King James' return to the Cleveland Cavaliers inspires Northeast Ohio, LeBron James is a role model, a true leader of men, and an example of what professional athletes should aspire to represent and become, by Cleveland Urban News.Com Sportswriter Karl Kimbrough
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| LeBron James |
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By Karl Kimbrough, Cleveland Urban News.Com Sportswriter (kimbrough@clevelandurbannews.com). Cleveland Urban News. Com and The Cleveland Urban News.Com Blog, Ohio's Leaders In Black Digital News . Tel: 216-659-0473
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| Cleveland Urban News.Com Sportswriter Karl Kimbrough |
That infamous day in July of
2010 when James left Cleveland had to be on the minds of Cavaliers' fans, who are use to being spurned, as LeBron's possible return
loomed. But after Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert's private plane was
spotted in Miami on July 6, speculation grew quickly that
Cleveland had gained the lead in the race for one of the nation's most talented basketball player. After July 6 the anticipation for LeBron to announce what team he had chosen
grew nationally with each day and each hour, especially after James
met with Miami Heat GM Pat Riley on July 9 and would not commit to
the Heat.
LeBron would wait until
Friday, July 11 at noon to release his decision to the world.
Suddenly people all over Cleveland began to act strange. One man was
seen walking down the street shouting 'welcome back to the Q' when
there was no one within shouting distance of him. Others were seen
getting out of their cars and doing a happy dance for no apparent
reason, and running down the street with their cell phones in their
hands. Thousands changed their plans for the evening to go to their
local watering hole to celebrate. Meanwhile, the national focus switched to who
The King chose and why. The explanation he gave for coming back to
Cleveland will forever be remembered.
James made the announcement
on the website of Sports Illustrated in a letter. In the letter
LeBron opened up and let everyone peer into his personal space to see
the torch that he's been carrying for Northeast Ohio for many years.
In doing so he exhibited several qualities that will endear him to
the residents of Ohio for years to come. James opened his letter by
saying that “before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball
I was a kid from Northeast Ohio.” He continued that “It's where I
walked, its where I ran, its where I cried, its where I bled, and it
holds a special place in my heart.”
James said that people in
Northeast Ohio have seen him grow up.
“Their passion can be
overwhelming, but it drives me,” said James. “I want to give
them hope when I can, and my relationship with Northeast Ohio is
bigger than basketball.”
When he left Cleveland for
Miami, James was perceived by some of his critics, many jealous of his stardom, to be a self absorbed, egotistical diva of an athlete. But his interview with Sports
Illustrated proves different.
“When I left Cleveland, I
was on a mission, I was seeking championships,” said James “I won
two, but Miami already knew that feeling.”
The mega star said that
“what's most important for me is bringing one trophy back to
Northeast Ohio.”
Those comments seem to
indicate that LeBron had really had an unselfish pride for his roots,
even before he decided to leave four years ago. Although he was
contrite when he admitted his first decision to leave Cleveland was
not done the right way, he indicated that he would have left nonetheless.
But he was humble too.
“These past four years
helped raise me into who I am,” said James. “ I became a better
player and a better man.”
This is a lesson for fans to
not put too many expectations on the broad shoulders of young
athletes. Sometimes fans need to step back and reflect on where
athletes are in there development, not only as players, but as men
and women. In retrospect, LeBron leaving may have been the best thing
that could have happened for Cleveland Cavaliers' fans. If he had stayed and
committed to Cleveland his growth as a player and a man would have
been inhibited or stunted.
James needed to experience
another culture to expand his game and his knowledge. He needed to
learn how to win at the highest level, and how to become a true
champion. Now that he has come back to the Cavaliers', he can be a
true leader of men.
LeBron's maturity is
obvious, and he admits that he has grown since joining the NBA in
2003 right out of high school.
“I see myself as a mentor
now and I'm excited to lead some of these talented young guys.”said
James. “ More importantly, I needed the support of my wife and my
mom, who can be very tough.”
Here we see that James not
only over came his own reservations, but showed those in his family
how to as well. To come back to Cleveland, LeBron decided to overlook the transgressions of others. He chose to show love.
Even as a rookie LeBron was
considered wise beyond his years. And in joining the Miami Heat in
2010 and returning this year to the Cavs he quenched the thirst. He
managed to change his perception in Cleveland, Ohio from one of the
most controversial people, to one of it's most beloved. He touched
the lives of basketball fans, on lookers and businesses, who will all
benefit from the residual effect of his return to Cleveland.
LeBron James is an example
of what professional athletes should aspire to represent and become. (www.clevelandurbannews.com) / (www.kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com)
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