LeBron James Shocker

 



Call this the shocker of free agency season. LeBron James is taking his talents back to Cleveland. I am so shocked. James wrote a passionate letter on Sports Illustrated.com this morning. You can read it here. I really thought that James was going to resign for the max contract with the Heat. He's been there 4 years, won 2 Championship rings and became a bigger superstar. I was wrong. After reading his SI.com post, I get it. The man wants to go home. He wants to bring a Championship to his home team. He wants to raise his growing family there. I get it. But, one thing I cannot shake is the utterly disrespectful letter Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert wrote when James left and the way the Cavs fan acted (like burning his jersey and taunting him online) after "The Decision." I would love to know what words were spoken in the meeting between James and Gilbert. Something tells me the world will never know. I cannot wait to see what happens with this return. I respect LeBron as a player and a man. So, I cannot be mad at him for making the best decision for himself. This is such a surprising move in this day and age of the NBA.

"But this is not about the roster or the organization. I feel my calling here goes above basketball. I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one, and I take that very seriously. My presence can make a difference in Miami, but I think it can mean more where I’m from. I want kids in Northeast Ohio, like the hundreds of Akron third-graders I sponsor through my foundation, to realize that there’s no better place to grow up. Maybe some of them will come home after college and start a family or open a business. That would make me smile. Our community, which has struggled so much, needs all the talent it can get. 

In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have.
 

I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home." - LeBron James 07.11.2014

Giving The Answer His Due

Allen Iverson had his jersey officially retired by the Philadelphia 76er's earlier tonight. This was a bittersweet night for me. I am a total fan of the man. Have been since the first time I saw him shake a few players and drive to the hole. I was mesmerized. Yes, I noticed he was cute. And, this was before the braids and tattoos. Allen was simply adorable to me. But, I was a basketball fan and the man could ball. I had never seen a man who is short by NBA standards with so much heart play the game with such intensity before. Allen owned the court every time he stepped on it. In that moment, he became my favorite player and the Sixers were my team. For a decade, there was nothing anyone could tell me about my player or my squad. They were it for me. So, tonight was special. The crowd in Philly showed up and showed out for AI. His speech made me cry. The crowd was loving him shouting "MVP." It was an epic night that ended with his #3 banner being raised to the rafters. Beautiful send off for Philly's own adopted son. Great job, Allen. 

The Crowned King is Finally a Champion

LeBron James has his ring. The king is sitting atop the championship throne after winning Thursday night. As someone who has been impressed with James since the first time I saw his high school game on ESPN, I'm happy for him. He is arguably one of the best players in the game. He is in his 9th year in the league. He just got his first ring. I have a feeling that more will follow. He's just that good. Maybe this will finally silence all of those naysayers. It should since he showed up and showed out.

The media crowned him king at 17 before he even entered the league. He was "the chosen one" in high school. He had a lucrative Nike shoe deal without having an NBA contract. In short, the kid was amazing before he even stepped foot on an NBA court. He was that great. Everyone wanted to see him prosper. He gave 7 long years to Cleveland. A team that he made relevant. Before him, I didnt know what the Cavs uniform looked like or who any of the players were. James was the team. But, no one man can do it alone. I would compare James' situation in Cleveland to Iverson's in Philly. There was never enough greatness around them to help. James took the Cavs further than they've ever been. James decided to leave Cleveland AFTER his contract was up, AFTER the owners didn't bring in better plays. He was loyal to his home state and to his team for 7 years.



His decision to leave was his own. It made sense. He wanted a ring. He made a move to get one. He became the most hated man in one night. Cleveland fans burned his jerseys. The Cavs owner wrote a most disrespectful open letter to the fans which degraded James. I thought all of that was disgusting. He took a lot of heat (no pun intended) for his move. But, in the end, he did what was best for him. His first year in Miami ended in defeat. In two seasons, he did what he couldn't in Cleveland. He finally won his first ring. It was great to see him laughing and smiling on the sideline during the final moments of the game. James looked like a kid. He proved everybody wrong. That has to be a great feeling.

The Finals were bittersweet for me as my Celtics were knocked out by the Heat. I cam say that I didnt watch the games like I normally do. I would catch the highlights on Sports Center. I was still interested in what was going on though. I love basketball and the NBA. Love to watch the greats play and win. I couldn't hate James if I wanted to. No, me wanted to win more than him. No one had more to prove. His stats were incredible this season. He was focused. When asked how did he feel about finally winning, James responded "Its about damn time!" I have to agree. Congrats to LeBron and the Miami Heat, 2012 Champions.

Stunts & Shows: Basketball Wives Edition

I can admit that I was a fan of VH1's "Basketball Wives" at first. The first season was a mix of silliness, fuckery and drink throwing. I watched it for the ridiculousness. I tuned out when it became embarrassing to watch 40 year old women behaving in such a gross manner. I was over it. I have seen all of the talk on Twitter about the stunts of this season. This season was so over the top that a petition to get Evelyn kicked off the show was born. The petition has garnered over 31,000 signatures. The petition's author is bothered by the violence Evelyn has displayed over the seasons of BBW. After the reunion, Shaunie O'Neal, creator/executive producer/co-star of BBW, said that she wanted to change the scope of the shown get away from the violence and shake up the cast. In a turn of events that can only be called ridiculous, the powers that be decided to get rid of Jennifer, Royce, and Kesha. What? Are you serious?

