Not saying LeBron James was right … but I understand
LeBron James didn’t congratulate the winning Magic or speak to the media after Cleveland was eliminated Saturday night. This was neither gracious nor professional from someone who takes pains to be both. But I’m willing to give him a pass.
Nobody in the NBA — maybe nobody in the history of the NBA — has done more to lift his team than LBJ, and LeBron and his Cavs and all of Cleveland had reason to believe this was finally the year. Turned out the team wasn’t as good as the regular season and the first two playoff rounds made it seem. Turned out the Magic was simply better. (Indeed, Orlando came within one second of sweeping the No. 1 seed.)
Let’s say LeBron had addressed the press after Game 6. The questions wouldn’t have been about his performance — he’d been great — but about those around him and whether or not he can win a title with this supporting cast. And that’s a slippery slope. Indeed, as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar complained to reporters as his Milwaukee Bucks were losing the 1974 finals to Boston, “You’re trying to get me to say my teammates aren’t any good.”
LeBron finally spoke in Cleveland on Sunday and was diplomatic, which he might not have in the been in the immediate aftermath. He might have done as Peyton Manning did after the top-seeded Colts lost to Pittsburgh in the 2006 playoffs — faulted others and made himself seem both snooty and petty in the process.
Being a media person myself, I’m never thrilled when someone deigns not to share his thoughts. But this one I understand. He and his franchise were better served by letting LeBron sleep on it.
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112 comments Add your comment
Barry
June 1st, 2009
2:55 pm
Hey Y’all:
He came in as “THE KING” but he went out as “THE PAUPER”.
ATL_LOVE
June 1st, 2009
3:10 pm
Lebron should NEVER GET ANOTHER HANDSHAKE from someone he’s beaten since he can’t take the fire when it’s reversed!
This playoffs has seen him dancing on the bench, taking pretend pictures, and straight having a party while on the winning side… all at the expense of the LOSING SIDE WHO STILL HAD THE CLASS to shake his hand.
NO EXCUSE. NO RESPECT for the game. And oh yeah, NO RING.
NoleRick
June 1st, 2009
3:11 pm
I get the feeling that if Josh Smith had done the same thing, people would be calling him a Punk and classless. Cant have it both ways.
No more guitar hero and family portraits for the Cavs. Can dish it out but cant take it..
ATL_LOVE
June 1st, 2009
3:14 pm
Mark, after hearing LBJ’s excuse, are you still offering the “pass”?
And where’s Josh Smith’s “pass” for attempting the ill-advised dunk? Give out passes at home before extending them to the NBA marketing machine!
Obama hates Cheney's bald head the most
June 1st, 2009
3:22 pm
Not speaking to reporters is fine, but you get paid millions of dollars, suck it up and shake hands with your opponent. If that bothers you so much, here is a theraputic cure. Go home, take some of your money and fill up your bathtub with it; then soak in the fact that you have many things that people would die for.
Or if he fills up my bathtub with some of his money, he can do whatever he wants.
Larry
June 1st, 2009
3:31 pm
I just want to make a couple of points here. 1. If Kobe had acted in the same manner as Prince James, the four-letter network would be running it nonstop 24-7 and ripping him without mercy. Because the NBA has that same network as one of its premier partners, any criticism coming from Bristol is mild at best. 2. I’m sure the real King of the NBA (King David) will summon the young prince to NYC for a how it’s done conversation. In a previous job I worked closely with the NBA and observed King David’s obsession with preserving and marketing the league’s public image. Trust me this will never happen again!
Marcus
June 1st, 2009
3:33 pm
Question: Won’t (or will) LeBron get bill from the NBA po-lice for ducking out for the post-game press conference? I thought that was mandatory, and in the past, coaches and players alike had to pay up for being AWOL from the media..not like he CAN’T afford it, but it will be interesting to see the dynamic. If this is the case and the league doesn’t fine him……
David Smith
June 1st, 2009
3:33 pm
I respected LeBron’s intensity and emotion than Kevin Garnett’s antics last year when we played the Celtics. Lebron is just a young player that needs to realize that even the great players like Michael Jordan (who had to play seven years before winning the first of six championships) had to experience the failure of coming short in the playoffs before they were ready to feel the joy of winning a championship. I don’t agree to what he did after that game but he will learn that losing is the greatest motivator to raise his game to a higher level and hold his teamates accountable to match his intensity.
Marcus
June 1st, 2009
3:36 pm
Question No. 2 – If the NBA is doing a NFL-style “draft combine” for player assessment, is Sekou on the scene?
If not, why not?
