The following article is from espn.com:
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- LeBron James and his manager say they believe race played a factor in how the two-time reigning NBA MVP's decision to join the Miami Heat was covered this summer.
Neither James nor his manager, Maverick Carter, cited specifics when talking to CNN for a story that aired Wednesday night.
James did not want to spend much time on the subject after Thursday's Heat practice.
"I think people are looking too far into it," James said. "But at the same time, sometimes it does play a part in it. I've said what I had to say, and I'll continue to move on."
In the interview, CNN correspondent Soledad O'Brien asked about "The Decision," the one-hour special on ESPN in which James announced that he would play for the Heat, and some of the negative headlines it generated.
"It's just about control and not doing it the way it's always been done or not looking the way that it always looks," Carter said.
O'Brien asked if race played a role.
"I think so at times," James said. "It's always, you know, a race factor."
Said Carter: "It definitely played a role in some of the stuff coming out of the media, things that were written for sure."
James turned down a chance to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers and ultimately decided to join the Heat in the oft-criticized televised special that raised $3 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
It's not the first time race has been a discussion point in the aftermath of "The Decision."
After James made his announcement July 8, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert responded that same evening by releasing a fiery letter to fans of his team, saying James was being "narcissistic" and "cowardly." That prompted Rev. Jesse Jackson to enter the fray, saying the Cavs owner saw James as a "runaway slave."
An e-mail to Carter's representative requesting further comment was not immediately answered.
"I don't walk in LeBron's shoes," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "From our standpoint, we've moved on from the summer."
I just want to say I have nothing personally against LeBron James, he undoubtedly is a great basketball player. It was amazing watching him play with DeWayne Wade in the Olympics. I hadn't realized how great either player was until the Olympics. I wish him the best in Miami, although I would love to see the Heat never win a championship with him there. I also wish LeBron would have tried harder in his final game with the Cavs. The game comes so easily to him, he can have a great game without playing with maximum effort. He clearly didn't put all he had in his final game in Cleveland. Despite what he says now, I think he had an escape plan in place once his season was over.
That being said I'm so tired of people blaming race on anything, yes I know that still plays a role for a lot of people. In some cases, like this one for instance, it's a way for people to place the blame elsewhere. People didn't react negatively to the whole LeBron fiasco because he's black. They reacted negatively because he handled the situation inappropriately. The whole bogus showing of "The Decision", that was a load of crap. LeBron James tries to play it off like it's about the money he made for charity. Whatever LeBron. "The Decision" was an unintentional, look at me self parody. LeBron could have raised that same amount money in a more appropriate way, he could have even donated it quietly. "The Decision" was all about LeBron, let's not kid ourselves.
Here's part of "The Decision": Am I the only one that thinks LeBron James could do well with some interviewing training?
"The Decision" was mocked deservedly on ESPN. This is the parody video starring Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd.
All the media hype didn't help either. LeBron act with more class in the future and the negative reactions will stop.
Then what Jesse Jackson said, what an idiot. Go away Jesse.
Last night I watched the first episode of the charming spy series "Undercovers". It looks like it will be an enjoyable show. I love the couple, Samantha and Steven, at the center of the show. This show also has a lot of humor, I laughed a lot watching the following preview. I love how Steven and Samantha are both spies and caterers. Also the whole sexpesionage angle was pretty funny. A very clever and funny show.
Gugu Mbatha Raw is absolutely a gorgeous woman. I couldn't find any pictures online that do justice to how beautiful she is. You'll just have to watch "Undercovers" to catch her in all her glory.
themusicaddict
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