I remember the rush to declare the age of competitive baseball over after ARod was dealt to the Yanx - a trade which came complete with a huge chunk of the contract paid in advance and a clearly lesser package going back the other way. Instead, they went into their biggest championship drought since the Steve Balboni era. Besides, the last 25 NBA championships have been won by just 7 teams. Exactly what competitive balance would the commish be protecting here?

Willets Point Jul 09 2010 06:58 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I think the people who script the WWE have branched out into a new sport.

metsmarathon Jul 09 2010 07:01 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Benjamin Grimm"]Wow! I have to say, that reads like one of those nutty political e-mails that my father is always forwarding to me. Now I know who writes them. "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE" You can take it to the bank. Like any such thing can be guaranteed. It's refreshing, in a way, that he's not mincing words, but this is such pandering that it's ridiculous. If I was a Cavaliers fan, I'm really not sure how I'd react to this.

i'd probably wonder why the organization wasn't so motivated to win previously.

seawolf17 Jul 09 2010 07:15 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="metsmarathon"][quote="Benjamin Grimm"]Wow! I have to say, that reads like one of those nutty political e-mails that my father is always forwarding to me. Now I know who writes them. "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE" You can take it to the bank. Like any such thing can be guaranteed. It's refreshing, in a way, that he's not mincing words, but this is such pandering that it's ridiculous. If I was a Cavaliers fan, I'm really not sure how I'd react to this.

i'd probably wonder why the organization wasn't so motivated to win previously.
Kinda, yeah. I know the interwebs are spooging all over this "open letter," but it's all just rhetoric until they actually DO something. Your best player is gone; shit happens. Move on and try to make your team better.

I wonder, if Wilpon/Doubleday had done this in 1991 when Darryl signed with LA, what my reaction would have been. (Of course, I was fourteen, so I probably would have eaten it up.) I don't blame him for being angry and feeling disrespected, but now you need to put it on the scoreboard. Beat them this year and then talk crap.

Frayed Knot Jul 09 2010 07:31 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

You understand Cleveland mgmt not liking the decision but, shit, there are 15 year-old girls writing less bitter letters on their Facebook pages after finding out that their supposed 'boyfriend' had his paws up some other girl's shirt behind the football stands last Friday. I mean the letter doesn't just take on HOW he went about choosing his future but the fact that he had the nerve to do so at all. Is all this stuff about how disloyal/treasonous/heartless, etc., mean that the Cavaliers are forsaking the free-agent market in the future or is it only disloyal when someone leaves you but not when you lure someone else to your crib? [see: NFL, Baltimore] Or does the fact that LeBron comes from (somewhere else in) Ohio somehow mean he's exempt from the benefits of the FA system?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 09 2010 07:34 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Maybe there's something about spending time in Cleveland that makes sports owners into blustering idiots. (See Steinbrenner, George.)

Edgy DC Jul 09 2010 07:39 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Modell, Art.

Centerfield Jul 09 2010 07:48 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Cool. It's like a Tool-Off with James holding a slight edge.

Edgy DC Jul 09 2010 07:54 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment. Why are "decision" and "witnessed" in "quotes"?

Benjamin Grimm Jul 09 2010 08:10 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Because the writer is an idiot. Actually, I've seen quotation marks used for emphasis where italics would normally be used. Although even that doesn't seem to apply in this case.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 09 2010 08:16 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Nike shaped a recent popular James campaign around the tagline "We are all witnesses" (to James' greatness, presumably, or to how much powder he can clap in the air at one time). "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE" You can take it to the bank. That bank, of course, being Washington Mutual.

Centerfield Jul 09 2010 08:40 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE" You can take it to the bank. And if they don't, he will fellate all the men in the Netherlands.

MFS62 Jul 09 2010 09:21 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Valadius":1xwq9h81]You know, normally, the free market should reign when it comes to the NBA. But this is one instance where the commissioner NEEDS to step in and say, "In order to protect the competitive balance of the league, I cannot allow this to go forward." To allow the best small forward in the league to be on the same team as the best shooting guard and probably the best power forward would ruin the NBA for years to come.[/quote:1xwq9h81] That's similar to what they said when Wilt, Baylor and West were on the same team. And the NBA is still here. Later

dgwphotography Jul 09 2010 11:35 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

These three obviously got together and decided to go to the same team together. How is this not collusion?

