What's Your Reaction to LeBron's Allegiances?

[jgod213]

We've all become aware of the fact the LeBron has always had an affinity for the New York Yankees, as he seems to sport the pinstripes everywhere he goes, but during the Browns' opening week matchup against the Cowboys, LeBron could be seen embracing and chatting it up with Jerry Jones, T.O. and Adam "don't call me Pacman" Jones.  As was written in an article on the Celticsblog front page, these antics have begun to ruffle the feathers of Cavs fans; particularly given the fact that James grew up in Akron.

Personally I believe that LeBron, and any other person, has the right to support any sports team which they please, and without having to worry about a tarnished reputation.  however, the fact that LeBron continues to go to Clevelend sporting events (Indians, Browns) and can be seen visibly supporting the opposition (Yankees, Cowboys) is something that does bother me.

Here's my question, why does he feel the need to wear a Yankees cap to an Indians game? Why does he parade around the Cowboy sidelines without paying any attention or respect to Browns players or fans? Why does he insist on going out of his way to NOT support Cleveland?  Now i understand that the Yankees gear probably has more to do with fashion than allegiances, but why can't he wear another blue hat when going to an Indians game?

The guy, to me, seems like he's all about the spotlight.  when he's not in it, he wants to surround himself with whomever currently is.  There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but can't you show a little respect and humor the fans who currently fund your mammouth salary?

Whats is the reaction from you all? What if Paul Pierce walked out to the Pats/Cheifs game and went stricktly over to Larry Johnson to chat, or showed up to a Sox game wearing an Angels cap? How negative would the reaction be?

[crownsy]

We've all become aware of the fact the LeBron has always had an affinity for the New York Yankees, as he seems to sport the pinstripes everywhere he goes, but during the Browns' opening week matchup against the Cowboys, LeBron could be seen embracing and chatting it up with Jerry Jones, T.O. and Adam "don't call me Pacman" Jones.  As was written in an article on the Celticsblog front page, these antics have begun to ruffle the feathers of Cavs fans; particularly given the fact that James grew up in Akron.

Personally I believe that LeBron, and any other person, has the right to support any sports team which they please, and without having to worry about a tarnished reputation.  however, the fact that LeBron continues to go to Clevelend sporting events (Indians, Browns) and can be seen visibly supporting the opposition (Yankees, Cowboys) is something that does bother me.

Here's my question, why does he feel the need to wear a Yankees cap to an Indians game? Why does he parade around the Cowboy sidelines without paying any attention or respect to Browns players or fans? Why does he insist on going out of his way to NOT support Cleveland?  Now i understand that the Yankees gear probably has more to do with fashion than allegiances, but why can't he wear another blue hat when going to an Indians game?

The guy, to me, seems like he's all about the spotlight.  when he's not in it, he wants to surround himself with whomever currently is.  There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but can't you show a little respect and humor the fans who currently fund your mammouth salary?

Whats is the reaction from you all? What if Paul Pierce walked out to the Pats/Cheifs game and went stricktly over to Larry Johnson to chat, or showed up to a Sox game wearing an Angels cap? How negative would the reaction be?

the reaction would be negitive, it wouldn't change the fact that the people reacting negitivly are morons.

We have this crazy idea, as fans, that we own players lives. It's not true.

Tom brady is an ackoledged yankees fan, and i could care less. It doesnt change the fact that he's an awesome QB for my team, or my opnion of him in the slightest.

[carlherrera]

great question. i think the "problem" is that lebron seems to be rubbing it to his own fans and that seems disrespectful. its fine that he grew up rooting for the yankees and he remains loyal to them; that can even be commended, but why go out of his way to show this support? he is very smart about marketing so maybe the negative of p---ing off his local fans is smaller than the positive of being in the good side of the bigger NY market. supposedly he's thinking about moving to a bigger market so maybe its part of his overall strategy to rule the world!

[Steve Weinman]

We've all become aware of the fact the LeBron has always had an affinity for the New York Yankees, as he seems to sport the pinstripes everywhere he goes, but during the Browns' opening week matchup against the Cowboys, LeBron could be seen embracing and chatting it up with Jerry Jones, T.O. and Adam "don't call me Pacman" Jones.  As was written in an article on the Celticsblog front page, these antics have begun to ruffle the feathers of Cavs fans; particularly given the fact that James grew up in Akron.

Personally I believe that LeBron, and any other person, has the right to support any sports team which they please, and without having to worry about a tarnished reputation.  however, the fact that LeBron continues to go to Clevelend sporting events (Indians, Browns) and can be seen visibly supporting the opposition (Yankees, Cowboys) is something that does bother me.

Here's my question, why does he feel the need to wear a Yankees cap to an Indians game? Why does he parade around the Cowboy sidelines without paying any attention or respect to Browns players or fans? Why does he insist on going out of his way to NOT support Cleveland?  Now i understand that the Yankees gear probably has more to do with fashion than allegiances, but why can't he wear another blue hat when going to an Indians game?

