LeBron’s image taking shots as free agency looms

CLEVELAND (AP) — Bounced prematurely from the NBA playoffs, LeBron James has seemingly lost more than a chance at his first title.

The Cleveland superstar’s image has taken a beating since the Cavaliers, despite having the best regular-season record for two years in a row, were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by Boston. Since then, James, who is on the verge of free agency, has been criticized for being arrogant, selfish — not as advertised.

It’s not unusual for James to be criticized outside Ohio. In fact, that’s normal. What’s different this time is that some of the most pointed attacks are coming from Cleveland fans, a typically fatalistic bunch who can’t seem to shake their team’s emotional defeat and the denial — again! — of this city’s first major pro sports title since 1964.

They’re mad, perplexed and disappointed, venting their feelings on the airwaves and Internet chat rooms. It doesn’t seem to matter that James could soon be wearing another jersey if Cleveland won’t show him some love.

They feel betrayed by one of their own, by the kid who grew up just down the road in Akron.

“Other than Tiger Woods, I don’t know of a bigger fall from grace in our town,” said sports talk radio host Tony Rizzo, whose morning show is one of many forums where LeBron bashers have expressed themselves since the Cavaliers bowed from the playoffs. “People are heartbroken.”

It’s not just Cleveland, either.

James has been ripped nationally for disappearing in Game 5 of the Boston series, perhaps his farewell to this city. The Cavaliers suffered their worst home playoff loss in a game nicknamed the LeBacle, and James’ stats and temperament were troubling. He has been condemned for atypical postgame comments when he publicly criticized (now former) Cavaliers coach Mike Brown. He has been blamed for an overall lack of leadership and accountability — all as he prepares to possibly leave as a free agent after July 1.

The outside detractors have always been present, ready to pounce on any misstep. This time, though, some of the most stinging barbs have been by those who know James best — Cleveland fans.

“Whether it’s fair or not, it’s going on,” said Mike Polk, who directed a somewhat tongue-in-cheek “Please Stay LeBron” video to the tune of “We Are the World” with the hope that James re-signs with Cleveland. “A lot of the criticism toward LeBron started nationally — maybe they want us to resent him. Some people seem to feel like we’re supposed to hate him right now until he decides what’s next.

“But I also think he could have handled all this a lot better.”

After weeks of silence, James may be ready to begin repairing his image.

James, who has not done any interviews since the Cavaliers’ flop, sat down at his home with CNN’s Larry King on Tuesday to tape an interview in which he addresses his impending free agency. In the segment, which will air on Friday, James said that Cleveland has “an edge” to sign him when free agency begins, according to comments provided by the network.

That may not be enough to help nervous Cavaliers fans — and owner Dan Gilbert — sleep better, but at least he didn’t rule out the possibility he’ll stay home.

James has kept a low profile around town since his seventh season ended short of a title. As even President Obama weighed in on his future, he took a short vacation. Then the NBA All-Star forward was unavailable to the media last weekend while judging a slam-dunk contest.

“There’s not much he can say right now,” said David Schwab, vice president of Octagon, a company that links corporations to athletes. “He’s in a tough situation. He needs to block out the noise. If he stays in Cleveland, fans will forgive him and a lot of it will go away.”

And what happens if he bolts?

“If he leaves,” said writer Scott Raab, a Cleveland native, who is working on a book about the Cavaliers, “LeBron could replace Art Modell as the most hated person in Cleveland.”

Modell was the owner who moved the NFL’s Cleveland Browns to Baltimore in 1995.

Cleveland hasn’t given up on James, whose loyalty to his home state is about to be tested like never before. Polk and others wish he would at least say what he’s thinking.

“He doesn’t owe us,” Polk said. “But if he wants to quell this rebellion he could say, ‘I love Cleveland,’ and he hasn’t even done that. I know this is a tricky time for him, but it is for everyone. This city wants him and needs him.”

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.