LeBron James plays race card

[farmer]

This is a sticky subject, so let's just get right in to it — LeBron James(notes) is convinced that race is a factor in the criticism surrounding his signing with the Miami Heat and his television special, "The Decision."

A recent release of Q Scores, a polling system that measures popularity, appeared to support the notion.

Among non-blacks, James' negative Q rating went from 24 percent to 44 after his free-agency announcement. However, among blacks, his negative Q Score slipped just from 14 percent to 15 percent. [...]

Also interviewed by CNN during the segment that aired Wednesday night was James advisor Maverick Carter, the CEO of James' marketing wing, who agreed about the impact of the race factor.

"It definitely played a role in some of the stuff coming out of the media, things that were written for sure," Carter said.


Now, as one of the pastiest fellows to ever walk the Earth, I'm not really in position to say whether or not race was a factor in why people didn't like the way LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers. From a personal standpoint, I can assure you that I would have thought it was very poorly handled and ridiculous no matter what color LeBron was. Arrogance comes in many shades.


However, what I do know is that LeBron saying that he thinks race is a factor will make his actions seem even worse to people who do think it was a factor. That is stupid on so, so many levels, but sadly, it's true. People who consider race when deciding how they feel about someone are more than happy to use these sort of statements against a person. Because they are stupid.

Anyway, maybe race was a factor. The Q Scores certainly seem to support that theory. Then again, his negative rating did slip among black respondents — just not as much — and he was criticized by people such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, all of whom are black. Clearly, his moves weren't a big hit no matter the person's race.


Again, as a white guy, there's no way I can know how LeBron is feeling, but I just have a hard time believing people would have been OK with what LeBron did this summer if he weren't black. And really, that's how it should be. People should hate "The Decision" because it was stupid, not because of LeBron James' race.

[farmer]

It was not his race that made him look like an idiot during his announcement. Just like on the floor he does not take responsibility for his actions. It is always someone elses fault. Not like he just didn't quit on Cleveland during the playoffs.

[Tigercannon71]

First of all what the H*** is a "Q rating"?

Next what happened to Lebron? All this stuff is coming out of left field. I think he has someone giving him bad advice and its showing in his actions and words.

[dazed&confused]

Hey, I hated the way Brett Favre left the Green Bay Packers. Does that make me a racist? And who was that white bigoted idiot that used to pitch for the Braves? I can't remember his name but I thought he was garbage. As for Lebron, I don't like the Cavaliers anyway. Did something happen between him and the Cavs? I must have missed it! 8)

[tubby]

And who was that white bigoted idiot that used to pitch for the Braves? I can't remember his name but I thought he was garbage.

Was it John Rocker?

[Charge]

This isn't about race, it is about education or should I say LeBron's lack of education. In the summer LeBron should take a few college courses, such as Comp1, where he could learn not to use third person when he is talking about LeBron James.

[Red_Dog]

Hey, I hated the way Brett Favre left the Green Bay Packers. Does that make me a racist? And who was that white bigoted idiot that used to pitch for the Braves? I can't remember his name but I thought he was garbage. As for Lebron, I don't like the Cavaliers anyway. Did something happen between him and the Cavs? I must have missed it! 8)

Not to get off topic, but Favre didn't leave Green Bay, he got the boot because it was "Aaron Rodger's team." Rodgers is a good QB and I think it was better for both sides to go down that road, just look at Favre's season last year. He isn't doing real hot this year (it's hard to duplicate good years like that), but he always will be the one of the best QB's to ever play the game.

[X8XOHIOLEGENDX7X]

IM RACIST AGAINST BACK STABBERS WHO COULDNT EVEN LET CLEVELAND KNOW HE WAS GONE.

[footballfanatic1]

Lebron who?????? maybe he should join the arena football league so he and Cleareat can get back together.... :aaaaa8 :aaaaa8

[YOU'RE TIGER BAIT]

of course the race card will come into play. probably 87 percent of the nba is black players. it is so easy to always throw out there, he is trying to deflect pressure from his self and the way he made his decision. he made it, live with it. and there ain't a racist bone in my body , but it flat out makes me sick to have to see this bogus bullcrap on the sports channels. i will never watch an nba game that he is ever involved in again. and i was a huge fan of his, as little of a basketball fan as i am anyway. and when they play cleveland in cleveland he deserves everything that he gets. THATS JUST MY OPINION.