Larry
June 1st, 2009
3:36 pm
To clarify my previous post, the four-letter network will be very restrained in going after LeBron because King David and the league has annointed him. The reality is a 30-something Kobe does not have the marketing legs of a 24-year old LeBron. As far as the league is concerned if it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.
doc
June 1st, 2009
3:49 pm
your first two add ons say it all mark. yes he is an engaging good guy/kid having the time of his life or so he thought. the second part he needs to grow up. i said almost he same thing in another blog, he will get plenty more ops to lose gracefully.
jack nicklaus was the most competitive person ever as a champion but fell to second in what thirty majors but still has 18 wins to show for it that tiger chases? that in itself was an unbelievable number. you could never tell if he lost or won, kind of like he expected to be there or always close by.
Keith
June 1st, 2009
3:53 pm
LeBron is dead wrong for handling this situation in the manner in which he did. His actions were unacceptable! He’s never won anything in the NBA. Why should he get a pass. He should have acknowledged the Magic’s players and their coaches. He was a bad sport and all fans should remember this. He is a fair weather player and this piece of adversity got him down and he showed his real colors. LeBron will have to show me that he can be a better person and he can start with a genuine apology to the NBA, the fans and the Magic.
Skee
June 1st, 2009
4:01 pm
This is a young man, who was caught up in moment of being a fierce competitor. Immaturity and inexperience played a part in this as well. Did he get what he deserved? Yes and no! I think this is gonna make him a better player indeed. I don’t think he disrespected the Magic, because the Cavs are the ones sitting in the stands for the FINALS. I believe Cleveland was a overconfident team that was overmatched in all positions except one. LeBron did his part, but this is a team game. This is what make sporting games so interesting, the unexpecting happening. As for LeBron, he’s still ok with me.
James
June 1st, 2009
4:02 pm
Mr. Bradley,
Nice article. I agree with you on avoiding the media, reserving your comments for a “cooler” time–but not shaking hands is silly. And he comments on it like most normal people LIKE shaking hands when they lose…
Perhaps you’ve mentioned this before (if so, please direct me to the proper location): the Hawks and Pistons made the Cavs look unbeatable. What does Orlando have that the Hawks need to strive for? (besides the big man–which everyone mentions, and the depth, which we know we need)? It seems like they were so much better as a team–why?
Larry
June 1st, 2009
4:03 pm
Keith,
The reason he is getting a pass is because the NBA, Nike, ESPN, etc. have determined that promoting him can make them billions. They don’t want the gravy train to run off the track. Sadly, its not about sportsmanship or competition anymore, only corporate opportunity. Remember a few years ago when Ira Newble was trying to get NBA players to sign his petition in support of Darfur. LeBron would not sign because of marketing opportunities in China. At that time Nike and the NBA were beginning to drool over the Chinese marketing potential — several billion strong. In spite of all the careful image building from his handlers, I always say true character shows when pressure is applied. Truer colors have never been shown in my opinion.
Sanford Drive
June 1st, 2009
4:05 pm
Of course its hard to shake hands after you lose, but that’s too bad because it’s what you do. It’s called being an adult. Nadal shook hands yesterday with some guy he can’t stand. Grow up, James. Get over yourself.
ATL_LOVE
June 1st, 2009
4:16 pm
The irony here is his sour grapes immaturity gets more recognition & airtime than a 1-minute congratulatory bow-out ever would have.
Now your losing moment is center stage for days instead of minutes.
Dell
June 1st, 2009
4:17 pm
MB, it’s ridiculous to excuse LJ for his lack of professionalism! (forgive him, but don’t forget) Maybe if he had stop listening to people proclaiming him king, he would not have been so high up in that cloud and the fall would not have been so hard when reality brought him back to earth.
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
4:25 pm
You’re right, Atl Love. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of regret.
Or something like that.
ARE you kidding me?
June 1st, 2009
4:27 pm
Most of the folks here who want to criticize Lebron have never been in a competative situation in their life, let alone competition at the highest level. Its really easy to sit on your couch or Lazy Boy and take shots at somebody pouring everything they have into their career. Not to mention everything you do isn’t under a microscope at every turn.
Dell
June 1st, 2009
4:30 pm
Seriously, is it LJ fault? What do you expect from an immature man who has been elevated much higher (BY THE MEDIA) than any human being should ever be? King James? Give me a break! Maybe if he had gone to college from high school, he would have learned some “good sportsmanship” skills.
cricket
June 1st, 2009
4:39 pm
As I expected, if you are a great player, you will always find some sports writers willing to provide excuses for clearly inexcusable behavior.
Mark, normally I like your columns but have to completely disagree on this one.
