Sports Today

I found myself in a very interesting conversation about why I don't have a favorite basketball anymore. And then it hit me that money has possibly ruined sports. Of course I think it was inevitable, but is a slight heartbreak for those who cheer on a team because they genuinely want these athletes on a team to do well.

When I first saw Lebron James, I think it was on Oprah a couple of years back. He seemed so humble and sincere about this passion he had and his new life. I became a fan of his and wanted him to do well in his career. In result, I learned more about his team (at the time the Cavaliers) and became a fan of other players and then the team. Now I am no longer a fan of the team because of this:

"Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you."

Enough said. I don't even have to post the rest of that letter (posted on ESPN). Not only is this letter extremely unprofessional, its repulsive. This is when I decided I was done with the Cavaliers. I still enjoyed my other favorite team players though. Dan Gilbert had a public tantrum. 

Another deterring event was the lockout. I don't know all the logistics but it's sad many players suffered because of money. They couldn't play the games they loved because money got in the way. Very heartbreaking. 

The world in fact doesn't run on Dunkin, it runs on money. If you think about it, people with these natural talents like knowing how to play football, basketball or even an eye for photography, they don't do it solely for the money. They do it because they enjoy it and have an ability to. And when that enjoyment is taken away, I can only imagine how it must feel. 

What's the point of saying all this? Some people like rooting for the underdog because of their symbolism and hope it brings to a crowd of millions. We like to encourage them to encourage ourselves. Therefore we shouldn't let people who make this about money consume something that is about us.

(I need to proofread again)