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 09 2010 11:44 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="dgwphotography":19ulcpzy]These three obviously got together and decided to go to the same team together. How is this not collusion?[/quote:19ulcpzy] 'Cause they're not owners, and it's only dirty pool if the conspirers are aiming to tilt the playing field (rather than lining up an absurdly-loaded squad).

metirish Jul 09 2010 01:43 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I'm a bit mystified(OK , not a good choice of words) as to why he would go to Miami, if you want to be an all time great like Kobe, Jordan et al wouldn't you want to have been the guy that brought a championship to Cleveland or NY and not be the guy who shuffled down to Miami to play with two other big stars? I dunno , I guess Kobe had Shaq in the early days but that team is his now right?, Jordan had Pippan and some great team players .

batmagadanleadoff Jul 09 2010 02:02 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="metirish"]I'm a bit mystified(OK , not a good choice of words) as to why he would go to Miami, if you want to be an all time great like Kobe, Jordan et al wouldn't you want to have been the guy that brought a championship to Cleveland or NY and not be the guy who shuffled down to Miami to play with two other big stars? I dunno , I guess Kobe had Shaq in the early days but that team is his now right?, Jordan had Pippan and some great team players .

SI's Michael Rosenberg agrees with you:

LeBron hardly a king for taking the easy way out with star-laden Heat

snippet:

There is no greater challenge in sports getting drafted by a godawful team, planting your flag in a city and working like crazy until you have turned that team into a champion. LeBron James didn't want the challenge. He wanted to play with his buddies.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/w ... index.html

Benjamin Grimm Jul 09 2010 02:12 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Maybe he didn't want to play for that Cleveland owner who publicly proclaimed his assholeness this morning. We're just finding out, but LeBron probably knew all about it.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 09 2010 02:28 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Benjamin Grimm":55pkqw5y]Maybe he didn't want to play for that Cleveland owner who publicly proclaimed his assholeness this morning. We're just finding out, but LeBron probably knew all about it.[/quote:55pkqw5y] Nobody went in or came out looking good. The bitterness of the owner was matched by the hubris and ego of James, and by the covetousness of New York and by the sniveling of ESPN. F all of them.

Ceetar Jul 09 2010 02:28 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":284vk7lt][quote="Benjamin Grimm":284vk7lt]Maybe he didn't want to play for that Cleveland owner who publicly proclaimed his assholeness this morning. We're just finding out, but LeBron probably knew all about it.[/quote:284vk7lt] Nobody went in or came out looking good. The bitterness of the owner was matched by the hubris and ego of James, and by the covetousness of New York and by the sniveling of ESPN. F all of them.[/quote:284vk7lt] I'd threaten not to watch basketball this season, but that's pretty much the status quo.

Edgy DC Jul 09 2010 02:42 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I can understand the owner being bitter. For being shocked and immature and releasing an embarassing stateement when he should have professionals working for him? No wonder LeBron bailed.

Ashie62 Jul 09 2010 10:08 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I'm a Nets fan. I have my own problems.

metsmarathon Jul 10 2010 12:40 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

one thing that's been bothering me about gilbert's rantings and ravings, specifically those on espn where he claimed that lebron had quit on the team the past two years in the playoffs... if that were truly the case, why the hell would cleveland have been so hard on giving him a max deal and continuing to build their team around him?

Ashie62 Jul 10 2010 01:39 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Isn't it everyones dream to get out of Cleveland?

dgwphotography Jul 10 2010 05:31 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":36bn8luz][quote="dgwphotography":36bn8luz]These three obviously got together and decided to go to the same team together. How is this not collusion?[/quote:36bn8luz] 'Cause they're not owners, and it's only dirty pool if the conspirers are aiming to tilt the playing field (rather than lining up an absurdly-loaded squad).[/quote:36bn8luz] Isn't that what they did? They have obviously tilted the playing field, with the Heat being the benefactors...

dgwphotography Jul 10 2010 05:38 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Ashie62"]Isn't it everyones dream to get out of Cleveland?

Actually, it's my dream to get to Cleveland...

Frayed Knot Jul 10 2010 06:39 PM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="dgwphotography":1zjwmj61][quote="LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr":1zjwmj61][quote="dgwphotography":1zjwmj61]These three obviously got together and decided to go to the same team together. How is this not collusion?[/quote:1zjwmj61] 'Cause they're not owners, and it's only dirty pool if the conspirers are aiming to tilt the playing field (rather than lining up an absurdly-loaded squad).[/quote:1zjwmj61] Isn't that what they did? They have obviously tilted the playing field, with the Heat being the benefactors...[/quote:1zjwmj61] The players, by themselves, don't have the power to make a contract offer happen or to determine the size of said contract. Owners, acting in concert with each other, absolutely have the power to cause both price and movement which is why collusion on their part is illegal.

