We're years away from seeing the fullest effects of LeBron James' televised free-agent spectacular, but it's already safe to say that "The Decision" was one of the most important moments to date in the business of sports.
The event itself may always be more strongly associated with its implicit self-congratulation, but at its core, "The Decision" was a willing exercise of an uncommon agency; few players in any sport have been able to command the attention and investments that gravitate toward James, and none had taken control of their free-agent process in the same way.
Yet considering how desperately every other superstar player has avoided free agency since James' PR debacle, it's hard not to wonder if "The Decision"—if only as a megaphone of sorts—may have played a role in triggering the prevalent movement of top-tier players.
James' arrival in Miami undoubtedly started a league-wide arms race, but we shouldn't overlook the fact that exercising free agency as a coveted star made him the most hated man in sports. Frankly, it's beyond doubtful that the vilification of James has eluded those who find themselves in potentially ...
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Article written by Rob Mahoney
The Trickling After-Effects of LeBron James’ "Decision"
July 31st, 2012 by Rob Mahoney Leave a reply »
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