Time to grow up LeBron....

shack

King James left the playoffs as a loser

By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports

Jun 1, 3:20 pm EDT

I’m a winner, King James proclaimed. So, there you go. That’s his reason for rushing out of the conference finals without so much as a nod to Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. That’s his reason for marching to the bus and letting the Cleveland Cavaliers’ spare parts take care of his responsibilities in the interview room.

Funny, but James stayed on the court to make sure the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks paid respect to him. As it turns out, there’s one thing allowed to happen at the end of a playoff series: Everyone bows down and kisses the King’s ring. Only, LeBron doesn’t have a ring. He’s never won a game in the NBA Finals.

So, yes, maybe they just have to kiss his feet.

“It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that,” James said.

No, nothing like that. Yes, James cares so much that it isn’t possible to be gracious and humbled.

You know me, he told the reporters in Cleveland on Sunday. I’m a competitor. “If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them,” James said. “It doesn’t make sense for me to go over and shake somebody’s hand.”

Here’s the question: Who has the guts to tell him that he sounds like an immature, self-absorbed brat?

Here’s the problem for the Cavaliers and James: No one.

It won’t be Cleveland Cavaliers ownership, front office and coaches. It won’t be the NBA. It won’t be Nike. And it sure won’t be those childhood sycophants who surround James and tell everyone what a brilliant businessman LeBron is because they can answer the phone when corporations call for a famous pitchman.

LeBron doesn’t want to win more than Michael Jordan did, but Jordan could stop and shake a winner’s hand. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird could, too. Julius Erving did. Kobe Bryant.

Isiah Thomas led a walkout after losing to the Chicago Bulls after winning two NBA titles, but Joe Dumars never followed him. He stayed and shook Jordan’s hand, the way Jordan had always shook his when the Pistons had beaten him.

“M.J. had stopped, shook my hand and hugged me three straight years that we had beaten them in the playoffs,” Dumars once told me. “There was no way I was walking off the court without shaking the Bulls’ hands.”

Within the Cavs, someone needed to tell James that he embarrassed himself and the franchise, but that won’t happen. They’re too scared of him. Most league executives with knowledge of Cleveland’s operation believe it’s far more of an ownership issue, than basketball operations.

If general manager Danny Ferry and coach Mike Brown privately disdain the ridiculous posing for pictures that James started with his teammates on a 13-game winning streak, the owner is believed to see the foolishness as a marketing dream.

Someone should’ve told James that the pregame Polaroid act was belittling and beneath a championship contender, but it never happened.

All season, the Cavaliers acted too entitled, too arrogant for a team that’s won nothing. They ran out demanding that Mo Williams be made an All-Star, when the truth bore itself out in the playoffs: Cleveland has one All-Star. Nevertheless, Williams still embarrassed the Cavs with foolish proclamations and guarantees his middling talent couldn’t deliver.

“If you believe in karma with that nonsense,” one Western Conference executive said, “then Cleveland got what was coming to them.”

The Cavaliers are terrified of James. When you’re around them, it’s sometimes embarrassing to watch the way they tip-toe and grovel with him. In their defense, that’s how James wants it. As a childhood prodigy, that’s all LeBron’s ever known. The Cavs are at his mercy until he becomes a free agent in July of 2010, and that isn’t going to change. There’s no chance that he signs an extension this summer, because that would be the end of the drama, the intrigue and LeBron James isn’t letting that go away.

Now, Ferry goes back to the phones and starts work on surrounding James with championship talent. Cleveland is sure to revisit the Shaquille O’Neal talks with the Phoenix Suns, and James and his associates will send out word that, hey, we’ll go to New York unless the Cavs deliver him his title. Well, they’ve reached the NBA Finals and had the best record in the NBA within the past three seasons, so they must have surrounded James with something that works there.

