Radio announcer Jim Murray (@bigjimmurray) weighed in on the relationship between Boston fans and Cleveland superstar LeBron James. For the most part, callers took the bait and whined about a perceived arrogance of James, citing 'The Decision' and recent comments about not being overexcited about a regular season game against the Celtics.
Boston fans perceive ourselves as the proletariat, lunchpail-carrying Joes who appreciate effort and respect it from ours (rooting for laundry) and opponents. That means that arrogance doesn't play well...or does it?
Larry Bird dismissed opponents before the three-point shooting contest. Bird's trash-talk was legendary.
We live the apotheosis of Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the Patriots. Doesn't the stain of Spygate and Deflategate, theoretically (if not practically) altering competitive balance, exceed LeBron James' arrogance of "The Decision?"
What does James have to do?
He overwhelmed the Celtics in game six en route to a Championship.
LBJ dominated on the boards and scored almost half the Heat points.
A partial list of his NBA achievements reeks on individual and team greatness.
Who is he most comparable to?
Not too shabby.
With years remaining in his career, he is moving up the career scoring record.
James also has a global brand. He has 34.7 million Twitter followers and 29.3 million instagram followers. His brand led all athletes in 2014 according to Forbes. "His endorsement and non-basketball earnings exceeded the average of the top 10 off the court earners in the NBA."
He's socially conscious. He has given tens of millions back to the community.
He's developing a second career.
He's hilarious in Trainwreck.
So what's the deal? Are Boston fans jealous, ignorant, hard-headed about James? The guy has achieved fame and fortune the old-fashioned way, he earned it.
If we want to be partisan and small-minded, so be it. LeBron James isn't perfect. But does the collective negativity about James say more about him...or us?