Guest Kingpk Report post Posted January 31, 2003 CLEVELAND -- High school basketball star LeBron James was ruled ineligible to play for the rest of the season because he accepted free clothes. The decision Friday by the Ohio High School Athletic Association comes four days after James, a senior at St. Vincent-St. Mary, was cleared for accepting a $50,000 sport utility vehicle as a gift from his mother. A source close to James told ESPN.com that James would appeal the decision, though it is not clear yet upon what basis the appeal will be made. Rest of the story is here I think the Hummer purchase is a little shady also, even though they let him keep it. Discuss. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted January 31, 2003 I can see a plausable explanation for the hummer. It's easy to see how a bank would see James' future income and forward a loan. Still, it was bound to happen somehow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest kkktookmybabyaway Report post Posted January 31, 2003 Oh no -- ESPN can't exploit James until he enters college/NBA... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted January 31, 2003 What if someone who totally sucked made all sorts of infractions? Would we hear about them, and more to the point, would they be punished? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted January 31, 2003 Chances are if someone sucked they won't be getting hummers, and $300 dollar jersey's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mad Dog Report post Posted January 31, 2003 Hopefully I don't have to hear about him for a good while. And he sounds like he's going to be another one of those players that's going to piss away all the money he makes and be out on the street when his career's over. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted January 31, 2003 I dunno, maybe a really rich kid could suck. Maybe I'm just jealous that he got a Hummer and I didn't. (an aide whispers into his ear) Oh, one of those fugly H-2s? Damn. I thought they meant... (feed cuts off) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RobJohnstone Report post Posted January 31, 2003 does it matter, all it means is he risks less injury and still goes #1. --Rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted February 1, 2003 ESPN will still exploit James, they just can't televise his games. Hell, they'll probably do worse, now that LeBron James' games can't draw the RATINGS~! anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted February 1, 2003 Am I the only thinking..WHAT TYPES OF JERSEYs are $400? I never seen those jerseys before. Hey, I played High School Ball and We were given free shit all the time I.E Clothes, Food, Concert/Game Tix and assorted stuff(never a Hummer though). They never knocked on my door...granted I wasn't the next Superstar of America though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Sandman9000 Report post Posted February 1, 2003 Where the hell did you play, Choken One? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Bricks Report post Posted February 1, 2003 Am I the only thinking..WHAT TYPES OF JERSEYs are $400? I never seen those jerseys before. I was thinking the same thing. Honestly, I haven't bought a jersey in quite sometime, but $400! Holy Crap! Those things must have diamonds in them or something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RobJohnstone Report post Posted February 1, 2003 Am I the only thinking..WHAT TYPES OF JERSEYs are $400? I never seen those jerseys before. Hey, I played High School Ball and We were given free shit all the time I.E Clothes, Food, Concert/Game Tix and assorted stuff(never a Hummer though). They never knocked on my door...granted I wasn't the next Superstar of America though. mitchell and ness jerseys --Rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mad Dog Report post Posted February 1, 2003 Yeah but he got the jerseys in exchange for them taking pictures of him. So he was using his status for monetary gain. If people just give you stuff for no reason I think it's different b/c your not selling your self. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest nl5xsk1 Report post Posted February 1, 2003 I hate to sound like a cynical prick but am I the only one who's kind of hoping he tears a few ligaments doing something random and can't play in the NBA?!? I don't wish harm on anyone, but when someone is fucking up their HIGH SCHOOL education to play pro ball, they're leaving themselves with no contingency plan. If James loses his chances of playing pro ball, it will teach thousands of other kids to get their degree before they start to fuck around. You can at least flip fries with a high school diploma. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RobJohnstone Report post Posted February 1, 2003 That's pretty lame. Good for him that he has a chance to go pro. If he fucks it up then he fucks it up. That is life. Being jealous solves nothing --Rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest the pinjockey Report post Posted February 1, 2003 I don't get how on ESPN Greg Anthony and whoever the other guy is in the studio were talking about how harsh the punishment was and that without an injunction he would miss two games before his hearing that he would never be able to get back. Well how about he fucked up and couldn't wait two months until the season was over before getting stuff. The rule is if you take stuff over $100 (IIRC) then you are done. He did so he is finished. I don't see where there is much room for debate. Do I think it is pretty shitty that he is getting nothing while everyone and their mother is making money off him? Yes. Does that change the fact that a rule is a rule? No. And I was actually thinking about how weird it would be if he was suspended for the rest of the season then got hurt in a pick up game or something to kill time since he was off the team. Nothing I have seen of him makes me think he is anything but a fucking moron. I havent seen anything where he is a bad guy so I wouldn't wish harm on him. His mom on the other hand, christ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hogan Made Wrestling Report post Posted February 1, 2003 Lebron should go over to Europe and make 7 figures playing ball for a year, as a big "up yours" to the archaic US amateur sports system. A US player going over to Europe before being drafted into the NBA would be groundbreaking and might be wake up call needed to change these ridiculous rules. I wonder if they check his Christmas presents too, just to make sure they arn't worth more than $100... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted February 1, 2003 HMW: You know why those "archaic" rules were adopted? so rich guys backing Alabama and SMU and all those other powerhouses couldn't give free cars and free houses to leading high school recruits to get them to go to college there. That is why the rule is in place. LeBron broke that rule. If LeBron would have paid for those jersies, then there'd be no problem right now. He didn't. The rules don't say "No gift-giving, unless the kid is gonna skip college", it says "no gift-giving" I guess HMW wants to return to the days where schools like Texas could give high school kids new cars to continue the Longhorn dynasty. It's archaic to fight corruption! *rolls eyes* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hogan Made Wrestling Report post Posted February 1, 2003 HMW: You know why those "archaic" rules were adopted? so rich guys backing Alabama and SMU and all those other powerhouses couldn't give free cars and free houses to leading high school recruits to get them to go to college there. That is why the rule is in place. LeBron broke that rule. If LeBron would have paid for those jersies, then there'd be no problem right now. He didn't. The rules don't say "No gift-giving, unless the kid is gonna skip college", it says "no gift-giving" I guess HMW wants to return to the days where schools like Texas could give high school kids new cars to continue the Longhorn dynasty. It's archaic to fight corruption! *rolls eyes* I suppose the current combination of communism/slavery/fascim is better then? Also, what's so hard about taking things on a case to case basis? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RobJohnstone Report post Posted February 1, 2003 HMW: You know why those "archaic" rules were adopted? so rich guys backing Alabama and SMU and all those other powerhouses couldn't give free cars and free houses to leading high school recruits to get them to go to college there. That is why the rule is in place. LeBron broke that rule. If LeBron would have paid for those jersies, then there'd be no problem right now. He didn't. The rules don't say "No gift-giving, unless the kid is gonna skip college", it says "no gift-giving" I guess HMW wants to return to the days where schools like Texas could give high school kids new cars to continue the Longhorn dynasty. It's archaic to fight corruption! *rolls eyes* I suppose the current combination of communism/slavery/fascim is better then? Also, what's so hard about taking things on a case to case basis? Man, Communism and Fascism are on opposite sides of the spectrum buddy. Where is the slavery? Rob E, I finally have to agree with you on something. --Rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted February 1, 2003 For one.. taking things on a 'case to case' basis opens up massive time consuming appeals that costs money from having every suspendee appeal for mercy. Maybe we can put in a new clause "No player can get gifts, unless he's not gonna bother with college and ESPN is pimping him 24/7" The rules are the rules. LeBron is saved from the possibility of ending up as Basketball's Willis MacGahee if he was injured. Now he can go into the draft and get picked by the Cavs or Nuggets. "I suppose the current combination of communism/slavery/fascim is better then" As opposed to getting free stuff from anybody? Note to HMW: High Schools and Colleges are for learning, not basketball. One who is in these schools cannot and should not get large gifts. Anyways, What is the limit on your corporate whoring of amateurs? It's already ridiculous enough that 18 year olds can play for the NBA. What's next? "He's the hottest junior high school player in the US, but will he declare for the NBA Draft, the choice that Chance Scout must make" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hogan Made Wrestling Report post Posted February 1, 2003 "For one.. taking things on a 'case to case' basis opens up massive time consuming appeals that costs money from having every suspendee appeal for mercy." Given the money these athletic associations are making with no pay to the players, I'd say they can afford it. "Maybe we can put in a new clause "No player can get gifts, unless he's not gonna bother with college and ESPN is pimping him 24/7"" I find it funny that schools can offer ME tons of cash because