by Kelly Monteith

Created on: July 09, 2010   Last Updated: April 22, 2012

So, LeBron James has decided to sign with the Miami Heat, after weeks of speculation, we will all be able to sleep knowing the circus is finally over. We should not begrudge the fact James is a free agent, that's not what this is all about, what bothers some is the way this was carried out, James, holding basketball fans, especially Cleveland basketball fans hostage, while the "LeBron James Show" tours the country in his search for happiness.

If many had been asked, the most important issue to them would be the Gulf crisis, the economy or health reform, not which city and team James will play for next season, and while we're at it, shame on ESPN, for making the circus possible, it could have been done quietly, but no, the media decided this was bigger than wildlife covered in oil, or people losing their jobs in Louisiana, it's about LeBron James.

And what of the prodigal son, who not only turned his back on his hometown Cavaliers, but the state of Ohio itself, where many fans had done everything in their power to try and convince James this is where he belongs. Now, they are left shaking their heads, and burning James jerseys, while letting their feelings be known. Get it through your heads people, it's about the money!

Let's face it, every professional athlete wants to win a championship, but there are those who might not achieve that goal, but if you truly love the sport, you will look passed that.

I am not a basketball fan, never have been. never will, but what I've witnessed these past three weeks is enough to make my stomach turn, and do not put all on James alone, there's the other free agents out there, Chris Bosh, who like LeBron chose to also play in Miami. I live in Toronto, and it seems I've heard this record before. We have watched as athletes come and go, from Damon Stoudimere to Vince Carter. I'm beginning to think, along with those who are fans, if there is something wrong with the city and professional sports.

We have watched ex-Blue Jay pitcher Roy Halliday leave, but when he did, after being with the team for twelve years had the common curiosity to put a full-page ad in one of our papers expressing his love and gratitude to the city and the fans of Toronto and he and his family would never forget. That was a class act from a class guy. What did Chris Bosh do? He twitted his thoughts on his twitter page; not a class act.

Which brings us back to LeBron James. What will he do, take out a full page ad explaining his decision? It won't really matter, the damage is done, no apologies will heal the pain; betrayed, that's they feel.

There is a difference between NHL players and NBA players. It's called egos. NHL players quietly decide where they would like to play, no fanfare, no hopping on a plane and jetting around the country, letting the world now where you're are. No, NHL players, with their agents listen to offers, then make their decisions.

We can all look on the bright side, whether you are from Toronto or Cleveland, maybe having  two franchise players leave will make our respective teams better, and we can only hope the season goes sour for James, Bosh and the rest of the Miami Heat.   

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