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
Dr. Warren
June 1st, 2009
11:21 am
Well-said. The guy cannot stand losing. It’s much more than a job to him–it’s his life. Can the same be said about a few of our inconsistent Hawks? (Or for that matter, most Atlanta athletes over the years?)
Kevin
June 1st, 2009
11:25 am
Thanks Mark for some common sense. Most of the people that are criticizing LeBron either disliked him to begin with or don’t like the NBA period.
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
11:28 am
It’s pretty hard not to like LeBron. He’s a good guy who respects the game. And he is, I say again, the second-best player I’ve ever seen.
Magic Fanny
June 1st, 2009
11:29 am
Sorry, there’s NO EXCUSE for being so selfish and not congratulating the winning team. It’s called SPORTSMANSHIP, no matter what he claims. It’s one thing not to talk to the press, but a completely different matter not to be a good sport and shake the hands of those who JUST BEAT YOU! James has permanently lost my respect, no matter what he does from this point on. He just proved he’s not a MAN, but a big CRYBABY with NO CLASS. A man’s character is defined in how he handles adversity, not his successes, and king James failed the test, big time!
Reid Adair
June 1st, 2009
11:29 am
It became apparent early on in this series that, with the exception of LeBron James, the Cavaliers were outmatched at every position. Were it not for a miraculous shot by James in game two, it would have been a sweep.
I can understand not speaking to the media, but I’m not sure I can understand not congratulating the Magic.
Bob
June 1st, 2009
11:31 am
Big baby also plays for Cleveland Poor sport.
Kevin
June 1st, 2009
11:35 am
Hey Magic Fanny,
I’ll be waiting to see Howard give Kobe the congratulatory handshake with his Eddie Murphy smile when that series is over.
spectator
June 1st, 2009
11:35 am
James referred to himself as a “winner”…what has he “won”?
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
11:37 am
He has won the hearts of all those in that great American city that is Cleveland, Ohio.
P. Canelli
June 1st, 2009
11:40 am
Mark that’s shameful that you give him a pass. From Tee-ball to professional sports, you have to support sportsmanship. His comments were entirely selfish. I don’t respect him at all for what he said (neither does ANY media outlet, for that matter).
XcentricRecluse
June 1st, 2009
11:41 am
Why do I suspect that although Magic Fanny asserts that he knows something about winning and losing, the closest he’s ever come to winning or losing a championship game is his couch with his beloved remote.
Jim
June 1st, 2009
11:43 am
LeBron James can correct all this by publicly admitting that he was wrong in not congratulating the Magic. E-mailing Dwight Howard does nothing to solve the snubbing he gave the rest of the Magic. I understand, as does anyone, when someone makes a mistake. But continuing to justify the mistake only makes him seem more unsportsmanlike. And the more of you sports writhers that try to ease his pain by excusing his misbehavior, the more justified he feels. He may be the greatest player on the planet (although I think at least 4 ohers are clearly better) but I wouldn’t want my son watching him play if his character isn’t above reproach. By the way, I know you’re young, but Wilt Chamberlain certainly carried his Philly teams much more than LeBron carries his. And have we forgotten Oscar Robertson who averaged a triple double for his career? And what about Bill Russel who had all those championship rings? And of course there’s Mr. Jordan who did a double 3-peat, and I hate to say that because I’m a huge Pistons fan. I would even rate Dominque, who literally changed the game, above where LeBron is right now. All this could be changed in a few years of course, but it’s still too early to give him his 2nd crown. As I said, this whole thing would immediately blow over if LeBron would just apologize and make it right instead of trying to justify it.
NBA Fan
June 1st, 2009
11:44 am
Lebron James showed his true colors: no class, no sportsmanship, and a poor loser. A pathetic excuse for sportsmanship, and he’s the real loser here, not his team.
John Smith
June 1st, 2009
11:47 am
Every one of you are frauds and hypocrites. You want to jump on the bandwagon and beat on LBJ. He’s human and he makes mistakes. I guarantee there is at least ten episodes in everyone of your lives where you were not sportsmanlike. He didn’t shake hands or answer questions. Big deal. There is no pattern of history of unsportsmanlike conduct from him. Until there is I won’t criticize him, or you.
Scott
June 1st, 2009
11:59 am
Finally, someone with some common sense regarding this matter. Thank you, Mr. Bradley! You make a great point about the questions he’d face in a post-game press conference. I’d say he showed sportsmanship by NOT talking to the media.
What’s LeBron going to do, hang out on the court for 10 minutes a few feet from the other team’s jubilant fans, one of which might think it’s OK to do something to the best player in the NBA?
