He didn't
have to announce his decision differently, but it's a fair call to say he
should have. Just because you have the freedom to do something doesn't mean you should or that it's good idea and the way LeBron handled the situation - informing the Cavs at the last minute, the whole special - is not above reproach and is fair game for criticism. As for the fans, sure, there's hyperbole and a lack of acknowledgement that LeBron has the freedom to ply his trade where he likes, but given the way the announcement was made and the disappointment Cavs fans are feeling, they're entitled to blow off steam. Maybe some of the backlash is shortsighted, but the same goes for the backlash against the backlash in my view.
Mike Wilbon made a great point on PTI about our culture revolving around reality TV these days. He admitted mixed feelings because he was involved in the special which means he can't do much finger waggling, but still suggested that the unfortunate fact of the matter is that sensationalism like "The Decision" is how things are done in a culture where shows like American Idol are attempting to create the next big thing. A lot of people have been criticising Gilbert's letter and rightfully so, even if he's entitled his feelings and opinions. The situation has been handled poorly, childishly and unprofessionally on both sides.
The way I see it, for each of the parties under the microscope here:
LeBron James has every right to go to the Miami Heat if that's what he wants. You can make arguments about loyalty but he's not property or a commodity (though professional athletes certainly are treated as such at times), he's a human being that made a decision about his employment. He's also free to do what he did with "The Decision" and conduct himself however he sees fit. However, just because he's got the right to do it doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. He didn't handle his parting with the Cavs well and he made a spectacle of himself with the ESPN special. He could've handled it better.
Dan Gilbert's letter - while entertaining - does little to help the Cavs. It makes him look bad, it makes the team look bad and it's a heat of the moment reaction where he should've taken a few deep breaths and handled it more diplomatically. As I said before, his disappointment and anger is understandable and he's entitled to feel that way. If he wanted to publish an open letter to Cavs fans, he should've worded it more diplomatically; something along the lines of "I won't lie, this is a huge disappointment and a setback, but we're going to move on and do what it takes to rebuild. Thank you to all our fans for your passionate support, we hope we can continue to count on your support as we move forward". Then scream and rant and blow off steam behind closed doors.
Cavs fans may be going overboard with some of the comments, the jersey burning and all of that, but they're entitled to their disappointment and they feel hurt right now. If LeBron had handled the situation a little differently then maybe things would be a little different, a little less vitriolic. It's easy for the rest of us to say they should shut up and stop whining, because we're not dealing with that disappointment. If Wade had left the Heat, would Heat fans be as cool, calm and collected as some are claiming they would be? Maybe, but probably not. Would Lakers fans not curse Kobe had he been successful in his trade demands back in 2007? Judging by some of the remarks that were made at the time - now forgotten with the Lakers being back on top - I'd suggest they would.
If LeBron was always destined to leave the Cavs, if this has been decided for months, then this wasn't going to be an easy split. However, all concerned handled themselves and the situation badly, resulting in this ugly fallout. It's certainly got us all talking though and there's still an exciting situation admist all the chaos and anguish. But there's fair game for criticism too.
I think
Adrian Wojnarowski's column,
Bill Simmons' column and
Simmons' podcast all have good takes on the matter. Worth a read/listen.
