The Ex-King of Cleveland

Tyler Gast, 8, and his brother Carter, 6, right, of Brook Park, Ohio, express their feelings about the "Decision" of LeBron James' departure. Courtesy AP/The Plain Dealer/Marvin Fong.

It seems to be all that Cleveland sports fans are talking about. Well, its what ALL sports fans are talking about. What will happen tomorrow, Thursday December 2nd, when the ex-king of Cleveland, LeBron James, makes his first appearance in Quicken Loans Arena after "taking his talents down to South Beach." Will there be riots? Will there be fights? Will fans throw objects onto the court? It's been done before. There is guaranteed to be thousands of bitter Cavs fans BOO-ing LeBron has he enters from the opponent side of the building. Some Clevelanders still have the knives in their backs from James' ESPN press conference this past summer.

The media is all over this. Not just Ohio media, but national as well. CNN is rumored to be present at tomorrow's game. Everyone wants to know how Cavs fans will respond. Whatever we do, it's going to get on camera, it's going to get on the news, and it's going to be ugly. Obviously, this game is newsworthy, it's what people are talking about. But the media has to have some hunch that the game is going to be an intense, and the fans are going to make themselves heard. Those attending the game are going to be a part of history and possibly a part of the chaos that is obviously going to occur.

Is it ethical for the news media to take advantage of the angry fans and broadcast their emotions on national television? Is it ethical to ask the fans to refrain from wearing "any negative or profane t-shirts referring to LeBron James?" It's freedom of the press against freedom of speech. I believe Cleveland fans have a right to be bitter for the way LeBron broadcast his decision without telling his coach, his teammates or his fans first. As of today, sportscasters have been wondering if LeBron will be permitted to do his ritual talcum powder display before the game begins. Why? It will be a showcase of LeBron laughing in the face of Cleveland fans yet again.

Hopefully, everyone at the game and around Cleveland behaves themselves. One man in an interview done by "Chuck's Last Call" on Sportstime Ohio suggested that instead of BOO-ing the now Miami Heat player, everyone in the stadium turn around silently in protest. Whatever happens, the media will be there, showcasing the fans reactions, whether it be newsworthy, embarrassing or both.