Show me a good loser, and I’ll show you a loser. — Vince Lombardi
Chris
June 1st, 2009
12:11 pm
Good call John Smith. I can’t beleive how big of a deal everyone is making about him not shaking hands with Magic. Or the amount of utter bias on the part of Magic Fanny. Should he have shook hands? Probably. But you guys are saying he lacks class or sportsmanship! Over one instance of not shaking hands? Gimme a break. LeBron is one of the classiest superstars in sports today. Know one should castigate him for not shaking hands in a moment of sheer frustration.
D-Knock
June 1st, 2009
12:14 pm
The way LeBron handled this lose was inexcusable …Nobody from Detroit or Atlanta stomped off the court or refused to speak to the media; and Cleveland flat out embarrassed those two. I get it, no body likes to lose, but at the same time no body likes to be humiliated and that’s what I saw when he along with his team mates were jumping up and down on the sideline in the process of blowing out the Pistons and Hawks. LeBron needs to realize that a Nike backed ad doesn’t guarantee you a trip to the finals.
Bo
June 1st, 2009
12:16 pm
Is it too much to ask of him to shake the hands of Soulja Boy and the rest of the Magic?
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
12:20 pm
LeBron said yesterday he doesn’t like shaking somebody’s hand after he loses. He probably does need to get over that part. He’ll lose a few more games before he’s done, I’ll wager. Everybody loses sometimes.
Scott
June 1st, 2009
12:20 pm
He may have been leery of shaking Ron Jeremy’s hand. Who know where it’s been?
frankie_machine
June 1st, 2009
12:24 pm
Jim: Bringing up Wilt Chamerberlain, who proudly claimed to have slept with 2000 women, in a discussion of character is interesting. You seem to be fine with holding him up as a role model, yet you’ll prohibit your son from watching James play because he didn’t shake an opponent’s hand. So displaying one instance of bad judgment on the court is reprehensible, but having sex with any woman you can get (and bragging about it) is showing character above reproach? Yeah, that makes perfect sense.
Herschel Talker
June 1st, 2009
12:28 pm
“Not saying LeBron James was right … but I understand”
Well said, Mark. Keep up the great writing!
allenlaw
June 1st, 2009
12:32 pm
This is one of those stories that illustrates the difference between fans and players. We get all bent out of shape about petty things. They do this for a living. This is not Little League (where we are trying to instill good sportsmanship) or hockey (where there is a tradition of the handshake). This is Professional Basketball. A great player played a great series and his team lost, and people want to talka about “did he shake hands with the winners.” Give me a break.
As for whether he “spoke to Howard” or texted him, I could not care less. Their relationship is not about what LeBron does on TV but is between them. Let it go.
wxwax
June 1st, 2009
12:32 pm
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury news had an interesting take.
In his blog he speculates that since LeBron knows that his every movie will be dissected, that LeBron stomping out was a considered, strategic play.
The intent? To increase the pressure the Cavs front office to improve the roster. LeBron could be LeGone after next year, so the last thing the LeCavs want is an unhappy star stud.
Kaz
June 1st, 2009
12:42 pm
While I understand, that does not mean that it is acceptable. MJ would not do that. At some point, we are going to have to be tough on LBJ in order to develop him. Coddling him is what will keep him from growing up. MJ’s time at UNC and his strong upbringing is what made him such a excellent player and leader. That is what separates MJ from LBJ. So he is just going to have to learn now.
Will
June 1st, 2009
12:46 pm
The “can’t stand losing” excuse is the weak. Unless your name is Bill Russell you’re going to finish more seasons with failure than success. Magic Johnson won 5 rings, meaning he had 7 seasons end like Lebron’s season just ended. How many years did Michael Jordan have to carry inferior teams that got bounced in the playoffs?
If you want to call yourself “King James” and tattoo “Chosen 1″ on your back, if you want to accept all the props the media slaps on you, then you have to accept the other side as well.
Lebron needed to man up and not act like a little punk (actually would’ve preferred to use a word that rhymes with “witch”).
Jimv
June 1st, 2009
12:50 pm
Mark-I’d like your take on where LeBron goes next. Everyone says the Knicks, but that’s more players to carry and more titles to miss…
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
12:53 pm
As fate would have it, I’m writing a little something about NBA superstars even as we speak, JimV, and the cold reality is this: They don’t move often. A team that gets one does everything in its power to keep him, and most times the team succeeds.
A little preview nugget: Of the 15 men who comprise this season’s All-NBA teams, 12 are still playing for the team with which they made their NBA debut. The exceptions are Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol and Chauncey Billups.
So, long story short, I think LeBron will remain a Cavalier.