Mark Bradley Supporter
June 1st, 2009
4:40 pm
Still cracking jokes on the beautiful city they call Cleveland? Good stuff. I was wondering. Why wasn’t the Cavs bench jumping up and down holding each other back during their last game? I thought they always did it because they love the game so much.
Dell
June 1st, 2009
4:45 pm
No, are you kidding me? We are not talking about some pick-up game in a gym, against five guys he may not know. We are talking about the NBA, where he will face these guys again. Where he is held to a much higher standard. And being under that microscope was all the more reason for him to be a real man!
NetTalker
June 1st, 2009
4:48 pm
I really think Lebron is GREAT player……BUT. Let him “Win” a few rings before you call him the Best Player ever. He won a Gold Medal with alot more help, but he also lost one too with not so much help. Best player right now? Kobe hands down. James does not have the handle nor the shot that Kobe has. He has more of a Ron artest feel than anything. He is just powerful and OLD looking. I think him Greg Oden have the same dad. I dont think he will EVER pull another walk off AGAIN. The NBA will ruin him if they are not careful.
Quit laying the path. Let him make his own way. Lets see where he is in 10 years.
Alisha
June 1st, 2009
4:56 pm
Lebron James acted out of emotion, he loves this game. No it wasnt the best way to handle it but its pretty easy to judge him sitting in your living room. He should have shaken hands with the Magic, there’s no denying that but he was actually doing the MATURE thing when it comes to the media and making sure he didnt say something stupid after the game. He talked to them the next day so what’s the big deal? People are always looking for something to criticize. Why cant we just focus on how the Magic dominated the Cavs and look forward to the finals? That’s way more important!
Atlanta Journal Constitution » Blog Archive » Not saying LeBron James was right … but I understand
June 1st, 2009
5:03 pm
[...] Mark Bradley | ajc.com – [...]
SlimG
June 1st, 2009
5:21 pm
Dude’s a loser. What has he won? Zero. No class. Why would anyone want this guy on their team? Everyone saw who was the gotoo guys in the Olympics. Wade and Kobe.
“I’m a winner”. Then act like one. So what, you got beat up. Man up and show some respect like ‘Melo did. I’ll take “Melo over Lebaby any day.
All ballers shake hands after the series no matter who wins or loses. It’s only a game dude.
SlimG
June 1st, 2009
5:23 pm
Why did Lebaby skip college? Did he even take the SAT? Can he even read?
Legend of Len Barker
June 1st, 2009
5:24 pm
When the Legend was a wee recreation league powerless left-handed third baseman on a team that won a combined seven games in two years, some of the Legend’s teammates once decided after yet another blowout, “Yeah, we’ll high-five alright. With spit on our palms!”
To me there is very little difference between that and LeBron’s balking. Even Mr. James wants to be an icon for the youth of America – and boy howdy is one with his prestige needed – he needs to be a man. And quit stealing powder tossing from Kevin Garnett who stole it from Jordan (sorry, personal tick there). Spending many years watching prep sports, we have way too many sore losers and sore winners. A return to sportsmanship and team play is needed.
And also because I like to be contrary, James has not lifted his team more than any other man in NBA history. George Mikan only had serious help in two of his NBA season – his last two. Still, the Lakers were at the top of the standings and he had double the points of anyone else on the roster.
You also can make a pretty good argument that the Hawks would be absolutely zilch without Joe Johnson because nobody else on that team is capable of carrying them to even low-level mediocrity.
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
5:29 pm
Disagree on the Hawks. Josh Smith: Good player. Al Horford: Good player. Marvin and Bibby: Decent players.
Take LeBron and Joe Johnson out of the mix, and which starting four would you rather have? I don’t think it’s even close.
GT
June 1st, 2009
5:43 pm
I think the world gets it that they lose badly in Cleveland but I remember they win badly too. When they beat us, the Hawks’ players were commenting on how the Cleveland celebrations were over the top, starting on their bench about 4th quarter on. The NBA has never been a place to take your kids but why are we concern about one end of the horse when both ends look sick to me.
mitch
June 1st, 2009
5:48 pm
Mr. MB–Tyrell told me there are many nice people living in Cleveland, but I think Lebron is nothing but a big ‘ol sissy-pants. YP, Mitch
JD
June 1st, 2009
6:05 pm
So Lebron gets a pass because his teammates didn’t help him win a championship? Because his teammates aren’t good enough to advance to the next round? There’s 28 teams right now that aren’t good enough to make the playoffs. Does that mean their top players have the right to mope and sulk?
