All of us at The Sports Debates would like to send a thank you and a big shout out to all of our friends over at the Orlando Sentinel for suggesting this debate topic to us via a direct message on Twitter. If you haven’t checked out their blog section, make sure you do… it’s all very well-written, and very entertaining! (especially if you are a Florida sports fan!).
Outside the city of Orlando, if you are a fan of the NBA you were most likely surprised by the way the Orlando Magic dismantled “King” James and his Cleveland Cavaliers (I know I was).
Equally surprising were the actions of LeBron following the Cavaliers defeat after game 6 of the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals in Orlando. When the clock ticked to 0:00, and the Cavs season officially ended, LeBron stalked off to the locker room without congratulating anyone or shaking the hands of any Magic players and coaches. The Orlando Magic personnel were not alone, though. LeBron also snubbed the media following the game by refusing to appear for the post-game press conference.
While there has been a large media backlash regarding LeBron’s lack of sportsmanship, NBA Commissioner David Stern, who publicly disapproved of James’ post-game behavior, did not feel that LeBron’s actions warranted a fine, and announced yesterday that he would “reserve his judgment” until after he’s had a chance to speak with LeBron directly.
Cue The Sports Debates!
If David Stern is unwilling to discuss the situation, or to render a judgment on LeBron’s actions, we are more than happy to do so in his stead! We’ll even let you fans issue your judgment of LeBron’s behavior!
The terms for this debate are:
- The winner determined by fan votes.
- The question – Was LeBron James justified in his decision to not shake hands with the Orlando Magic personnel AND in his decision to avoid meeting with the press after the game?
- I, Bleacher Fan, as the winner of the previous debate, will debate that LeBron was justified in snubbing both the Magic and the Press.
- Sports Geek will be responsible for debating that LeBron was wrong on both instances, and that he should have shaken hands with the Magic, as well as attended the post-game press conference.
- Last, Loyal Homer will argue that he was right in not meeting with the press, but he still should have shaken the hands of the team that beat him.
Each position will be posted for you to read and weigh in on with your own thoughts and opinions. Once all three sides have been presented, you will have the opportunity to cast your vote for who you think won the debate, and what you think of LeBron’s actions.
And now… the debate begins!
Why is this even a debate topic? With everything going on in sports right now like the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, Baseball and the million other events why is this even being discussed? LeBron and the Cavs are out of the playoffs. They lost, it’s over. Would Dwight Howard rather have a handshake from the guy they beat or a conference championship? Debate something interesting. People from Orlando that want to hear about this need to focus their efforts on something else like I don’t know the Lakers.
Hi Mr. Puppet – a fair criticism! The fact that this dominated the sports news-cycle for two days this week is surprising to us, also. I think it speaks to the idea that LeBron transcends the normal routine of news a bit. When he does something, the entire sports world takes notice (case in point… the jaw surgery). I think it’s a relevant topic because it speaks to not just the recent history, but the type of player and leader he needs to become in the future.
I think that Howard would rather have a championship, and he’s playing like he deserves one. I think the two best teams are meeting in the Finals this year. LeBron will just have to watch in the crowd with the bill on his Yankees cap pulled down low.
What would be an interesting to you?
I can’t wait til tonight!! Go Lakers
Us either — should be a good match up. Prediction?
Does it bother Cavs fans when LJ walks around with that Yankees cap on? As an obsessive Yankee hater, it sure bothers the heck out of me!!!
I know it bothers Cavs fans for other reasons though!
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Thanks! Keep reading and tell your friends!