The guy, to me, seems like he's all about the spotlight.  when he's not in it, he wants to surround himself with whomever currently is.  There's nothing inherently wrong with that, but can't you show a little respect and humor the fans who currently fund your mammouth salary?

Whats is the reaction from you all? What if Paul Pierce walked out to the Pats/Cheifs game and went stricktly over to Larry Johnson to chat, or showed up to a Sox game wearing an Angels cap? How negative would the reaction be?

While it's not quite the same situation, if I recall correctly, when the Celtics visited the Knicks on MLK Day last season - the day after the NFC title game - Pierce and Ray Allen made a point of heading over to the courtside seats to ham it up with the Giants...and there's not a thing wrong with that - or any of what LeBron does - in my book.

-sw

[wdleehi]

He is one step away from the worst sporting fan.


The Yankee/Cowboy/Laker fan. 

[Redz]

He is one step away from the worst sporting fan.


The Yankee/Cowboy/Laker fan. 

Yeh really, you're right,  if he was a Giants fan instead of a Cowboy fan that would be truly awful

[shookones99]

He is one step away from the worst sporting fan.


The Yankee/Cowboy/Laker fan. 

Yeh really, you're right,  if he was a Giants fan instead of a Cowboy fan that would be truly awful

At least that would make sense (he supports NYC teams).  But he is just a fan of all the popular teams of every sport.  That doesn't really seem like a real sports fan to me.

[Redz]

He is one step away from the worst sporting fan.


The Yankee/Cowboy/Laker fan. 

Yeh really, you're right,  if he was a Giants fan instead of a Cowboy fan that would be truly awful

At least that would make sense (he supports NYC teams).  But he is just a fan of all the popular teams of every sport.  That doesn't really seem like a real sports fan to me.

I was just razzing wdleehi.  I have no love for the Giants, but clearly the Cowboys are the more despicable team.  And yes, Lebron probably does have a double secret pair of Lakers undies somewhere in his dresser.

[greg683x]

Ive read before that Lebron is a very fairweather sports fan.  When he was in junior high and high school he was always fans of the Yankees and was a huge cowboys fan when aikman, emmitt, and michael irvin were there, and rooted for the Chicago Bulls over Cleveland Cavs.

I personally cannot stand these people.  It has nothing to do with the fact that Lebron represents Cleveland and he needs to support the area, I could care less about that.  I just hate these bandwagon sports people in general.  It makes me sick, how can you just jumpship on a team?  Or support a team that doesnt represent you or the part of the country you live in.

All that aside, The guy has the right to cheer for any team he wants, but I think its horrible that he'd show up to a Cleveland/Yankees playoffs game and show off his hat like he did last year, I think thats just in bad taste to the fans that support him in his own town.  Theres just some things you dont do when youre pretty much the face of Cleveland.  Someone mentioned about Celtics players chatting it up with Giants players before a game.  Theres absoloutly nothing wrong with that.  Now if Pierce shows up at Fenway in the ALCS wearing Yankees gear, then I think theres a problem.

If I was a Cavs fan Id worry about Lebron leaving, not because of Jay-Z or some 50 million dollar deal, but just thta the guy has no sense or loyalty to his home town.


......wow I wrote a book there, sorry I guess I ranted.

[Woodstock Libertarian]

I’ve been a Celtics fan since ’74, a Reds fan since ’72, a Sox fan since ’75, a Jets fan since Namath, a Pokes fan since ’75, and a Bruins fan since Orr. My fanhood for each sport started from the first sporting event I watched in each league. I simply picked one of the two teams playing, rooted for them in that game, and kept on rooting for them to this day.

My brother claims to be a die-hard Lakers fan, and, I guess, he is for the most part. I say “I guess” because I know he loved the purple in the 80s. But in the 70s he openly rooted for the Warriors, Blazers, and Sonics. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his son, now in his late 20s, has followed the Magic, the Bulls, and the Lakers.

Not everyone can remain loyal to a team their entire life. I understand this, and try not to pick on people who are more fickle.

At the same time, I have no doubt that I am a better fan than anyone who changes horses mid-stream.

IMO, frontrunners, defined as fans who perpetually change favorite teams based on who's in the running for a particular championship, are the most self-esteemed challenged people of all...

[Sweet17]

He is a front runner but I mean there are worse things in life then being a front runner. It's usually the not very into sports sports fan who is like that.. Maybe Lebron is one of those guys..

Pete

[crownsy]

He is a front runner but I mean there are worse things in life then being a front runner. It's usually the not very into sports sports fan who is like that.. Maybe Lebron is one of those guys..

Pete

he's been a yankee fan for his entire life, and all he did was go and talk to some of the cowboys. did anyone ever consider mabey he's friends with TO, another high profile athlete?

here's another "shocker" for sports fans, while we may dislike the mannings, our very own tom brady is a yankee's fan AND "gasp!" counts peyton as one fo his closest friends!!! omgzors!

and, as steve pointed out and was glossed over, paul and ray went over to strhan and the giants and joked around for 5-10 minutes before a game in NY after the superbowl. clearly they hate boston sports and all it stands for. traitors. 

am i supposed to hate them or consider them "not true sports fans" now?

please.