I used to like LeBron a lot. Now I’m just lukewarm on him. I couldn’t stand his arrogance during the Hawks series and before the Magic series. Granted he can back it up, but there’s a difference between being proud and cocky.
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 1st, 2009
6:06 pm
The thing about how Lebron acted is this…he is a great young player..no doubt about that…and he also seems to be well liked by most media types..yet I remember how the Detroit pistons were just crucified by the press for daring to walk off the court and not shake hands with the Bulls the year MJ got his 1st ring!!!People forget Isiah Thomas was kept off the OLYMPIC team for snubbing Jordan yet people make up for Lebron by saying He just hates losing…the game is bigger than any player and sportsmanship is part of the game.If the guy just does not do the “handshake” thing WIN or LOSE it’s still not cool but at least it consistent.The young man barring injury is headed to the Hall of Fame one day he should take note though….an awful lot of young kids at there look up to him and will emulate whatever he does.I’m old school..I thought that was petty when the Pistons did it and I think that’s petty now.
Drez
June 1st, 2009
6:09 pm
I find it ironic that he was more than willing to shake hands of the Pistons and Hawks when his team was winning and celebrating on the bench during games. I didn’t notice the Cleveland reserves cheering, jumping, and celebrating their teammates when winning jump balls and hitting common jump shots like they did when playing the Hawks. Nor did I notice Orlando doing this when whooping the Cavs butts. It says a lot about a team’s character how they react to winning and losing.
JD
June 1st, 2009
6:12 pm
So Lebron gets a pass because his teammates aren’t good enough to give him a championship? There’s 28 other teams that can say that right now. Does that mean that their best players are allowed to mope and sulk about it?
I used to really like Lebron until the Hawks series. I couldn’t stand how cocky him and the Cavs were. Granted Lebron can back it up, but there’s a difference between pride and arrogance.
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
6:13 pm
Gee, JD. And here I just gave you a shout-out on another blog.
JD
June 1st, 2009
6:17 pm
aha….sorry MB. I just don’t feel any sympathy for Lebron anymore. The man has a tattoo that says “CHOSEN ONE” across his back. To get that you have to have the mindset of “I’m better than everybody else, so let’s tell the world that.” Again…he can back it up, but c’mon.
(PS – sorry if my last post appeared twice…)
Hawks Fan
June 1st, 2009
6:20 pm
Can everyone now please stop comparing him to MJ. Same with Kobe. Both can’t hold Jordan’s jock. Tiger is the only other athlete that can compare.
NoleRick
June 1st, 2009
6:33 pm
Mark
Take Joe and Lebron out of the mix, the Hawks are much more talented.
willie
June 1st, 2009
6:36 pm
It is his prerogative to be frustrated and show bad sportsmanship the way he did, just like it is the media’s and fans’ prerogative to rip him for it. He is getting exactly what he deserves.
tyger
June 1st, 2009
7:23 pm
LBJ grow up!
Red
June 1st, 2009
7:58 pm
How many of you guys has ever been so upset or angry that you just did not want to talk or deal with anyone? Yeah he get paid millions to play ball, to him it is not about the money. This guy truely loves the game. Everyone calling the names and purposely mispelling his name shows you guys have just as much class as LBJ.
hawkfan
June 1st, 2009
8:15 pm
Of course this showed lebron’s true colors, which is what I knew was in him even during all this hype, especially when he made the so-called “SHOT” that I thought was overrated even then. This is not the only time he has been classless, in the magic series in game 3 or 4 after mo williams got elbowed in the eye, lebron walked right through the magic dancers while they were doing their routine right in the middle of the court on the magic logo, but the media didn’t say anything then and won’t say anything ever because he makes them feed their families and is supposed to be the face of the NBA. If any of our players did that to any other team, we would be ridiculed for a long time, just inconsistency and for the NBA to not fine LBJ for the press conference no-show just proves their bias. The Magic need and deserve more respect and for all this LBJ talk blocking their achievement will probably motivate them even more to do damage in the finals.
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
10:56 pm
You thought The Shot was overrated? HawkFan, you are one tough critic.
LeBron
June 1st, 2009
11:47 pm
Any PR is good PR.
Sid
June 1st, 2009
11:50 pm
LeBron has no class!Immeasurable talent and millons of dollars but no class! And no ring!!!
Ted Striker
June 1st, 2009
11:52 pm
I don’t see a problem with LeBron not sticking around on court after the game or waiting till the next day to discuss the game. Folks calling out his sportsmanship and manhood don’t even have smoke, most less fire on this one.
VitaminWater Marketing Department
June 2nd, 2009
12:08 am
Wow, this tastes like SH|T!!!