Nevertheless, James distanced himself in losing again, after a season in which he sold himself as all for one, and one for all. James had been an MVP until the very final moments of the basketball season, and then, he embarrassed himself and acted like a petulant kid. In a world where everyone in his life is too fearful or too dependent, LeBron James goes into the summer believing his own nonsense that he walked out of this season a winner.

As usual, there’s no one to tell him.

Except maybe now, Kobe’s puppet.

Win like a man...but more importantly...lose like a man.

Who would you rather be likened to...MJ, Magic, Larry Bird, Dr. J...or Isiah Thomas? Even to be like Kobe or Joe Dumars would be a better goal.

This is the type of behavior that has led me away from the NBA and really pro sports in general. A bunch of spoiled ME guys. I don't mind if they hate to lose...just show some class when you do an congratulate the man who beat you. Isn't that really what sports is about (or should be about)? Giving it your all and may the best man win?

I guess not.

NJPOLKER

College sports/athletes tend to have a lot more class than the "big guys" which you would think should be in reverse.

Jstas

I haven't really watched the NBA since Jordan bowed out. The last time I watched any basketball with any real interest was in the routing the original (and classiest) "Dream Team" brought to the Olympics.

Knucklehead

The NBA better pray for more guys like D-Wade.

shack

NJPOLKER wrote:

College sports/athletes tend to have a lot more class than the "big guys" which you would think should be in reverse.

The kids I used to coach in softball and basketball had more class than the "big guys". Most of the time they would beat each other up on the field or the court...and then go hang out with their friends from the other team. It was great to win...but more importantly it was about competition, effort and fun. They hated to lose...but it was all about playing the games as best they could. I used to tell them thay they way they acted when they lost said a whole lot more about their charcter than the way they acted when they won. Of course you can be a bad winner as well.

NJPOLKER

Shack
I could not agree with you more.
My children hate to lose but handle winning and losing really well which is not an easy thing to do when they work hard at being excellent athletes.

obieone

I gave up on sports a long time ago. It started with NHL going on strike in the early 90's.
And it's progressed down hill since.
I equate the fans of most pro sports as the abused spouse; As long as YOU allow it, it will continue.
I heard about some A-hole out in LA, that started a Manny website, to get him on the All star team, AFTER he was found GUILTY by the league, of CHEATING!!!
Sorry, again, if YOU allow it, it WILL continue.

NJPOLKER

One more thing
I coached my daughters basketball team, they are 10 to 11 yrs old, and I told them at our first practice, the most important thing we will do is win, we will learn more and have more fun when we win. Well, they did a lot of winning and when they did lose a game they were really great about it. I feel the whole thing about, its all about having fun and learning is over rated when the children get to a certain age.

shack

NJPOLKER wrote:

I coached my daughters basketball team, they are 10 to 11 yrs old, and I told them at our first practice, the most important thing we will do is win.

I went exactly the opposite way. I told them the most important thing was to work hard and do the very best they could...whether in games or practice. Then if they were good enough and lucky enough...they would win more than they lost. I started coaching them when they were 8 and let go when they were 13/14 and entering high school. At times they lost but eventually they won quite a bit. I've got a lot of trophies sitting in my basement from those years representing league championships, tournament wins, state championship wins and national world series top 5 finishes. They learned a lot more by losing than they did winning. They learned that sometimes no matter how good you are and how good you play and how hard you try...you will lose...and the way you approach those losses will go a long way in determining how you grow up.

All of the girls I coached played high school ball, several went on to play college ball and nearly all have gone on to be good young women...who will succeed in things a lot more important than sports. Not necessarily because of me...but I tried to have good kids on my teams and let their parents know that I would not tollerate bad sportsmanship by the player or THE PARENTS. I forfeited a game once because a couple of parents on my team were acting like **** toward the other team and the ump. I pulled the kids off the field and took the loss. I then told those parents if their kid could stay on the team but they were only welcome in the stands if they behaved. Most of the parents raised their kids well and I just had to coach them.

zombie boy 2000

I think this act was more of an anomaly for LeBron. He generally behaves quite to the contrary and has demonstrated a remarkable amount of maturity for his age. I'm not necessarily a fan of his, but follow the league very intently.

