Why The Hate?

I still do not understand the LeBron James hatred. It goes beyond the usual distaste for an opposing player from a rival team. No, many people really hate the man, all without the benefit of knowing him personally. Granted, he does come across poorly on camera. And, with the public, if you do not succeed in the media spotlight, it can sink your reputation. He does not have the charm and charisma that many athletes possess. Nor does he cater to reporters for their approval.  LeBron seems to march to the beat of his own drum. And, his detractors do not like the sound of his music....... Some of the hatred can be traced to his "Big Decision" a few years ago. You remember it. It was the big decision when he was a free agent on where he was gonna play after he left the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was courted by many teams, including the Chicago Bulls, and the staged "drama" played out in the public court. He chose Miami, which pissed off a lot of cities who wanted him. Chicago was the most vocal (well, really, Cleveland was because they were losing him) and the fans ridiculed the pomposity of LeBron for making his decision such a laughable farce. This, I had to agree with, for he was poorly advised by his agent and public relations people. He came off looking arrogant and self-important....... What was lost in the fury of him going to Miami was the fact that he did nothing wrong in changing teams. While the haters cried foul that he was deserting Cleveland for big money, the truth was that he simply took a better business offer somewhere else, something that all of us do also. All of us, given the chance, would take a business opportunity with a rival company if the terms suited our future. Whatever your job is, if the company across the street offered more money, more recognition of your talent and abilities, and more success, would you not take the job offer, regardless of the loyalty to your employer factor? Of course you would. Who wouldn't? LeBron was looking to his future, his chance for the Big Brass Ring. Again, how he did it was wrong---- with a foolish announcement that he and his advisors mistakenly thought was of world importance---- but, the actual deed was well within his right in the right-to-work world we live in. Its called Free Enterprise....... By the way, most of the proceeds Team LeBron made with the TV special went to charity....... So, let's look at his on-court playing. Do people hate him for this? Yes, many do. He has been called a cheap-shot artist, a cheat, a crybaby, and highly overrated. Non of this is true. Those criticisisms come from opinion, not fact. Crybaby? He complains aboutbbad calls not going his way, something every athlete does, going back to grade school. A cheat? Where and when has this happened? No examples come to my mind or any other person I have asked. Cheap-shot artist? Well, I've seen many a player go cheap on him. But he has never been in trouble with the league for his behavior. In fact, most players he has played against respect his talent. He is quite professional on the court. Does he have enemies in the NBA? Yes, he does, for everybody does who is so high profile. The common saying about LeBron James is: "He is no Michael Jordan!"....... You remember Michael Jordan, don't ya? He was the Greatest Basketball Player Ever. And, he certainly was. Jordan was poetry in motion, a man of extraordinary talent and skill. He walked on a basketball court and slayed his enemies. Watching Michael Jordan play basketball was like watching history in the making. Plus, Jordan was a charismatic man whom the media adored. He made good copy, with a handy quote and a welcome quip. And, a ready smile. The camera loved him---- which, remember, is very important to a public figure---- and his face gleamed out to millions of ready fans and non-fans of basketball. Such was the love Jordan inspired, that his darker personal life never came to the surface during his playing days. The rampant infidelities, the absentee father, the gambling addiction, etc, were all swept under the carpet because Jordan was so beloved. As long as he produced magic, Michael Jordan was Mr. Clean-Cut, the hero of millions....... Unlike LeBron James. LeBron is the anti-Jordan, a man viewed as sullen and uncooperative to the public. He is selfish, his detractors protest. If he only acted like Michael Jordan, then, he would be OK, so they say. My answer is, "Why should he be like Jordan?" We already have the real article, why do we need a rerun? LeBron James lives his life on his own terms, and until evidence is brought forth against him, he does not seem to hurt or abuse the people around him or his public with his behavior. Locally, we have behavior of a certain hockey player, Patrick Kane, that is reprehensible on so many levels. Yet, he is constantly let off for his conduct because he benefits the Blackhawks by playing well. This seems to be forgotten in this town because Kane serves the interests of his fans. When that stops, look for him to be thrown to the wolves (which he royally deserves). Until then, the media loves him and will overlook his foibles. LeBron does not get that pass........ One more thing about the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James connection. Is LeBron better that Michael? Is he a better all-around player than the Original King? I think Jordan was a better player in most categories but LeBron haters are not comfortable with the comparison. They feel it is an insult to compare him to Jordan, as if acknowledging LeBron's strengths somehow tarnishes the glow of Air Jordan and his legacy. When comparisons of athletes from different eras, with different playing styles, are made, the older generation gets defensive and vitriolic. "How dare you say he was as great as Michael Jordan?!! Jordan was the greatest ever!!!" And, then, they will spew out statistics that support their righteous indignation. They may be right in their defense but the core of the debate is one of defensiveness and a feeling that their hero may be eclipsed or forgotten by the public. And, they blame the young upstart, the perceived threat to the legacy of The Great One. I find this most notable in the LeBron Haters Club. They instantly segue into the "He's no Jordan!" Or, "Jordan was better!" argument. Never mind that it is a winless debate on both sides of the aisle. Jordan is Jordan and James is James. There is no need to pit one against the other in a phantom contest....... So, the hate of LeBron James goes dribbling on, probably, for as long as the man will be playing. Whatever more he achieves on the basketball court has yet to be written. In due time, he will retire and with that will come a public rehabilitation of his character and a new-found respect for his abilities......  By that time, the next basketball sensation will be on the scene, someone the press and public will call "The New LeBron James." This person will take the same grief and slings from the arrows that LeBron experiences now. And, he will be hated by some. The argument from those people will be, "He is no LeBron".......