Scoot
June 1st, 2009
12:54 pm
Who cares!? This is the playoff’s and his, favored, team just got tossed. I have played sports all my life, and sometimes you just don’t want to shake the hands of the team that just spanked you. Boxers do it all the time, frustration sets in and you just want to leave the area ASAP. It really isn’t that big of a deal. As a Suns fan I would never have wanted to see them shake the Spurs hands for constantly handing us our Ars. The only people who really feel this is a big deal are Magic funs. Just like when they got pissed off when a dumb ass kid was courtside and got ran the hell over….like that, I say to this, Get over it.
II-Logical
June 1st, 2009
1:02 pm
Mr.Bradley,good follow up piece-someone needed to say it and you said it well.
On another but related note , there was a nice article in today’s NYT about the Cavaliers’ owner and management that praised their operational savvy.IMJS
BosnianBaller
June 1st, 2009
1:18 pm
LeBron is a punk.D wade did the same exact thing.When LeBron beat the Pistons and Hawks he stuck arond to shake hands but when he loses he’s out.What a punk.Most of these so called superstars nowadays in basketball are garbage like Wade,Pierce,LeBron,Garnett.Not because they cant play but because they are douchebags.
Volman
June 1st, 2009
1:18 pm
Mr. Bradley, I appreciate the blog about this… LeBron was CLASSLESS, however, to not shake hands with the Magic after. He was MORE THAN WILLING to do this after WINNING against Detroit and Atlanta. Give me a break.
I used to like the guy, personally, but with all of the side-antics that he does now..it makes me think of him as a joke. He’s a heck of a basetkball player, but the side stuff has to end…The throwing up the “pixie dust” has to end (at least in OPPOSING TEAMS’ ARENAS). He is NOT bigger than the game… I honestly think he believes that he is.
Again, be a good winner as well as loser. We all know he is “great” at winning and goofing around with his team mates (Blowrenzen Wright to name one of them) but he needs to be able to handle a loss with dignity. That, he did not my friend.
SlimG
June 1st, 2009
1:22 pm
Poor Lebron! He likes the attention of winning but not losing? Give me a break. Losing is part of the game. Show some class. You’ll be perfect in NY.
The guy has no consistent jump shot, remember what the overseas teams did? Let Lebron have as many jumpers as he wants. This guy is a great frontrunner, but what happens when that goes away. Blame your team members. No one complained during the regular season. You got beat. The only way this guy can score is to bull his way to the basket and beg for a foul. Kobe is the best player in the league hands down!
I mean come on, as much as the guy gets paid, he should congratulate the winners and speak to the press. It’s part of the job. What would he say if that had happened to him? Sore losers. You reap what you sow!
NC Braves Fan
June 1st, 2009
1:25 pm
Mark: re your 12:20pm … does LeBron shake the hands of opponents after he wins? If he does, that would seem to be a bit hypocritical in my book.
Volman
June 1st, 2009
1:28 pm
By the way Mr. Bradley, the photo that you posted at the top of the page honestly made my day… No muscle flexing…no pixie dust…no lighting fires…no taking pictures.
Lebron showing his true colors: being a baby. How many two year olds have you seen go to the floor like that when things don’t go their way?
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
1:31 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Il-Logical. Also for the link.
Mac
June 1st, 2009
1:33 pm
Now that Lebron’s behavior has made him a disgraced pariah on the order of Barry Bonds and Michael Vick, it’s obvious he cannot continue to play in Cleveland. So, I suggest Rick Sund, in the Spirit of charity, send Solomon Jones, Speedy Claxton, Randolph Morris, Acie Law, Othello Hunter and Thomas Gardner to the Cavaliers to take their shameful problem child Lebron James off their hands.
cliff
June 1st, 2009
1:36 pm
kaz, MJ if you are talking about jordan u should read his books about what he said and thought about his role players on that team “pippen and grant were immature kids” how he hated BJ armstrong and frustrated and angry he got over detroit for beating them in because they’d let jordan do the work and his cast couldnt keep up at that time.
its not right for what lebron did but he did it he’s angry he put soo much into a team this season he burned out the last game and imagine the frustration that when your that good maybe the best in the NBA that even you cant do what jordan did and carry a team into the nba championship. every1 said jordan did it but remember he had a cast better than that of the cavs esp the 3rd 3peat around. when the bulls went 60+ wins they went all the way making it look relatively easy and dominant. i was rooting for the cavs even tho im a bulls fan becausei wanted to see LBJ vs KB(who is a bigger sore loser than LBJ to the point he will blog and cry about every call not for him or his team)and because i sorely felt the loyal cavs fans were finally going to see something good happen to that crappy city. give it another few seasons theyll win 1
Marcus
June 1st, 2009
1:45 pm
MB,
as point of reference or for next Buzz:
ESPN’s Chad Ford ranks top 13 PGs based on recently-concluded NBA draft combine. I guess this is a first for the NBA (hadn’t been keeping up) but it sounds similar to NFL style workouts.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=PreDraftTour-090601
As far as LeBron, he’s gotta take the good with the bad, esp. as the face of the franchise/league, and media darling. All will be forgiven, but he has to understand the ramifications beyond just losing his chance for the Finals.
