The LeBron James Handshake Snub Debate – LeBron’s a Bad Sport, Owed Media Nothing

(Site note: Look to the bottom of this post to find links to the other opinions and intro to this debate).

Much fuss has been made about the action, or lack of action, taken by LeBron James after game 6 of the ‘09 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. At the conclusion of the game, King James walked off the court without speaking to any of the Orlando Magic players. He then proceeded to go into the locker room, shower up, and leave without speaking to the media. My opinion differs from Sports Geek and Bleacher Fan’s. I believe that while LeBron had no responsibility to speak to the media, I believe that he showed poor sportsmanship and a lack of class by not shaking hands with Magic players.

Personally, I always like getting up in the morning and read the morning paper or watch my favorite sports news program to see, read, and hear what the players say after the game from the previous night. It’s just fascinating to get the point of view of players and coaches after the game, win or lose.

However, I understand when a player doesn’t want to talk to the media directly after a game, especially after a hard fought series like this one was. James averaged over 38 points-per-game during the series, and he was practically a one man show throughout the entire series. I’m sure he was frustrated. Perhaps the emotion was still too raw, and he didn’t want to say something he might regret. I can respect that.

But, by not shaking the hands of the Magic players and coaches, he showed terrible sportsmanship and an extreme lack of class. He is arguably the face of the NBA. Act like it!

Remember the days of T-ball? After the game, you would line up and give each player and coach on the other team a high five. We are all taught this at a very young age. Maybe King James didn’t play T-ball, but you get my drift. It’s not like LeBron is in the middle of a feud with any of the Magic players. By all accounts, LeBron and Dwight Howard are friends. They played on the “Redeem Team” together. To his credit, LeBron texted Howard the next day to congratulate him. But, he didn’t apologize. He felt no need to. He is wrong in thinking that.

LeBron, you are always going to be under a microscope – like or not. This will happen whether or not you play after next year, whether it’s in Cleveland, New York, Europe, or Mayberry, North Carolina. You are a star. We are a witness to you, according to Nike. Give us some better sportsmanship to witness!

(Site note: You can read the intro to this debate, Bleacher Fan’s opinion, and Sports Geek’s opinion, too. Let the voting begin!!