The whole LeBron James spectacle made me wonder about the term loyalty, and whether or not it should apply.
Senseless Dribble
Even non-sports fans probably found it difficult to escape all the hype surrounding “The Decision” of where LeBron would play basketball. It culminated in an hour special on ESPN so LeBron could announce his decision. An hour? The answer was one of the following:
A) Cleveland Cavaliers
B) Chicago Bulls
C) Los Angeles Clippers
D) Miami Heat
E) New York Knicks
That takes an hour? I admit it – I tuned in, but my righteous self turned it off after I heard LeBron say he was going to Miami.
Slam Dunk?
His decision to leave his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for the shot at an NBA title raised heated reactions in the sports world. Just take a look at what the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers had to say.
Et tu, LJ?
The term loyalty has been tossed around more times than a basketball at a Harlem Globetrotters’ exhibition. But should it? LeBron said he is all about winning. Reportedly, he left a small chunk of change – $30 million – by leaving Cleveland. So, it certainly doesn’t look money-motivated.
Who Wins?
In the business world, relationships are king. But, when does winning trump loyalty?
Me, I’m old school. I am passionately loyal to those who have earned my trust and who do right by me. It disturbed me when I saw the major shift from rewarding employees with 30-plus years to kicking them to the curb so shareholders gained. Then again, I certainly am not walking away from multi-million dollar offers.
Many sports fans define the term “loyal.” Should we expect the same from our superstars? After all, who made LeBron King? Or is simply good business on his part? The world loves winners. The Los Angeles Lakers’ star, Kobe Bryant, who has five NBA title rings, has the best-selling jersey internationally.
The Voice of the Fans
What do you think? Should loyalty even enter into the discussion in the business decisions we make? Is the smarter choice based on looking out for #1?
iStock Photo credit: monkeybusinessimages’s Portfolio
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Right On Target!
The Only error is that I am NØT Reading this
Editorial in My News Paper! I TOTALLY AGREE “Loyalty” IS A
#1 PROBLEM in OUR
COUNTRY TODAY! The difficulty has squiggled & squirmed it’s way in.
Hi Robin-thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts. I do appreciate it!
ugh… so glad I don’t have TV!
Anne Wayman´s last blog ..Where Do I Get Photos To Use With My Writing
Oh my gosh, Anne. Now, you are REALLY my hero-no TV? Love it!
Cathy, I remember a hockey player doing this very thing – Marian Hossa. He left Pittsburgh in 2008 thinking he’d get a better shot at the cup in Detroit. Guess who beat Detroit in the Stanley Cup? Muhahahaha. He then left Detroit in 2009 for Chicago, and managed to win his precious cup, but left a trail of bad taste in his wake.
Loyalty aside, it was the greed that turned me off. I think in LeBron’s case it was the same. His quest for personal gain was too much for fans to accept.
Lori´s last blog ..Short Weekends- Long Lists
Hi, Lori-
I am not much of a hockey fan, so I don’t remember Marian Hossa, but I LOVE that Pittsburgh beat Detroit!
What got me about the whole LeBron debacle was the lack of respect he showed a team that had treated him really well. It’s not that he decided to leave as much as the way he did it-no class!
On a happy note, Derek Fisher of the LA Lakers, turned down more $$$ to play with LeBron in Miami so Mr. Loyal could stay with his LA Lakers team.
Thanks for stopping by, Lori!
Oh wow, Cathy, this is a subject very close to my heart. I am in Cleveland, and was born and raised here. You said it best when you referred to no class. Anyone who has watched anything regarding Cleveland knows we have The Fumble, The Shot, The Drive, The Betrayal, etc. Now because of the way this was handled, we can add The Decision. My question was never about whether he needed to stay, or whether it was disloyal that he didn’t, but why make a circus out of it and leave us with yet another film reel to be repeated ad nauseum every time a show is on that mentions the word Cleveland? It is very difficult to be a Cleveland sports fan and he KNOWS that. So I just don’t get it. I thought we supported and adored him and this is how he returns the favor? I guess he felt the need to make up the bucks he left on the table when he chose Miami. Absolutely no class. But, I truly believe in karma, and someday I believe he will look at the way he handled this with regret. (Or I could be a typically crazy Cleveland fan who rationalizes everything just to maintain some hope.)
Jen Turi´s last blog ..LinkedIn Resources
Jen:
I am constantly amazed at the small world. I lived 14 years in the Cleveland area. I have 2 brothers and a sister who still live there.
Another brother used to work the concession stands at the Cleveland Browns games. We’re talking back in the Leroy Kelly era–dating myself!
Anyway, you nailed my sentiment on the whole LeBron thing. After 30+ years in southern CA (now in Boise, ID-see the USA the Miller way!), I am now a huge Laker fan. Let’s just see how the whole Lakers-Heat thing plays out.
Thanks for stopping by, Jen!
Cathy,
A month ago I would’ve been totally disgusted that you spent 14 years here and became a Lakers fan. Now though, I may just have to join you. Thanks for the response. I enjoy your blog.
Jen
Jen Turi´s last blog ..LinkedIn Resources
LOL!!! I tend to support teams that everyone else hates-like Notre Dame.
That has been from the womb-I was born in Indiana, my uncle was a graduate of Notre Dame, my Aunt went to St. Mary’s (the female Notre Dame before they allowed women students at Notre Dame) and my Mom is the biggest die-hard fan of them all!