Centerfield Jul 12 2010 09:56 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

"And despite the strong push by Bitter Gilbert, this tool-off will go to LeBron's Decision. LeBron's Decision by two lengths as he heads into the final turn...BUT WAIT! Here comes Race Card Jackson out of nowhere! Did he just compare Bitter Gilbert to a slave-owner? Brilliant! Closing fast, and down the stretch they come, LeBron's Decision and Race Card Jackson are neck and neck and it is....Race Card Jackson! Winner of the 2010 Tool-Off!"

MFS62 Jul 13 2010 07:38 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Edgy DC":1ehta893]I can understand the owner being bitter. For being shocked and immature and releasing an embarassing stateement when he should have professionals working for him? No wonder LeBron bailed.[/quote:1ehta893] The letter certainly didn't help anyone involved. But if he was really upset at LeBron leaving, why grant the sign-and-trade, so LeBron could get more money? Why not let him sign with Miami at a lower salary? Why? Because he got draft picks back, that's why. It's not personal, Sonny, its business. Self serving bastard. Later

Edgy DC Jul 13 2010 08:16 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

$100,000 fine for Gilbert: http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/07/12/cav ... tml?hpt=T2

Ceetar Jul 13 2010 08:23 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Centerfield"] "And despite the strong push by Bitter Gilbert, this tool-off will go to LeBron's Decision. LeBron's Decision by two lengths as he heads into the final turn...BUT WAIT! Here comes Race Card Jackson out of nowhere! Did he just compare Bitter Gilbert to a slave-owner? Brilliant! Closing fast, and down the stretch they come, LeBron's Decision and Race Card Jackson are neck and neck and it is....Race Card Jackson! Winner of the 2010 Tool-Off!"

What is this a picture of, the additions to the Phillies bullpen? isn't this the wrong thread for that?

Edgy DC Jul 13 2010 08:25 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

A race caller following the action through binoculars.

Ceetar Jul 13 2010 08:29 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Edgy DC":2gwxlgei]A race caller following the action through binoculars.[/quote:2gwxlgei] Looks like he's wondering how he broke it and why the duct tape didn't fix it.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 13 2010 08:36 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

I thought it was this guy:

Ceetar Jul 13 2010 08:42 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Benjamin Grimm"]I thought it was this guy:

4,5,15,16,....

I'm going to stop now before someone spoils this for me. I'm still _7_ episodes behind. yikes. what am I waiting for? (besides a monitor cable to hook my laptop to the tV)

Centerfield Jul 13 2010 09:06 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Sorry. That's Kentucky Derby announcer Luke Kruytbosch.

Edgy DC Jul 13 2010 09:31 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

Can we talk about this? He gets a $100,000 find for making lamely populist appeal to his fan, trying to jump start the depressing post-Lebron era with some degree of hope. I mean, he embarassed himself, but a $100,000 fine?

metirish Jul 13 2010 09:40 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Jul 13 2010 09:45 AM

[quote="Edgy DC":21xdhq9e]Can we talk about this? He gets a $100,000 find for making lamely populist appeal to his fan, trying to jump start the depressing post-Lebron era with some degree of hope. I mean, he embarassed himself, but a $100,000 fine?[/quote:21xdhq9e] Daveid Stern knows who butters his bread and it's not Gilbert.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jul 13 2010 09:42 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

edit, nevermind

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jul 13 2010 10:34 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

[quote="Edgy DC":2lqz26w7]Can we talk about this? He gets a $100,000 find for making lamely populist appeal to his fan, trying to jump start the depressing post-Lebron era with some degree of hope. I mean, he embarassed himself, but a $100,000 fine?[/quote:2lqz26w7] I'm thinking the accusations he made in the AP press conference-- explicitly accusing him of tanking the latter two games in the Boston series this past year-- might be what did that, really.

Edgy DC Jul 13 2010 11:10 AM Re: LeBron James is a Tool

That's fair. That's a particuarly dangerous accusation. But a hunnert gees? I realize that's tip money for some of these guys, but... If he's that dangerous, suspend him.