Manhattan Buckeye;587388 wrote:"Sticking a knife in the back of people? Taking a dump in the wound? Jesus...really? That is the thing, it wasn't a good PR move but it isn't the fucking end of the world. "
Can you name any professional athlete that has even done anything SIMILAR?
Crickets chirping?
It isn't the end of the world but it is the worst PR move of all time in professional sports.
James probably lost millions in endorsements with that move. Nike's attempt to mitigate was nearly as lame.
What should he do? Be a professional and not a prima donna.
Who cares if any other athlete has done that? Really, who cares besides bellyaching Cleveland fans trying to justify their over the top reactions?
Maybe he lost some money in the short term...I'd be interested to see if that actually happened...but if he ends up winning titles, he'll get that back. Remember, he said the move was about having the best chance to win titles. That might have something to do with the long term gains that would go with being a real champion instead of some crappy city's "King".
Be a professional and not a prima donna? Again, he was ALWAYS a prima donna. What changed?