Also... this wasn't so much a pot shot at Orlando as it was a statement to Cavs management. That is to say... if he plans on staying after next year, than they better open their checkbook and bring in some help. I really don't think he has it in him to shoulder an entire team through the playoffs for a third straight year.

NJPOLKER

shack wrote: »

I went exactly the opposite way. I told them the most important thing was to work hard and do the very best they could...whether in games or practice. Then if they were good enough and lucky enough...they would win more than they lost. I started coaching them when they were 8 and let go when they were 13/14 and entering high school. At times they lost but eventually they won quite a bit. I've got a lot of trophies sitting in my basement from those years representing league championships, tournament wins, state championship wins and national world series top 5 finishes. They learned a lot more by losing than they did winning. They learned that sometimes no matter how good you are and how good you play and how hard you try...you will lose...and the way you approach those losses will go a long way in determining how you grow up.

All of the girls I coached played high school ball, several went on to play college ball and nearly all have gone on to be good young women...who will succeed in things a lot more important than sports. Not necessarily because of me...but I tried to have good kids on my teams and let their parents know that I would not tollerate bad sportsmanship by the player or THE PARENTS. I forfeited a game once because a couple of parents on my team were acting like **** toward the other team and the ump. I pulled the kids off the field and took the loss. I then told those parents if their kid could stay on the team but they were only welcome in the stands if they behaved. Most of the parents raised their kids well and I just had to coach them.

Great work shack and I am sure your proud as you should be.
Its funny that people/coaches can coach many different ways and have great results. With children it always boils down to the parents. I'm not bragging but I was a great coach and always will be because my goal is all about the children having a great experience. I am fortunate to have never had bad parents. Well I have had a couple but they didn't have the balls to screw with me.
Back to the subject at hand. The so called pro's are over pampered babies. I know they are also over paid, really over paid, and should be paid for the performance not how they may perform.

NJPOLKER

Zombie
How could you say "for his age" ? I won't break your balls for saying it but he is old enough to know better and is old enough for stupid looking tatoo's

Knucklehead

keep in mind this is a barley 23 y/o man who has no college education, straight from prep school to the NBA. He's been told how great he is since he was probably old enough to bounce a ball....I'm not saying what he did wasnt crappy, i'm just saying he's a product of his environment. The first thing he should do is punch Mike Brown in the mouth for running a 3 guard offense. Don't worry haters....he'll be back.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Jeezus guys, you act like he killed someone. People are getting a little too bent out of shape about the whole deal. If the guy had a history of being a dbag I could understand, but given his environment and the league around him I'd say he's kept his nose fairly clean.

I pretty much agree with zombie's post...

shack

I still say he acted like a spoiled brat who had his ball taken away and decides to sulk and not play anymore.

He wants to be THE MAN...he should act like one.

DollarDave

He averaged 1.8 fouls per game and was voted second in defensive player of the year...only once was he called for at least 4 fouls in a game this season. Star treatment? Pre-ordained to be MVP and in the Finals? Yes, I would say so to both of those questions.

How he reacted to that one loss told me alot about him as a man. Also, I cannot think of another superstar in the last 35 years that I have watched the NBA that would have been given a free pass by the league office and the press that covers them.

No other star such as Kobe, Dwayne Wade, or even Shaq would be imune to their criticism. I don't understand it, and I am really pissed about it. Pissed enough to cancel my NBA League pass (with their rising prices)? Well, maybe. Maybe they aren't marketing to my audience anymore?

xj4094dg

Stupid mistake on his part. Only time will tell if he learned anything from this. That will be a greater measure of the man. He'll make other mistakes as he matures, as we all do, but I hope he gets it together because I believe he will eventually be a Laker.:D

zombie boy 2000

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

Jeezus guys, you act like he killed someone.