[dazed&confused]

Hey, I hated the way Brett Favre left the Green Bay Packers. Does that make me a racist? And who was that white bigoted idiot that used to pitch for the Braves? I can't remember his name but I thought he was garbage. As for Lebron, I don't like the Cavaliers anyway. Did something happen between him and the Cavs? I must have missed it! 8)

Not to get off topic, but Favre didn't leave Green Bay, he got the boot because it was "Aaron Rodger's team." Rodgers is a good QB and I think it was better for both sides to go down that road, just look at Favre's season last year. He isn't doing real hot this year (it's hard to duplicate good years like that), but he always will be the one of the best QB's to ever play the game.

He should have retired gracefully, took the keys to the city and lived on in Packers lore, right up there with Lombardi. Instead, he took the Ali route (and Ali is one of my favorite athletes of all time) and stayed on past his time. Yes, he had a good year last year but what do you think he will be remembered for most? His GB years. And he tarnished that image when he could've been a God in Green Bay. Know when to say "enough"!

[Red_Dog]

Hey, I hated the way Brett Favre left the Green Bay Packers. Does that make me a racist? And who was that white bigoted idiot that used to pitch for the Braves? I can't remember his name but I thought he was garbage. As for Lebron, I don't like the Cavaliers anyway. Did something happen between him and the Cavs? I must have missed it! 8)

Not to get off topic, but Favre didn't leave Green Bay, he got the boot because it was "Aaron Rodger's team." Rodgers is a good QB and I think it was better for both sides to go down that road, just look at Favre's season last year. He isn't doing real hot this year (it's hard to duplicate good years like that), but he always will be the one of the best QB's to ever play the game.

He should have retired gracefully, took the keys to the city and lived on in Packers lore, right up there with Lombardi. Instead, he took the Ali route (and Ali is one of my favorite athletes of all time) and stayed on past his time. Yes, he had a good year last year but what do you think he will be remembered for most? His GB years. And he tarnished that image when he could've been a God in Green Bay. Know when to say "enough"!

I can see where you are coming from. His legacy will come from his GB years. He will be a first ballot Hall of Famer because of his GB years.

However, I disagree with his tarnished image. Last year, IMO, was his best year to date despite not winning the Super Bowl. It is a little ironic that he plays for the Vikings though.

[3morethan2]

one of the most ignorant things ive ever heard a professional athlete say. I think were actually seeing how smart lebron james is off the court. Does he not see people aren't criticizing him because of his race? It's because he backstabbed the whole town of cleveland not to mention the whole state of ohio pretty much, and it was on national television.

[farmer]

one of the most ignorant things ive ever heard a professional athlete say. I think were actually seeing how smart lebron james is off the court. Does he not see people aren't criticizing him because of his race? It's because he backstabbed the whole town of cleveland not to mention the whole state of ohio pretty much, and iit was on national television.

Lebron does not care for Cleveland he said he grew up in Akron hating Cleveland. He went to Akron to kiss up to people there. Some people did not like how the owner reacted but maybe he was tired of Lebron and all of his people making up excuses. LeBron is much like Manny in baseball. Where people use to say it is just Manny being Manny. Then he wears out his welcome then moves on. LeBron has talent just doesn't bring it in every game and many times in the playoffs.

[dazed&confused]

Lebron is the modern day Dr. J. Talented, lots of flash, one title to show for his whole career, also-ran to Kobe (just like Dr. J to Magic and Bird).

[Rebels on 3]

I think it has went to far Lebron is in Miami now and its over people just need to let it go the guy is human.

[YOU'RE TIGER BAIT]

rebels , we have . he's the one playing the race card. the whole dang league is nearly all black. what gives.

[Yossarian]

How ironic that Favre is brought up in a conversation about James, both were admired beyond almost anyone else in their sport and both showed their true character or lack thereof.

[dazed&confused]

Lebron is the modern day Dr. J. Talented, lots of flash, one title to show for his whole career, also-ran to Kobe (just like Dr. J to Magic and Bird).

I never understood how he was allowed to keep his eligibility with the OHSAA after all the nonsense he was stupid enough to flash around.

But then, look who raised him.

Now, now. You might be called a racist for saying that!

[farmer]

If you were to tell the story without letting people know what race he is most people would say that he was a spoiled brat and an A$$.
LeBron likes to be called the King but he does not know how to led. He has his handlers led him around off the court. On the court he is more of a Highlight player. With his size and skills there should be no team able to stop him at the end of games. He would rather stay outside and throw up 3 pointers instead of driving to the basket. Now will he play the race card when his white coach will not let him run the team like he did in Cleveland.