Hype surrounding a young hoops star has spun out of control
This is getting ridiculous. What is newsworthy about a mother buying a new Hummer for her 18-year-old son?
Of course, I am referring to information that recently surfaced concerning St. Vincent-St. Mary (Ohio) High School sensation LeBron James. Last week, several newspapers reported that Gloria James bought her son a 2003 Hummer H2 complete with three television sets, a PlayStation hookup and embroidered seats. Gloria says it was an 18th birthday present.
Controversy surrounds the exchange because LeBron's mother also happens to be unemployed. However, she claims that she acquired the vehicle by completely legal means, thanks in large part to a loan from a local bank. Gee, do you think that it would be hard to find a bank to approve a car loan, if your son was going to become a millionaire shortly after he was drafted by an NBA franchise in June?
LeBron reacted to the reports by driving a remote control toy hummer around on the floor of the James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio, a few days later, prior to a game. That night, he notched a career-high 50 points. It seems the debate had gotten to just about everyone, except the phenom himself.
It is horrible to think that a kid dubbed by critics as being "the nation's top high school basketball player" should be allowed to receive such a lavish gift. No one else has benefited from James's stardom, right, so why should he?
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School jacked up its ticket prices three times the normal rate, scheduled games in major college arenas and made pay-per-view deals to cash in on James's success. Adidas and Nike are currently taking part in a bidding war over the prep star, as both companies are trying to get him to endorse their shoes. He has been on the cover of Sports Illustrated, been the topic of choice in hundreds of newspapers, including USA Today, and had one of his games broadcast in primetime on ESPN 2.
Radio show hosts now worry that the 6-foot-8-inch forward may be losing his focus. Should James be considered a prima donna because of his new ride?
For pete's sake, he is 18 years old. Just let the kid go to his senior prom and enjoy the rest of high school. There is no reason to blow his story out of proportion any more than it sadly, already has been.
Subsequently, the cable companies broadcasting Ohio high school games on pay-per-view television are nothing more than opportunistic vultures. Ohio's athletics association needs to step in and pass a ruling to prevent conglomerates from making money off of amateur athletics.
Washington Post sports writers, Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon discuss James almost daily on "Pardon The Interruption."
Is he the next Kobe? The second-coming of MJ? Will he make Kevin Garnett look as though he is an aging, middle-of-the-road forward with average skills?
For now, let's push these questions aside. The-ábasketball standout should be left alone to enjoy what little time he has left of pre-adolescence.
Write to Pat at pbray@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