[crownsy]

Ive read before that Lebron is a very fairweather sports fan.  When he was in junior high and high school he was always fans of the Yankees and was a huge cowboys fan when aikman, emmitt, and michael irvin were there, and rooted for the Chicago Bulls over Cleveland Cavs.

I personally cannot stand these people.  It has nothing to do with the fact that Lebron represents Cleveland and he needs to support the area, I could care less about that.  I just hate these bandwagon sports people in general.  It makes me sick, how can you just jumpship on a team?  Or support a team that doesnt represent you or the part of the country you live in.

All that aside, The guy has the right to cheer for any team he wants, but I think its horrible that he'd show up to a Cleveland/Yankees playoffs game and show off his hat like he did last year, I think thats just in bad taste to the fans that support him in his own town.  Theres just some things you dont do when youre pretty much the face of Cleveland.  Someone mentioned about Celtics players chatting it up with Giants players before a game.  Theres absoloutly nothing wrong with that.  Now if Pierce shows up at Fenway in the ALCS wearing Yankees gear, then I think theres a problem.

If I was a Cavs fan Id worry about Lebron leaving, not because of Jay-Z or some 50 million dollar deal, but just thta the guy has no sense or loyalty to his home town.


......wow I wrote a book there, sorry I guess I ranted.

you named one team in every sport. how is that a bandwagon fan?

a bandwagon fan changes allegainces every year. so far you've pointed to lebron liking the best team in the sports he watched growing up. thats not being a bandwagon fan.

some term that "frontrunner" (i hate that term, i've loved the bears sicne i saw thier physical style of play since the late 80's, thier my NFC team. by your defintion here, i'm a terrable sports fan.)

I've always hated this notion that your some kind of horrable person if you don't conform with the other lemmings around you and root for the hometown team because you happen to be born there by a touch of fate.

Now obviously, i'm a boston sports fan. I love our teams history and tradition my favroite teams are the celts, sox, and pats. (along with my NFC team, the aformentioned bears)

but yoru tellign me if i was born in, lets say charolote, im a terrable person if i choose not to be a lemming and root for the bobcats?

I root for teams based on history, tradition, passion and pride, not because I happened to be born in boston. I'm wicked happy i was born in the greatest sports town on earth, but its not how i define the teams I root for, nor do i expect anyone else to.

Nothing is stranger to me than this notion that your a bad sports fan if you don't adore the local teams in proffesnal sports. Most of the players on the local team aren't from around you in the frist place, why should peer pressure determin your love for a team? True local teams i understand (HS, collage to a degree) You know those peopel and have a connection with them.

But this attutide about pro teams of "oh, your not a true sports fan, you don't blend in with the other clones in your area and like team x" is hillarious to me.

[CelticsWhat35]

Everyone should know by now that LeBron has allegiances to nothing but himself.

[Redz]

you named one team in every sport. how is that a bandwagon fan?

a bandwagon fan changes allegainces every year. so far you've pointed to lebron liking the best team in the sports he watched growing up. thats not being a bandwagon fan.

some term that "frontrunner" (i hate that term, i've loved the bears sicne i saw thier physical style of play since the late 80's, thier my NFC team. by your defintion here, i'm a terrable sports fan.)

I've always hated this notion that your some kind of horrable person if you don't conform with the other lemmings around you and root for the hometown team because you happen to be born there by a touch of fate.

Now obviously, i'm a boston sports fan. I love our teams history and tradition my favroite teams are the celts, sox, and pats. (along with my NFC team, the aformentioned bears)

but yoru tellign me if i was born in, lets say charolote, im a terrable person if i choose not to be a lemming and root for the bobcats?

I root for teams based on history, tradition, passion and pride, not because I happened to be born in boston. I'm wicked happy i was born in the greatest sports town on earth, but its not how i define the teams I root for, nor do i expect anyone else to.

Nothing is stranger to me than this notion that your a bad sports fan if you don't adore the local teams in proffesnal sports. Most of the players on the local team aren't from around you in the frist place, why should peer pressure determin your love for a team? True local teams i understand (HS, collage to a degree) You know those peopel and have a connection with them.

But this attutide about pro teams of "oh, your not a true sports fan, you don't blend in with the other clones in your area and like team x" is hillarious to me.

Actually I'd say a frontrunner is the guy who jumps on the bandwagon when a team is up then moves on to the next good team when things are down a bit, or things are rosier elsewher.  The bandwagoner may start as  a frontrunner, but if he/she sticks with that team through thick and thin after that, I would hesitate to call him/her a frontrunner.

Many a Celtic bandwagoner from the Bird years are lifelong fans of the Celtics now.

...what on earth am I babbling about