I’m not a fan of Bryant Gumbel. In fact, I typically think he’s full of crap. However, I heard a comment that he made on his TV show the other day that made me stop and think for a moment.
Surprising, I know.
So, I tracked his comments down on the Internet today - and found his words just as compelling after reading what he had to say. He explains - mentions names in fact - how winning championships isn’t essential to being revered as an athlete.
So, take a moment to read his post below. Kudos Mr. Gumbel for saying in a few words what LeBron and his cronies couldn’t figure out in 7 years with the Cavs. He would have been legendary - now he’ll be just someone on Wade’s team.
I believe LeBron’s image has taken a huge hit - booed at the Espy’s, booed at Melo’s wedding, scorned by most sports fans.
Yes, it’s better that the patient died, it will be painful for awhile, but its time to move on. We’ve only lost a spoiled superstar - LeBron has lost his legacy and his worldwide fan base.
We’ll recover - but Cleveland sports fans are tougher than LeBron. I not sure LeBron will ever recover his image.
With respect - here’s the comments Bryant Gumbel made at the closing of his HBO show called “Real Sports”.
Holla
Dad
“Finally tonight, a few words about championship rings. Just when did they become the all-important barometer of who does or doesn’t count in sports? When did they supersede personal excellence or exemplary character as a standard of greatness?
I got to thinking about that the other night after the self-anointed chosen one, LeBron James, embarrassed himself as he tried to make his decision to seek rings in Miami sound like a search for the Holy Grail. It’s when he essentially admitted to placing a higher priority on winning than anything else.
LeBron’s decision is typical of our immediate gratification era, but it flies in the face of history. Even though he never won a title, Dan Marino is still the biggest hero in Florida. And in Boston, all those Celtics championships are dimmed by the unforgettable brilliance of Ted Williams, who never won anything. In Chicago, Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus have legendary status despite playing on losing teams. And even in the NBA, where guys seem obsessed with being viewed as “the man,” real men like Barkley, Ewingand Baylor are ringless, but revered.
Despite such evidence to the contrary, LeBron James seems to think he needs a ring to change his life and secure his legacy. Maybe he’ll get one, maybe he won’t, but it’s probable that no amount of rings will ever remove the stench he wallowed in last week. LeBron may yet find that in the court of public opinion, just as putting on a tux can’t make a guy a gentleman, winning a ring can’t make one truly a champion.”
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