Lebron James will go down as one of the all time great athletes in the 21st Century. Ok, Captain Obvious, you say, tell us something we don't know. He is also one of the greatest basketball players to ever lace a pair of Nike's or any shoe. Is he one of the most polarizing? That may be the bigger question.
It seems, like no matter what he does, he attracts attention, whether he wants it or not, whether it's warranted or not. This week is no exception.
Lebron has never been in trouble. You don't see him on the police blotter. Never see him on the suspended list for illegal substance. His work ethic is up there with the likes of any athlete, past or present. What he has done for charity, what he has done for his hometown, it is admirable. He has definitely given back. Lebron is outspoken. He is a role model, whether he wants to be or not. He is a spokesperson for causes, always has an opinion for current events. He lets you know how he feels. And you know where he stands. But he should not be punished for it. What happened in Indiana recently, went way over the line of what is acceptable. No one should be subject to that abuse. Players cannot do that to fans. Fans have no right to threaten players, and say that. I am with Lebron 100%.
What happened on the court against Detroit last week, and his response, and lack of accountability, now that is a different story. Lebron is no different than any other star athlete. They get special treatment on the court. Calls go their way, especially after they bait the refs. That's how it always was, it always will be. MJ Got it. Magic was one of the biggest whiners of all time. Kareem got the phantom foul that cost Detroit a three peat in the 80s. But what he did, and his response was laughable. He claims he just grazed Stewart. Now I know Lebron is a strong man, but "grazing" a person, and causing 8 stitches? An accident? You got busted. Admit it. Don't leave the arena and have Anthony Davis do your bidding after the game. Don't give a half-assed excuse when you're cornered. You can't get all the calls. Bad Look Lebron. Suck it up and take your penalty.
I admire Lebron for his abilities. I don't always agree with his stances. I sometimes think he comes across as a hypocrite. But I admire him for taking the lead and not being afraid to speak his mind. But remember, Lebron, even you cant get away with bloodying a player and giving him 8 stitches.
Shocker number two. Detroit is vastly inept. We have been down this road before. Detroit is headed to another 0 for in the win column. They look so lost out there. Yet, they should have beaten Chicago on Thanksgiving Day and won their third straight game. That is what makes this team so frustrating. It is a comedy show out there at times. Dan Campbell looks over his head. Jared Goff looks overmatched. The offensive line looks like Swiss cheese. Defense is still brutal against the pass. Two steps forward, three steps back. The players say they love to play for him, but yet on the sidelines, Campbell looks like a man on an island. Not Good. Have we seen this song and dance before. God help us Lions fans.
As much as Detroit is vastly inept. Dallas is vastly overrated. All the hype, all the bluster. All the mediocrity. How many Super Bowls that were supposed to be won. IF you listen to the hype. Dallas should have won the NFC East already. Don't look now, but Philly is right there. Dak Prescott is no better than Tony Romo. How many playoff wins did Tony Romo have? One, and that was tainted, thanks to a bullshit non call that was picked up in 2014 against Detroit. How many playoff wins does Dak Prescott have? One. Every year we are told that this is the year for Dallas. Unfulfilled promises. Yesterday was supposed to be another in a long line of coming out parties for Dallas on Thanksgiving. They folded. And spare me the injuries excuse. Ask Tennessee about injuries. Detroit has just as many. The evil empire, Green Bay, has them. Dallas has the most underachieving team in the last 30 years. They may win their division. Doesn't take much. But with all their hype, and so called talent, they shouldn't spit away games like the game against the Raiders, at home, on Turkey day. Everything is big in Texas, including unrealistic expectations of Dallas. Don't fall for the hype.
Lou Gamelin
The Captain Lou Extravaganza
Tuesdays 8-10 PMET
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