Mark Bradley
June 1st, 2009
1:55 pm
That’s a great one, Marcus. I’m using that link at some point, and I’ll give you credit. Thanks much.
freshd
June 1st, 2009
2:05 pm
I think LEBRON didnt shake hands and attend the press conference because he had a party to attend in the ATL. I said it last week about CLEVELAND joking and clowning on the bench against the HAWKS and PISTONS. Ray Allen called the CAVS out about the same thing. Now the joke is on LEE BRON and the JAMES GANG. Oh yeah, I AM A WITNESS!
Dr. Warren
June 1st, 2009
2:14 pm
Mark, if LeBron is the second best player you’ve “seen,” who did you NOT see on TV or in person, say post-1969, who might have been better than LeBron? (And are you sure you’re ready to put him above Dr. J, Magic, Bird, Karl Malone, Olajuwan, Shaq, and Duncan so soon?)
Dr. Warren
June 1st, 2009
2:16 pm
Not to mention Kareem.
Mitch Evans
June 1st, 2009
2:18 pm
Forget not speaking to the media. He made himself look very bad by just walking off the court (a la Isiah Thomas after the Bulls finally beat the Pistons)and not shaking hands and giving kudos to Dwight Howard and the rest of the Magic. Extremely surprising that he didn’t do it after all of the class he has shown since the first day he became an NBA player. You’d expect something like that from others, but not him.
calico
June 1st, 2009
2:25 pm
Congrats to Mr. Howard on going 2 the finals i salute you represent Atlanta well and Josh Smith i hope seeing your boy Mr. Howard in the finals makes you hungry next season and if you raise your game to the next level 20 & 10 and good defense this will be your team. Mr. Sund dont blow this draft and if we draft a point he has to be at least 6′0.
Lets Go Hawks!!!!
Dawgs2009
June 1st, 2009
2:25 pm
Thank GOD we don’t have to endure another couple of weeks of his majesty. I have had all I can handle of the LeBron James show. It was so nice to watch the Cavs get humiliated by the Magic, especially after watching the series with the Hawks.
Dawgs2009
June 1st, 2009
2:26 pm
Enter your comments here
freshd
June 1st, 2009
2:28 pm
Lebron has pulled this stunt before, a couple of years back when he walked off the court before a game ended. Dont get me wrong, he is a great baller but, he has been anointed the savior, the chosen one, and THE KING. To whom much is given, much is expected. SHOW A LITTLE CLASS
A lot of young players look up to him.
Barry
June 1st, 2009
2:44 pm
Bradley, I always like your analysis, but this one “NOT”. LeBron showed total unsportsmanship. He played in little league and high school and he knows the process of “shaking your opponents hand” after a game: Win or Lose. In this case, he lost on national T.V., at the professional level, and showed a childish behavior unbecoming of someone who is suppose to the “The Great Le Bron” of the NBA. What does that say to your children and other young folks about “SPORTSMANSHIP” in the game of sports, especially with him at this level. This guy has set a very “BAD EXAMPLE’ and there is “NO EXCUSE!”.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a SPORTS FAN!! TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blast
June 1st, 2009
2:47 pm
LeBron walking off the court, not congratulating the Magic and going straight to the plane is NOT understandable and is NOT acceptable. It was poor showmanship, plain and simple. All he had to do was dap Howard and another Magic player, and that would have been the end of it. Y’all remember the game in Atlanta two seasons ago when the Hawks beat Cleveland and LeBron walked off the court even before the final buzzer sounded? We seem to have a pattern here. Yeah, nobody likes to lose, but we can’t win in every single thing we do in life. Being matured is all about taking the knocks of life as they come. Good or bad.