Seriously. Is it just me or is every single post the end of the world? Child beatings, public shootings, kitten murders, church burnings...
I feel like the sky turns black and rivers boil every time I log onto this site.

shack

zombie boy 2000 wrote: »

Seriously. Is it just me or is every single post the end of the world? Child beatings, public shootings, kitten murders, church burnings....

So as someone who follows the NBA, you don't think the fact that the person that has been dubbed the "King" and the future of the NBA acts like a spoiled brat while on the biggest stage the NBA has (the playoffs) is newsworthy? Is he immune to criticism?

Nobody said it is the end of the world...nobody said he killed anyone...

He acted like an ****...and needs to grow up before he accends to the "throne" of the NBA. No more...no less.

Knucklehead

we live in a forgiving society when it comes to our sports figures......its not what he's done...but what he does next.

disneyjoe7

GO MAGIC !!!


F the rest

apphd

shack wrote: »

I went exactly the opposite way. I told them the most important thing was to work hard and do the very best they could...whether in games or practice. Then if they were good enough and lucky enough...they would win more than they lost. I started coaching them when they were 8 and let go when they were 13/14 and entering high school. At times they lost but eventually they won quite a bit. I've got a lot of trophies sitting in my basement from those years representing league championships, tournament wins, state championship wins and national world series top 5 finishes. They learned a lot more by losing than they did winning. They learned that sometimes no matter how good you are and how good you play and how hard you try...you will lose...and the way you approach those losses will go a long way in determining how you grow up.

All of the girls I coached played high school ball, several went on to play college ball and nearly all have gone on to be good young women...who will succeed in things a lot more important than sports. Not necessarily because of me...but I tried to have good kids on my teams and let their parents know that I would not tollerate bad sportsmanship by the player or THE PARENTS. I forfeited a game once because a couple of parents on my team were acting like **** toward the other team and the ump. I pulled the kids off the field and took the loss. I then told those parents if their kid could stay on the team but they were only welcome in the stands if they behaved. Most of the parents raised their kids well and I just had to coach them.

This is the type of coaching youth sports desperately needs more of! No guaranty but I would bet if LeBron received coaching like this throughout his younger years he would not have the attitude he has today. Youth sports needs to focus on basics, and sportsmanship first. The playing like pros and winning is everything will come on it's own as it is part human nature, and seen everywhere, it does not need to be coached. But I guess that is really another topic all of its own.

zombie boy 2000

shack wrote: »

So as someone who follows the NBA, you don't think the fact that the person that has been dubbed the "King" and the future of the NBA acts like a spoiled brat while on the biggest stage the NBA has (the playoffs) is newsworthy? Is he immune to criticism?

Nobody said it is the end of the world...nobody said he killed anyone...

He acted like an ****...and needs to grow up before he accends to the "throne" of the NBA. No more...no less.

Oh... I agree that it was a dickish move of the highest order. But I really don't believe it to be indicative of his overall personality. He flubbed up, pure and simple. However, I believe it was directed more at his ownership and the Magic just got caught in the crossfire.

However you slice it, he brought a sub-par team this deep and was rewarded with a big bag of nothing.

zombie boy 2000

apphd wrote: »

No guaranty but I would bet if LeBron received coaching like this throughout his younger years he would not have the attitude he has today.

Do you even watch the NBA? What "attitude" does he have that you note on a consistent basis?

shack

zombie boy 2000 wrote:

However you slice it, he brought a sub-par team this deep and was rewarded with a big bag of nothing.

Agreed, he is a great talent. But if he is to save the NBA (and IMO it is in need of major life saving surgery) he needs to be "More like MIKE!" (or Magic, or Larry or Julius). Shaq wasn't the savior, Kobe isn't...and unless he grows up...neither will he.