I'm good at mathematics, but can't do the same with LeBron because he's good at basketball, despite the fact that whatever they may say, they take the basketball just as seriously as the academics. "The rules are the rules." Wow, haven't heard that one before... "LeBron is saved from the possibility of ending up as Basketball's Willis MacGahee if he was injured. Now he can go into the draft and get picked by the Cavs or Nuggets." Of course, now all these jealous losers are coming out of the woods with all their "I hope LeBron gets injured before he can sign a pro contract" garbage. ""I suppose the current combination of communism/slavery/fascim is better then" As opposed to getting free stuff from anybody?" Silly me, I thought the US was a capitalist country. "Note to HMW: High Schools and Colleges are for learning, not basketball. " Might want to remind them of that before me. "One who is in these schools cannot and should not get large gifts." One of my teachers gave me an advance copy of his new textbook for free, I guess I should return it then since it will undoutably cost more than $100... "Anyways, What is the limit on your corporate whoring of amateurs?" The "sanctity" of being an amateur is so overrated, the only reason it exists is so greedy people can freeload off of the accomplishments of others. "It's already ridiculous enough that 18 year olds can play for the NBA." So it's ok for them to work in a mill, a factory, a software company, etc. but they can't play pro sports? I go to university and work 4 part time jobs on the side. "What's next? "He's the hottest junior high school player in the US, but will he declare for the NBA Draft, the choice that Chance Scout must make" " Why not, it's his decision how he wants to live his life and chase the "American Dream", as long as he's passed the age where he can drop out of school on his own volition. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted February 1, 2003 "Given the money these athletic associations are making with no pay to the players, I'd say they can afford it." and how are these athletic associations making money off LeBron. Specific examples. PPV and tickets are disqualified since the money goes to the High School, not the association (unless you can prove otherwise) "I find it funny that schools can offer ME tons of cash because I'm good at mathematics, but can't do the same with LeBron because he's good at basketball, despite the fact that whatever they may say, they take the basketball just as seriously as the academics." I bet your state doesn't have rules stating it's against the rules to "capitalize on mathmatic fame by receiving money or gifts of monetary value." either. Ohio does. "Wow, haven't heard that one before..." Does that make it false? "Of course, now all these jealous losers are coming out of the woods with all their "I hope LeBron gets injured before he can sign a pro contract" garbage." Where did I say that I hoped he'd get injured. I just stated that if he doesn't play, he is less likely to have even a small shot of getting injured. "Silly me, I thought the US was a capitalist country." and Capitalism also requires working for stuff and PAYING FOR IT. LeBron did not pay. "Might want to remind them of that before me." You're the one who wants all the star HS players to get free gifts from wealthy college boosters. "One of my teachers gave me an advance copy of his new textbook for free, I guess I should return it then since it will undoutably cost more than $100..." Were you "capitalizing on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts of monetary value." by getting a textbook? Answer is.. no. Hell son, even if you did play a sport, you didn't get the book because you had fame playing it. "The "sanctity" of being an amateur is so overrated, the only reason it exists is so greedy people can freeload off of the accomplishments of others." Then why bother having NCAA Basketball in the first place, under your logic. "So it's ok for them to work in a mill, a factory, a software company, etc. but they can't play pro sports?" There is a difference here. Many more people are able to work in a mill than play pro sports and the very few able to play pro sports at 18 should go to college before turning pro. "I go to university and work 4 part time jobs on the side." Good for you, do you plan to pick the best one? why the hell else could you bring up such an irrevelvant point there. "Why not, it's his decision how he wants to live his life and chase the "American Dream", as long as he's passed the age where he can drop out of school on his own volition." So 16 year old high school dropouts should be able to play in the NBA. Yay.. Anarchy in the NBA. Anybody (not in a school) can play! One more thing.. quoted from the article. "According to the source, who spoke with LeBron and mother Gloria James, the James' feel as if they have been set up and that someone purposely wanted him to be ruled ineligible. The James' plan to meet with lawyers Friday night to ensure that they go about the appeals process correctly." Johnny Cochran. Race Card. That's my sense. