LeBron James and the Miami Heat play their first game in Cleveland tonight since he announced "The Decision" to leave the Cavaliers on national television. According to ESPN, a lot of people are bracing for the fan's reaction:
Message to the Cleveland Cavaliers fans: Please behave tonight. Show some class and some respect for the players' safety on the court. We understand that people may still have some hard feelings towards LeBron for leaving his "hometown" team, but he had the opportunity and the right to make his own decision. It's only a game and it's not worth it for you to do something stupid and get into trouble over. You're welcome to boo LeBron during the pregame warmups, the pregame introductions, and anytime he touches the ball during the game. After tonight, it's time to move on.
ESPN: Cavs Ban Crude Anti-LeBron apparel
"To ensure James' safety, there will be dozens of extra police officers on hand, both uniformed and undercover. Officers will be stationed inside and outside the arena, and many will be positioned by the Heat bench and at the tunnel where the Heat players will enter the court."The team is also banning anti-LeBron apparel in Quicken Loans Arena for tonight's game:
"The team has done research on the various crude and offensive James T-shirts in circulation locally, and officials will be stationed at entrances to make sure no fans enter with such shirts or signs that disrespect James or his family members. They'll also be in the stands, authorized to take away inappropriate apparel. Fans who have such shirts will be required to remove them and then will be given a Cavaliers-branded T-shirt to wear instead. All inappropriate signs also will be confiscated and officials will be on the lookout throughout the game for inebriated fans or fans who are preparing to throw things onto the court."
Message to the Cleveland Cavaliers fans: Please behave tonight. Show some class and some respect for the players' safety on the court. We understand that people may still have some hard feelings towards LeBron for leaving his "hometown" team, but he had the opportunity and the right to make his own decision. It's only a game and it's not worth it for you to do something stupid and get into trouble over. You're welcome to boo LeBron during the pregame warmups, the pregame introductions, and anytime he touches the ball during the game. After tonight, it's time to move on.
ESPN: Cavs Ban Crude Anti-LeBron apparel
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