Had Lebron been a gracious loser...congratulated the Magic on a well played series...sat down an faced the press...his star would have gone through the roof. Now it has sunk some and is a bit tarnished...regardless of his "reasons".

AsSiMiLaTeD

Again, this is one incident I think it's funny all these people forming opinions of him based on this one event.

If you take into account his age and circumstances, and the league he's in, and look at how he's conducted himself generally the past few years, I'd say he gets a free pass on this one.

Big Dawg

First, a disclaimer: I am a life-long Cavs fan, since the first day the team was assembled in the old Arena in downtown Cleveland. I am a LeBron supporter.

What LeBron did and said were wrong. However, the guy is 24 years old and has been under a national (now international) microscope since he was a sophomore in high school (and probably even earlier as an AAU star). LeBron never went to college, where a coach with real credentials could have sat him down for behaving badly.

However, in all of that time, LeBron has been in all kinds of pressure situations, where misstatements and misdeeds would make the national news. The fact is plain - LeBron has almost never made a significant blunder or misstep. He has acted mature beyond his years, with a true sense of basketball history and his place in it.

He was very frustrated and upset, and walked off the court without saying anything or congratulating anyone. He compounded his error with the lack of apology the next day. He is the face of the franchise, and a chief face of the NBA, and he should have been more of a stand-up guy.

Let's hope he learned his lesson.

However, this story, like everything about him, is blown way out of proportion. Folks, it's just basketball. I heard more about LeBron's actions than I did about the more than 200 people who died in an airplane somewhere over the Atlantic ocean.

Oh, and one more thing....

LeBron, if you are a Polkie and read this, please, PLEASE resign with the Cavs!!!!

zombie boy 2000

shack wrote: »

Had Lebron been a gracious loser...congratulated the Magic on a well played series...sat down an faced the press...his star would have gone through the roof. Now it has sunk some and is a bit tarnished...regardless of his "reasons".

It certainly didn't help him, but even Jordan had his fair share of moments. Everyone seems to forget how much he showboated and jawed during games - something from which LeBron has virtually steered clear. He's charming and affable and I think this is what makes this occurrence so news-worthy.

What I don't get from some of these posts is the perception that he's some sort of selfish thug. Anyone that's watched him play would believe quite the opposite. "Stupid looking tatoo's" or not.

shack

I agree that generally LeBron has handled himself well. BUT...this was his first real test where he was EXPECTED to carry the Cavs to the finals. Hell...the ESPN talking heads were still predicting the Cavs to make it to the finals after they pulled to 3-2...because of LeBron. Before now...he was young...he was learning...etc.

BS to the he is still young argument. He has played in the NBA for 6 full seasons. He is surrounded by handlers and advisors. This was his first real test of how to handle failure as the NBA MVP and he handled it very poorly.

I have never called him a thug, or anything other than acting spoiled and childish...and compounding it by not owning up to that bad behavior. He can trash talk on the court all he wants (all the greats have). But if he is to be to be the savior of the NBA he needs to realize what that entails. As others have said...let's hope he learns from this.

"The price of greatness is responsibility" Winston Churchill.

zombie boy 2000

I never said you called him a thug, Shackmeister. Read some of the posts above and you'll see where I'm coming from.

Also... we're arguing 'maters. What he did was bush league. The way some people are reacting to it is even more bush league. It's like none of the greats ever threw a tantrum. Hang him by his toes. Whatev... Jordan, Bird, Stockton (stay down*), Erving, always felt the need to compete.














*nut huggers beware

kevhed72

For what it's worth, only about .000001 percent (you get the point) of kids end up being professional athletes. There is way too much importance place on professional sports as a whole, and the sooner kids learn this, the better off they will be. This is why I despise Nike and the way they market to kids and parents, and this is why I find the idea of PAYING college athletes completing ridiculous...it's not good enough many "student-athletes" get scholarships to play sports, while the majority of people have to scrap to pay tuition for their kids. Just my .02

Great post shack.....