ÿþ<html> <head> <meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1"> <title>OnlineColumnist®.com: Putin Punishes Georgia</title> <meta name="generator" content="Adobe GoLive 4"> <style type="text/css"> .style3 { height: 68px; } .MsoNormal {} h1 {margin-bottom:.0001pt; page-break-after:avoid; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; font-weight:normal; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; } .style4 { font-size: large; font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial; } .style6 { height: 69px; } h2 {margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center; page-break-after:avoid; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Arial; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; } .style7 { width: 133px; } .style8 { font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; } </style> </head> <body bgcolor="white" vlink="black"> <center> &nbsp;<table cool width="624" height="2719" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" gridx="16" showgridx gridy="16" showgridy> <tr> <td height="118" rowspan="2" valign="top" align="left" xpos="0" class="style7"> <a href="aboutdiscobolos.html"><img height="110" width="62" src="images/discobolos.logo.transp.gif" border="0"></a></td> <td width="7" height="118" rowspan="2"></td> <td width="482" colspan="2" valign="top" align="left" xpos="140" class="style6"><img height="75" width="450" src="images/banner.GIF"></td> <td width="1" height="118" rowspan="2"></td> <td width="1" class="style6"><spacer type="block" width="1" height="79"></td> </tr> <tr height="39"> <td width="182" height="39"></td> <td width="300" height="39" valign="top" align="left" xpos="322"><a href="aboutdiscobolos.html"><img height="14" width="267" src="images/divisionofNEW.GIF" border="0"></a></td> <td width="1" height="39"><spacer type="block" width="1" height="39"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="624" colspan="6" valign="top" align="left" xpos="0" class="style3"> <table border="0" width="100%" bgcolor="black" cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td> <table border="0" width="100%" bgcolor="#99ffcc" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4"> <tr> <td align="center"> <div align="left"> <a href="index.html"><font face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular" size="2"><strong> HOME</strong></font></a><font face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular" size="2"><strong> &#8226; <a href="articlesindex.html">ARTICLES</a> &#8226; <a href="books.html">BOOKS</a> &#8226; <a href="teflon.html"> THE </a><a href="teflon.html">TEFLON</a><a href="teflon.html"> REPORT</a> &#8226; <a href="mailto:letters@onlinecolumnist.com"> REACTIONS</a> &#8226; <a href="aboutdiscobolos.html">ABOUT DISCOBOLOS</a></strong></font></div> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr height="2"> <td height="2" class="style7"></td> <td width="489" height="2576" colspan="3" rowspan="2" align="left" xpos="133" content valign="top" csheight="2573"> <p class="style4">LeBron Bails Out of Cleveland</p> <p><b><font face="Arial,Geneva,Helvetica">by John M. Curt</font></b><font face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular"><b>is<a href="books.html"><br> </a></b></font><font face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular"><b> (310) 204-8700</b></font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular"><i>Copyright July 8, 2010<br>All Rights Reserved. </i></font>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <bAbout the Author</u> <p class="MsoNormal"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class="style8">B</span>ailing out of Cleveland, NBA superstar free agent LeBron James opted to join Miami Heat sensation Dwyane Wade and newly acquired Toronto Raptors free agent Chris Bosh in South Beach in what promises to be a real title contender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>LeBron s dramatic departure on national TV triggered an ugly reaction from LeBron s once adoring fans, burning his jersey in effigy on Cleveland streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>But most ugly of all were the sour grapes and inappropriate remarks of Cleveland Cavalier owner Dan Gilbert, calling James decision a  cowardly betrayal, accusing the seven-season Cavalier veteran a  quitter for losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Despite all the raw emotion, NBA commissioner David Stern must look seriously at fining Gilbert for shooting off his mouth, embarrassing the NBA and setting such a bad example.<span style="mso-tab-count:1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <![endif]> Calling an hour-long primetime ESPN special press conference on Thurs., July 8 at 6:00 p.m. EST, NBA superstar LeBron James irked sports journalists, making a spectacle of his long-awaited decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Speculation began at the end of last year s Eastern Conference finals against the Orlando Magic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>When LeBRon scored 49 points and Cleveland went down to superman-center Dwight Howard s Orlando Magic May 21, 2009, LeBron showed poor sportsmanship, refusing to shake hands and bolting from the post-game media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Fast-forward to Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals May 12, 2010 where an unfocused LeBron was booed by Cleveland s fans for losing at home, facing eventual elimination in Boston s Game 6 May 13, 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Those stinging boos at the end of Game 5 in Cleveland weighed on LeBron s decision tonight to leave Cleveland for Miami Beach.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style="mso-tab-count:1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Misplaced media criticism was directed toward LeBron for his dramatic stagecraft making his announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span> Critics insist it s about LeBron s ego, not typical NBA media hype. With the whole world watching the planet s most sought-after basketball star, LeBron s manager, Creative Artist s Agency, got it right staging a media circus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>NBA officials and LeBron s agents were thrilled with the publicity, despite Cleveland s darkest hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Without James, the Cavaliers deteriorate into a mediocre franchise. When Cleveland fans booed LeBron May 12, they showed a lack of gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Cleveland s owner Dan Gilbert showed no class bashing LeBron for bailing out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Accusing LeBron of  quitting in Game 5 or calling his decision a  cowardly betrayal goes over the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Cleveland should have nothing but appreciation for the seven years LeBron worked his tail off to bring a championship.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>LeBron s decision, announced 6:00 p.m., Thurs., July 8 in a primetime ESPN TV special, to head to Miami stunned only those unable to face reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>LeBron s frustration in Cleveland stemmed not from a lack of talent but mediocre coaching, especially in the post-season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>When Gilbert hired former Lakers championship guard and former New Jersey Nets and New Orleans Hornets coach Byron Scott July 1, it was clear LeBron wouldn t return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Scott s former Lakers  Showtime Coach Pat Riley, now president of the Miami Heat, agreed to return to hardwood to coach LeBron and company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>LeBron told ESPN host Jim Gray that his decision was based on the probability of winning future NBA championships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Two-time NBA regular-season MVP and league-leading back-to-back 60-plus-gmae regular-season win streaks pale in comparison to winning NBA championships.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style="mso-tab-count:1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Cavaliers front office did everything possible to guilt LeBron into staying in Cleveland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Not only did they throw more cash at him but they repeatedly emphasized his deep roots in economically blighted Northern Ohio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>How, if LeBron left, would the region suffer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Over the last two years, former Cleveland coach Mike Brown couldn t play the kind of smash-mouth basketball needed to win championships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Despite LeBron s single-handed heroics, the Celtics beat up the Cavaliers and nearly took down the Lakers in the 2010 NBA finals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span> He quit, said Gilbert, lashing out at LeBron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span> Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Watch the tape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar, openly defaming his ex-26-year-old power forward that put the Cavaliers on the map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Gilbert s incendiary remarks warrant immediate action by the NBA. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <![if !supportEmptyParas]>&nbsp;<![endif]><span style="mso-tab-count:1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>LeBron more than paid his dues in Cleveland and deserves to play in Miami with proven winners like Dwyane Wade and Hall-of-Fame coach Pat Riley. Playing with Wade, Bosh and supporting crew, LeBron has a good shot to break through and eventually win a NBA championship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span> While there s no guarantee, the Heat are committed to returning to 2006 championship form that won Wade his only title. Gilbert s boorish remarks deserve a closer look by league officials because it harms the NBA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Unable to control his temper, Gilbert lashed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span> It s not about leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It s the disrespect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>It s time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Is this the way you raise your children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>I ve been holding this all in for a long time, said Gilbert, revealing his imperious side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </span>Gilbert s classless remarks mute LeBron s critics and give him the perfect excuse to leave. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <b>John M. Curtis </b>writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He&#x2019;s editor of OnlineColumnist.com and author of <a href="books.html">Dodging The Bullet</a> and <a href="books.html">Operation Charisma</a>.</p> </td> <td width="1" height="2576" rowspan="2"></td> <td width="1" height="2"><spacer type="block" width="1" height="2"></td> </tr> <tr height="2574"> <td height="2574" valign="top" align="left" xpos="0" class="style7"><img height="172" width="111" src="images/johninframe3.jpg"></td> <td width="1" height="2574"><spacer type="block" width="1" height="2574"></td> </tr> <tr height="1" cntrlrow> <td height="1" class="style7"><spacer type="block" width="133" height="1"></td> <td width="7" height="1"><spacer type="block" width="7" height="1"></td> <td width="182" height="1"><spacer type="block" width="182" height="1"></td> <td width="300" height="1"><spacer type="block" width="300" height="1"></td> <td width="1" height="1"><spacer type="block" width="1" height="1"></td> <td width="1" height="1"></td> </tr> </table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="597"> <tr> <td><font size="1" face="Arial,Geneva,Helvetica"> <hr noshade size="1"> </font><a href="index.html"><font face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular" size="2"><strong> Homecobolos> <p><font size="2" face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular">©1999-2005 <a href="aboutdiscobolos.html"> Discobolos Consulting Services, Inc.</a><br> (310) 204-8300<br> All Rights Reserved. </font></td> </tr> </table> </center> </body> </html>