Monday, June 1, 2009

Lebron is Wrong!!

Lebron James doesn't understand why he should congratulate and shake hands with the members of the team that just defeated his team. Lebron James doesn't understand that it is defeat that builds character. Lebron James doesn't understand the true essence of sports. Lebron James doesn't understand sportsmanship. Lebron James doesn't understand class.




As a native of the Buckeye State who was rooting for the Cavs, I am appalled at his behavior. Didn't anyone teach Lebron when he was growing up that sore losers are not good people? That sore losers are not fun to be around? That nobody likes a sore loser? That being a sore loser is extremely bad sportsmanship?




"Lebron, it is a game! It is NOT life and death! The other team is not trying to steal your car, your house or kidnap your family. They are just trying to win a GAME, same as you. How often have you seen football players shake hands, smile and embrace each other after a game? And these are people who have just spent three hours attempting to knock each other off their feet! Or, better yet, how often have you seen boxers embrace each other after the final bell? And these are men who have just spent 12 rounds trying to hit each other in the head hard enough to score a knock-out! But, in both cases, the respect for the opponent overpowers the result of the contest just ended. And what you did was show a total lack of respect for, not only the entire Magic team, but the entire NBA. Show a little class, Lebron. Step up and be man enough to admit the other team was better - this time. "




I understand intensity and the will to win. Trust me, people, nobody hates losing more than me! However, having an intense desire to win does in no way excuse Lebron's behavior. EVERYONE in sports has the same desire and most of them understand that when the final buzzer sounds, the game, the struggle and the intensity are over. It is time to be friends again. If Lebron wants his popularity to keep growing ( and, in direct correlation, his endorsements to keep growing ) then he needs to leave the petulant little boy behind and grow up into a man who can accept defeat with the same aplomb as victory. I don't care if he doesn't understand it. I don't care if he doesn't "get it". I don't even care if he doesn't LIKE it. He still needs to DO IT. If not, I am fairly certain that I will not be the only fan he loses.

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