This was a decision gone wrong.
When my colleagues and I pondered LeBron James’ Instagram post Oct. 6, my initial thought was it would be a retirement announcement saying this was his last NBA season. But they were all convinced it was a promotion of some sort.
The post said, “The decision of all decisions.” How could LeBron use that word if it was an ad? Surely, he knows what it means to so many of his fans, especially those most loyal, many of whom hail from his hometown and thereabouts.
That would be ridiculous. He had to be above that…right? I really thought so.
LeBron has done so much for Akron. He’s given back and then some. He’s spoken up on social issues. He’s never gotten in any real legal trouble. He’s a family man who vocally supports his wife and kids. And for that, he’s an incredible role model. Not to mention he’ll go down in history as one of the greatest athletes of all time. He’s a shining example of excellence both on and off the court.
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of his and have been since I was probably 11 years old. I’ve nary said one negative thing about him and get frustrated by his “haters,” especially considering all he’s done for his community. But this time, I felt compelled to say something.
LeBron James is not retiring from NBA
USAT’s Sam Cardona-Norberg breaks down the tweet that made some people believe that LeBron James may be announcing his retirement.
Sports Seriously
Using “the decision of all decisions” for a Hennessy ad is pretty crazy, if you ask me. I’m disappointed. Not only did it send the internet into a frenzy, it was a waste of a line that he legitimately could’ve used when he ultimately decides to retire for real. But overall, I find it to be damn near insulting to passionate fans of his, like me, who have supported him throughout his entire career and have certain feelings about “The Decision.”
Who honestly thought this was a good idea?
Of course we’ll get over it, but it’s just not cool. We all know what happened last time, and LeBron even expressed feelings of remorse around how he went about it, saying he’d “probably change a lot of it.” But now it’s a joke? A money-making opportunity?
I remember where I was when the first “Decision” happened and how I felt. I was sitting with my parents, brother and sister, and both my grandparents who have since passed. We awaited LeBron’s choice until he finally said those fateful words: “I’m going to take my talents to South Beach.” I was 16 years old and devastated. But I never wished ill on him. And I certainly didn’t burn my jersey. I cheered for him from afar while remaining loyal to the Cavs, happy for him when he got his first championship rings. That’s the kind of fan I am.
I remember where I was when LeBron announced he was coming back to Cleveland and the literal tears of joy I shed. I was there in the fourth row with my family and best friend at the University of Akron when his foundation hosted a welcome back party of sorts a month later. That’s the kind of fan I am.
I remember where I was when he and the Cavs won their first championship and the pure elation that came over me as I screamed and jumped up and down in celebration with my aunt in her living room. I was away in Virginia for an internship, just sick that I couldn’t be in Cleveland to celebrate but grateful I was staying with my aunt, also an Akron native, so I had someone by my side to watch every single game with during that playoff run who really understood what it meant. That’s the kind of fan I am.
I have the front page of the Beacon Journal showing the Cavs returning to Cleveland after winning the chip, Larry O’Brien trophy in LeBron’s hands, framed in my home office. I even got a tattoo when I returned home from my internship of one of LeBron’s go-to phrases, “Promise Kept,” with the trophy next to it. That’s the kind of fan I am.
I grew up going to Cavs games and consider myself lucky to have witnessed one of the greatest basketball players ever on numerous occasions. It’s been a few years though since I’ve seen him, so I bought tickets to the Cavs-Lakers game in January just in case he was going to announce his retirement. I wanted to make sure I was there for LeBron’s last game in Cleveland. Luckily, I did that a couple weeks ago before prices surged thanks to his post, both here and in Los Angeles. That’s the kind of fan I am.
I say all this to say that my love, fandom and respect for LeBron runs deep. And I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. The fake out might seem like fun and games to him, but he got paid and we’re left holding the bag. At least that’s how I feel. Even his coach JJ Redick said if we thought LeBron was actually going to retire, “you guys are idiots.” Maybe I’m the fool for putting too much faith in him.
An ad is one thing. Having “The Decision” play any part in it doesn’t fly with me.