Of the cast members, the ones who should have gotten the ax over their actions are Evelyn and Tami. These two women have been nothing but drink throwing, hair pulling bullies. Every season, these two women have been involved in altercations with each other as well as other cast members. If Shaunie and VH1 really wanted to change the view of the show, getting rid of the problem would have been a solution. This turn of events just solidifies the fact that tptb (the powers that be) do not care about changing the drama. They are only concerned with the ratings. This should be reason enough for more people to simply change the channel. If the ratings drop way off, the show will cancel itself. I do not adhere to the believe that these women represent all Black women. I do not associate with any women who act like these 40 year old high schoolers. I just don't.

Jennifer was smacked on national tv. She was attacked on multiple occasions. By someone who was her friend for 14 years. I will say that verbally, she gave as much as she got. But, she never got physical with anyone. Evelyn was always the aggressor in every instance. But, she has retained her spot on the show. Kesha was only on the show one season. Tami reduced this woman to tears and fears. She berated her constantly. She called her out of name on more than one occasion. Granted, Kesha should have stood off for herself more. But, none of Kesha's actions warranted any of Tami's. I am ashamed of the actions of these bullies. Evelyn threw 2 bottles of wine at Kenya. In a wine bar. In real life. And, then said "Why are y'all always stopping me?" That signifies no remorse. Evelyn and Tami both gave these apologies that I do not believe.

Whatever "Basketball Wives" was supposed to be at the beginning, it never was. I'm sure that it could never be it either. This show from its name alone was a joke. It was more a mixture of baby mommas, ex-fiancee's, ex-girlfriends, ex-wives of basketball players. Jennifer was the only wive on her show. I used to be a huge reality tv fan. I'm starting to get annoyed with it. The faux celebrity and relevance it brings to people we shouldn't even know. It's disgusting and I'm over it. I will not be watching the next season of BBW just like I didn't watch this season. Seems like VH1 and Shaunie pulled a quick one on their viewers. The real question is are you as a viewer willing to be taken for a ride?

Get Into It: the Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics. Team Green. 17 Championship wins. The best in the East right now. Their record is 49-19 as of today. I am a fan. Have been for years. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Shaq O'neal, Glen Davis are the heart of this team. I am still a little salty about the trading of Nate Robinson and Kendrick Perkins a few weeks ago. I do believe that my team will not only make it to the finals but they will also win it all this year. The 18th banner will be back in Boston where it belongs. I am a NBA and basketball fanatic. I love to watch the season but live for the Playoffs. Boston Celtics...Get Into It!!!

Get Into It: All Star Weekend

It's the halfway point of the NBA season. This means its "All Star Weekend!!" This year, it is in Los Angeles. This weekend, is all about fun. It is a star studded weekend. Athletes, movie stars, singers and rappers all come together for this event. Everything is televised. Thursday night, Magic Johnson and Alonzo Mourning held their annual Billards game. Last night was the celebrity basketball game as well as the Rookies vs Sophomores game. The 3 point contest as well as the skills contest are tonight. One of my favorite events is the Slam Dunk contest. That will take place tonight. This year's contestant's are Blake Griffin (favored to win), JaVale McGee,Serge Ibaka and DeMar DeRozen (replacing the injured Brandon Jennings). I love it because you never know what will happen. It's always great to watch. Finally, on Sunday the 20th, the East vs West game takes place. This is always a great game to watch. I, of course, will be rooting for the East because that is the conference that my Boston Celtics are in!! There will also be a halftime show starring Rihanna and Kanye West. Keri Hilson is opening the show. I am a huge fan of All Star Weekend. I love that its a break in the season for the guys. It also starts the race for the playoffs. So, if you're a bball fan like me, you def should Get Into It this weekend!!

Who Loves Sports?

My name is Kenda & I'm a sports fan. For some, especially men, this admission always garners a second look. That always makes me giggle. Why is it strange that I'm a sports chick? I like what I like. Football and basketball fall into this category. I am passionate about my teams. I love the excitement of the game. I yell at the tv, the players, the refs, and the coaches during games. Especially during the playoffs. I live for it. What's the big deal with women liking sports?

In high school, I was a huge Green Bay Packers fan. Brett Favre was my dude. I could not get enough of that football team. Whenever I watched football, I was only rooting for the Packers. I also loved high school football games. But it was for an entirely different reason. I was on the Flag Team during my freshman & sophomore years and the Pep Squad my junior & senior years. I wanted to be seen performing. I could care less about if we won or lost. Sad but true lol. I liked football then. I've also been a Ravens, Steelers and Saints fan as well. All Superbowl winning teams. I pick great teams to follow. I'm still rooting for the Steelers to pull this out. In the end, my heart, as always, lays with another sport.

Basketball is my favorite sport. It has been since I was in high school. I was never a Jordan or Magic fan. My love of bball started with a team in Florida. I was an uber Orlando Magic fan as well. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway was my absolute favorite player. Shaq was also a favorite of mine on that squad. This team was it for me. Until I discovered a rookie by the name of Allen Iverson. His skills on the court made me a Sixers fan for ten seasons. He is still my favorite baller hands down. Currently, I am a Boston Celtics fanatic. This is the first time I've loved an entire team. There isn't one person on the squad that I don't like. They are the complete package. I cannot wait to watch my boys get another ring in June.

I always find it funny when men are surprised by this fact about me. I've been told that my being so into sports is sexy by HIM and that makes me smile. And, honestly, his opinion is the one thats matters the most in my world. I'm a woman and I happen to love sports. Yes, I do have my moments when I get caught up in the players' looks & physiques. Cause, hell, they are fine. But, I love the game. No doubt about it. Ladies, are you into sports? Who's your team? Fellas, what's your take on women being into sports? Talk to me!