Charlatan Editorial

With LeBron James leaving his home state of Ohio for the bright lights and beaches of Miami, many are questioning his decision to abandon his fans for the chance to pursue a championship.
 

Fans are quick to forget that professional sports are a business. The end goal of any franchise has always been to win a championship and make money doing it. A player, like any employee, seeks to advance his career.
 

In addition to James, the Miami Heat have brought in Chris Bosh and retained superstar Dwyane Wade, giving them exciting potential to win in the upcoming season. James will arguably have a much greater chance with the Heat than with Cleveland.
 

Many Cleveland fans feel jilted by James because of the NBA’s salary cap system. The Cavaliers offered him several million dollars more than any other team, including Miami. James started his NBA career in Cleveland, in his home state of Ohio.
 

If Cleveland offered James more money, in addition to the undying love of a fan base that has supported him through almost his entire career, it's no surprise that many feel it would have been right for him to stay. But that is the fan’s mentality.
 

They believe that teams and athletes exist for the sole purpose of entertainment, and that they should show loyalty to the people who buy tickets, jerseys, and overpriced concessions.
 

The reality is that sports teams are businesses designed to turn a profit. Because of the rights of free agency, athletes are allowed to leave their home teams in pursuit of money and championship rings.

We must not be quick in preordaining Miami as champions, or condemning Cleveland to mediocrity. But fans should retain some perspective when becoming emotionally invested in the decisions and whims of young multimillionaires.