Lebron apologizes.. through David Stern?

[Darth Llama]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4232264

First, I'm glad the league decided to fine LeBron for his unsportsmanlike attitude after the Eastern Finals, but this part really seemed odd to me...

Stern said Thursday night that he spoke with the Cavaliers star on Wednesday, a day after James had surgery to remove a benign growth near his jaw, and that James admitted he was wrong to not congratulate Orlando's players and coaches after the loss.
"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 near the start of his annual NBA finals press conference.
"He understands why it was necessary for me to fine him $25,000 for missing the media availability."

Is this supposed to be considered a genuine apology? He apologizes through Stern? is the commissioner LeBron's mouthpiece now? I tell you, I normally like LeBron, I have always thought of him as the model sportsman, but this is really starting to change my mind. Honestly, how hard would it be for LeBron to get some media time to issue an apology? Even a short one would be better then telling David Stern "yeah, tell them I'm sorry."


Does this reek of insincerity to anyone else?

 

[binkar]

Yes it reeks of an apology that he was forced to make. I am not one who thinks this is as big of a deal as everyone has made it out to be. Lebron carried that team on his shoulders all year (and beyond that) and he was upset when they lost and didn't shake hands or talk to the media. Should he have? Yah that would have been the proper way to handle things, but it's pretty ridiculous that it has been blown up into something this big.

But to answer your question, yes it does reek of insincerity.

 

[Darth Llama]

I agree with you, I don't think it's a huge deal either, it just surprised me. Until this "incident" LeBron struck me as the model athlete and sportsman. I was just surprised to see something like this from LeBron. When you ask other NBA players though, they all seem to agree that LeBron is a good guy that everyone likes, and most people don't think it's a big deal.

He's been fined, he apologized.. sort of.. I guess there is no reason to persue the issue. Just hopefully he handles it better next time.

 

[D-Dogg]

I think it is bizarre that the commissioner relayed his apology...Stern is not LBJ's mouthpiece...err...shouldn't be at least. Weird.

 

[elindholm]

It's actually Stern apologizing for not having rigged the games forcefully enough.

 

[cly2tw]

I think it is bizarre that the commissioner relayed his apology...Stern is not LBJ's mouthpiece...err...shouldn't be at least. Weird.

haha.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Im surprised Stern had enough time to remove himself from Lebron's codpiece to be his mouthpiece.

 

[OldDirtMcGirt]

I don't think that he even needed to apologize. The players on opposing teams are way too cozy in today's NBA; a little acrimony never hurt anybody. When superstars have a little edge, and aren't just spitting out platitudes to please their corporate masters, it makes the game more enjoyable to watch IMO. The best games are ones where they players hate each others guts, and there is a fierce rivalry. The Rambis clothesline, the Pistons walking out on the Bulls, etc. These moments are classic for a reason.

 

[Chaplin]

Come on, Lebron didn't apologize. He probably told Stern he wasn't going to apologize, so Stern said that to save face for the league. Most likely has nothing to do with Lebron.