LeBron St. James

Change

Remember when Charles Barkley declared that he was not a role model by any means.  Swoosh! He did such an effective job of dodging responsibility it was amazing.  Then a couple decades went by and we realized that we do not decide whether we are role models, people designate others as their role models.  Whether you like it or not, if a person decides that they look up to you, they will emulate your style, your actions, your thought…etc. 

The Eric Garner tragedy is an issue that is receiving a large amount of publicity.  Many young people simply do not know how to handle the situation.  They see people protest, they hear their parent’s conversations at home and they have seen the issue debated for weeks on TV.

I can't breathe
The rumor is that LeBron James will be wearing a shirt to honor the memory of Eric Garner at his next game.  We have come a long way.  LeBron James has been ridiculed for setting a bad example in the past.  The press conference that he held for ‘The Decision’ was one instance where many people thought that he set the wrong example for those that look up to him.  He let so many people down in an arrogant fashion.  No matter how you feel about the Eric Garner situation, you have an opinion that counts.  LeBron James is showing those that look up to him how to express their opinion without being ignorant.  Protesting can be effective, but how do you show an 8 year old the way to protest in a respectable manner? LeBron understands that it is more than the game whether he accepts it or not.  Those that look up to him will be able to learn from the way he plans to honor Eric Garner.  They say the loudest man in the room is the weakest therefore you must strive for innovative ways to get your point across.

Motivation
We go through difficult situations alongside our favorite athletes.  When Michael Jordan’s father died, we felt as bad as he, and could not blame him for leaving the game he loved.  We saw how he used the tragedy as motivation to continue his success throughout the second half of his career.  When athletes are unable to find these sources of motivation they become bored and fans see it in their game.  LeBron has found multiple sources of motivation at the right time.  He has his ‘edge’ again.  No more relaxing in Miami.  It is go time.

New Day
It is a new day.  Eric Garner is on LBJ’s back.  LeBron understands that he does not only represent Cleveland.  People around the world look up to him; this is the reason he handles his upcoming games in New York as a public hearing.  The public is excited to see exactly how LeBron feels about the recent tragedies through the messages that he will deliver at the game.  These messages will reflect around the world.  If LeBron sends a negative message motivating people to continue to riot and protest, his followers will act accordingly.  If LeBron sends a less adversarial message, those that look up to him will be motivated to find innovative ways to make a change and solve the problems that have led up to the Eric Garner situation.

Invisible
No athlete has ever been able to have such a powerful impact on the community.  Those that have refused to accept their roles.  LeBron James has stepped accepted his responsibility to lead.  LeBron will lead the Cavs to a championship this year because he is playing for the young kids that look up to him.  He is above the petty issues that may handicap other athletes because he has major issues to handle.  His acceptance of his duty as a role model proves that he is at the point where losing is not an option.  LeBron will do what it takes by any means necessary.  LeBron James is paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court and will continue to be successful doing so because he has accepted his role as a role model to the youth who find themselves at a crossroads.