Also, when the Cavs were beating up on the Hawks and Pistons, we still remember LeBron, Lorenzo Wright (who thought he would get a free ring this year) and the rest of the Cavs just plain laughing it up by courtside, making such obvious fun of the Hawks, that it was embarassing to witness. So the Cavs can laugh when they are dominating other teams but they sulk when they get beat? Cleveland was lucky to win a game in the East finals. Orlando should have swept them. Cleveland should go fishing for summer with this thought in their heads. Orlando Magic is simply a better team than them. Orlando had a much more difficult road to get to the East finals than the Cavs did. So while Cleveland was getting lost in their own mock superiority because they swept the first two rounds, Orlando was getting it’s teeth cut dealing with adversity, playing Philly, and beating the World champions in 7 on the road. They deserve all the credit they get.
Go Magic, Go!
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!!!
warhorse
June 2nd, 2009
12:21 am
Mark your giving him a pass makes no sense. You can hardly write an article about Florida without dropping in the phrase “Urban Crier” because a guy who lost a tough one, and had the guts to face the media, shed a couple of tears. Yet you let a guy slip cowardly out the door and say it is a good thing for him and his franchise. Nobody ever said a sportwriter must be logical.
scottbravesfan
June 2nd, 2009
2:00 am
No one from ESPN will criticize the NBA because ABC shows the NBA and the finals. Disney owns both ABC and ESPN so they will never criticize it again. Just how they talk about the NFL all the time now ever since they got Monday night Football on ESPN. If ESPN got the hockey rights they would start showing NHL stuff just like they did with NASCAR. They never mentioned NASCAR now that they show the races on ESPN they talk about it a good bit. ESPN is biased as hell.
Ed
June 2nd, 2009
6:06 am
It’s refreshing to know tht LeBron is the first NBA player to hate losing.
joshua
June 2nd, 2009
8:04 am
The taste of defeat is a bitter one. Especially when you have felt destiny awaited you. The shrill of inevitability crept up on LeBron. He had hoped that within himself he would be able to carry the team to finals because he had seen that there wasn’t enough skill in his house to finish the job. When it was all over, he knew. And it frustrated him to no end. The words that came to mind were not words that he could speak. And his anger was not one that was easily suppressed.
At this age I would say that he has been here before. But when you want something as bad as he has to want this Championship it is understood that emotions do flare. However, I will not give him a pass for not going to congratulate the Magic. If it was the briefest insincere thing that he had ever done he should have swallowed it up for even a millisecond and said congrats and then headed to the locker room to sulk.
Oldschool
June 2nd, 2009
9:05 am
Has this so-called king ever a won finals championship at any level, since he calls himself a winner? His actions were what i anticipated from him. I am upset because i just wanted to see the tears flowing down his cheeks at the post game interview of the nike phenom’ .
Peadawg
June 2nd, 2009
9:17 am
I lost a lot of respect for Lebron when he did that. That’s up there w/ other sore losers like Bellichek, Kyle Busch, etc.
Stacy
June 2nd, 2009
9:29 am
Disagree with you on this Mr. Bradley. I have played sports all my life and hate losing with the worst of passions (don’t believe me, just ask those on my team), but after every game, I begrudgingly if after a loss, will go shake the hands of the other team. Some can say that the intensity is different, but it is all relative. Lebron has been playing at that level for years and I have been playing at mine for years. Just because I play in a lesser league, does not mean I play with less intensity, just less athleticism.
John Smith, when you say you are not going to criticize others, do you mean by calling them “hypocrites”? Seems like the pot calling the kettle black here.
Mark Bradley
June 2nd, 2009
9:31 am
You’ll not receive an argument from me on that point, Scott.
Felt
June 2nd, 2009
9:43 am
This down right disrespectfull this guy has millions of YOUNG fans watch his every move what kind of example is he setting for them heck even his on boys…sending a message its okay not to have sportsmanship when “YOU” fill your the best thing to ever lace up a pair of basketball shoes (still remains to be proven to me see number 24 purple an gold 3 rings)not to congrat the other team is selfish a bi
NBA Fan
June 3rd, 2009
12:46 pm
Lebron should never get a handshake in the future from someone he has “beaten up” in a Basketball game. He should never get a congratulations if he has “beaten up” others to get an MVP award, etc.
ATL_LOVE
June 3rd, 2009
3:44 pm
Taking imaginary taunt pictures before each game: Free
Throwing chalk up in the air for pregame intensity: $2
Hitting THE SHOT of your life to prevent getting swept: $25 (as in bet)
Having your 2009 campaign remembered for how you LOST: PRICELESS
There are some things money can’t buy…
Lebron James Fan
June 10th, 2009
9:31 am
The magic isnt a good team they got off that win with luck.Lebron dream is to do the best in the nba and the nba is his life.He grew up on it and depended on it to led him to a better life than he had.I think Lebron James deserved to win the NBA finals and to be showed as the best player in Nba.He gave a lot to be here and is going to in the future to take home the NBA FINALS TROPHY.