Skipping Post Game Conference Will Cost LeBron

[Pugz]

David Stern and the NBA fined LeBron James $25,000 for skipping the postgame news conference after Cleveland lost to Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals.

"He asked that I express to the media, the Magic and the fans his apology, and particularly the young fans, because he knows he has a responsibility to all of our fans, and that sportsmanship is appropriate whether you win or whether you lose," Stern said.

The NBA initially said James wouldn't be penalized, citing his usual cooperation with the press. Stern said he reconsidered after thinking about it more.

"Certainly as it related to the media, we have a rule, you guys know that we've had some interesting issues over the years with some of our coaches and the like, and it was inappropriate for me to give someone a pass here," Stern said.

Via SI.com

 

[Mexi]

chump change
i hate when these guys get fined thousands. it's nothing. not when you make like what, 8-10M per year?

 

[cruzg24]

This situation and the "kobe cant win without shaq" have really been overblown. I feel like Ive heard about this for a long time.

I do understand where Lebron is coming from, because that is the competitor in some of us. But at the same time you have respect your competitor. If you can receive all the accolade, gotta take the heat as well.

 

[Mexi]

i understand why he's mad
but if your gonna talk when you win, you have to talk when you lose

he sounded dumb though saying he's a winner thats why he didnt want to talk to the media, even though his team lost lol
or shake hands, whatever

 

[Lake Louise]

No matter the outcome of the game, you have to do the post-interview. Should be fined more than that though, if they want to get a point across.

 

[.GR]

He was probably crying, that's why he didn't want to.

 

[Mexi]

He was probably crying, that's why he didn't want to.

 

[elcheato]

We realize you're a Cavs hater so LeBron should be fined half his salary and be banned from the league for life for skipping it.

 

[Rios15]

This made me lose respect for one of my favorite players in the NBA. And I agree with mexi, I also hate it when they only get fined thousands.

 

[VC15]

Is there any doubt now that we can call him LeBaby James?

 

[elcheato]

You really shouldn't be insulting the guy you desperately want the Nets to get.

 

[The Young One]

Seriously at times you guys sicken me. I swear most of you havent played serious when it comes to sports.

 

[dez]

Yeah I will say I really dont see the big deal in this, I do think if he and D12 are as cool as many say they are he should have dapped him up after the game but as for the press conference and the rest of the Magic players.. so what?

I hate losing myself, never really did the "good game" line-up after HS games when we lost cause I was too upset lol

 

[VC15]

Seriously at times you guys sicken me. I swear most of you havent played serious when it comes to sports.

I have, but if you're going to talk when you win then you should do the same when you lose.

 

[The Young One]

Yeah I will say I really dont see the big deal in this, I do think if he and D12 are as cool as many say they are he should have dapped him up after the game but as for the press conference and the rest of the Magic players.. so what?

I hate losing myself, never really did the "good game" line-up after HS games when we lost cause I was too upset lol

Exactly even kobe was like people are making too much of a deal out of this. I applaud him for it. Im passionate about winning. When I lose i dont talk. I want to keep playing until i win.Oh yeah for all the people crying he sent dwight a email later on.

 

[V23]

I'd rather him be real than fake about it.

 

[Lake Louise]

Yeah I will say I really dont see the big deal in this, I do think if he and D12 are as cool as many say they are he should have dapped him up after the game but as for the press conference and the rest of the Magic players.. so what?

I hate losing myself, never really did the "good game" line-up after HS games when we lost cause I was too upset lol

When we would do the "good game" lineup, if we lost, some of us would do the "spit in your hand" thing, or skip some players. I tended to try and avoid doing that, but I did it once in awhile. Only to our rivals though. For football actually, we won, and our rivals were lineup for the "good game" thing and one of them took a swing at one of our guys, and it ended up in a fight. lol. Ah HS.

 

[$tunna]

I'm a fan of LeBron but I also think he should have been fined more. Even if he's that competitive that doesn't mean you can't show good sportsmanship. I could care less but thats still a horrible example to set for kids that look up to him. He's one of the best basketball players ever and wasn't ever shy of the mic when it came to winning or even pre-game playin around. It's easy to shake hands and talk after a win but its really dissapointing when this kinda stuff happens.

(BTW How many times have Kobe and MJ done this?)

 

[Whisper]

Kobe & MJ as far as I know have always stuck around. When the Pistons eliminated the Bulls from contention during MJ's earlier years he stook around to shake Dumar's hand just as DUmar's did to him when MJ humiliated him. Just last year when the Celtics absolutely embarrassed LA, Kobe stuck around gave KG a hug, and shook Pierce's & Allen's hands. Yeah and both stuck around for their post conferences.

I don't really care though. Sure it's not good sportsmanship & in my eyes it really is being a baby because he is all smiles & giggles when he wins, but when he loses he acts like this? Reminds me of my annoying ass lil' brother in a way. All talking when he wins, but gets all quiet and disappears when he's on the other side.

One of my personal sayings is, how you gonna win if you don't know how to lose? But whatever. Neither the Magic, or the media is giving LBJ his paychecks, so he doesn't have to stick around.