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hogan Made Wrestling Report post Posted February 1, 2003 "Where did I say that I hoped he'd get injured. I just stated that if he doesn't play, he is less likely to have even a small shot of getting injured." You didn't but plenty of people have stated that opinion, all over the place. "and Capitalism also requires working for stuff and PAYING FOR IT. LeBron did not pay." Someone else payed for it. If they want to piss it away by giving it to someone else, that's their business. I guess it's ok for some preppie kid to have a Benz because his dad is a CEO, but since LeBron is middle/lower-middle class he's got to wear clothes from Wal-Mart and drive a Civic? "You're the one who wants all the star HS players to get free gifts from wealthy college boosters." If the schools are going to use these athletes to generate massive amounts of money, they should be able to do what they want as well. What's funny is that tons of these guys get pushed through despite not being anywhere near good enough to go to a university, so the university is comprimising their own ethics while demanding the players display far more. "Then why bother having NCAA Basketball in the first place, under your logic." Indeed, why bother. The answer is that it's cheaper for the NBA teams than having a farm system like the NHL, and so they have a nice cushy arrangement with the NCAA that lets the latter make off like bandits to groom players for the former, so that the former's teams don't have to pay them anything while they develop. "There is a difference here. Many more people are able to work in a mill than play pro sports and the very few able to play pro sports at 18 should go to college before turning pro." That sounds like pure jealousy to me: "I can't make that much money at 18 working my 9-5 job, so you shouldn't be able to either". "Good for you, do you plan to pick the best one? why the hell else could you bring up such an irrevelvant point there." The point is that I can do such a thing, while any athelete gets treated like a little child who needs to have all his decisions made for him. I bet there would be a huge uproar if LeBron was working at McD's for some spending money on the side. "So 16 year old high school dropouts should be able to play in the NBA. Yay.. Anarchy in the NBA. Anybody (not in a school) can play!" If they are good enough, sure. The NBA isn't about getting guys through school, it's about basketball. High school and college dropouts have made millions (billions even) in the internet age. Did the fact that Mike Dell and Bill Gates didn't have degrees make any difference to them? "One more thing.. quoted from the article. "According to the source, who spoke with LeBron and mother Gloria James, the James' feel as if they have been set up and that someone purposely wanted him to be ruled ineligible. The James' plan to meet with lawyers Friday night to ensure that they go about the appeals process correctly." Johnny Cochran. Race Card. That's my sense." Wow, could you be any more unoriginal? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest DrTom Report post Posted February 1, 2003 I don't wish harm on anyone, but when someone is fucking up their HIGH SCHOOL education to play pro ball, they're leaving themselves with no contingency plan. He's not fucking up his education, just his eligibility to play basketball. James is on the honor roll and has a 3.5 GPA, in case you were wondering. To me, it seems like they just wanted to get him on something. He's a hot commodity, he's all over the local news and ESPN, and piles of money have already been made on his back. I don't think James is sweating this, though. I'm sure he wants to finish the season with his teammates, but if he can't, he still has a $50,000 "car" to drive around, and a $20m shoe contract with Nike waiting for him. Now he can get on Phil Knight's patroll earlier than he would have been able to otherwise. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted February 1, 2003 If James loses his chances of playing pro ball, it will teach thousands of other kids to get their degree before they start to fuck around. You can at least flip fries with a high school diploma. No it won't. As long has sleazy agents are telling highs school kids their the next Kevin Garnett, or Kobe Bryant there not going anywhere near a college campus. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alkeiper Report post Posted February 1, 2003 No it won't. As long has sleazy agents are telling highs school kids their the next Kevin Garnett, or Kobe Bryant there not going anywhere near a college campus. Heck, if they're good enough, more power to them. I say take the big contract. You can always go back to college later. As for the gifts, RobE made a good point about the recruiters. A similar problem is the gamblers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted February 1, 2003 Totally agreed. If I were good enough to be a pro athlete, I wouldn't bother with college. ESPECIALLY if I were still in high school, or just getting out. "Hey kid, want to make 8 figures a year playing basketball on television in front of millions of fans, be treated like a king, and get all the cars and women you could ever dream of?" "Fuck yeah!" "Well, maybe you should just study really hard instead, and go to a mid-major school, and fuck up your ankle in a game against Arkansas Pine Bluff while impressing the NBA scouts that were salivating over you anyway." If the kid's good enough to play pro ball, he should play pro ball. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest RobJohnstone Report post Posted February 1, 2003 I would definitly go pro, you can always take college summer courses, and home courses, which is what I would do. --Rob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites