LeBron James (Poll)
Cleveland’s emotional state over Lebron James departure, what do you think?
by Melanie Stevens
CLEVELAND, 2011 - The city wait-
ed, it seemed the whole collective
thought [on everyone’s mind] was just
one mind-set slowed down for one all
too brief passing moment. On July 8,
2010 an emotional uproar changed the
hearts of loyal Cleveland fans forever.
Cleveland’s most cherished icon, Leb-
ron James announced his departure
from Cleveland to Miami.
While some of you felt deceived and
abandoned, others felt happy and re-
lieved. This vast emotional response
was carried by the many different per-
ceptions Clevelanders had. Some had
perceived James leaving as a blessing
in disguise. They feel optimistic that
Cleveland will come back bigger and
better. Most perceived it however, as
a tragic letdown stopping the vital pulse
of Cleveland. Where there was once
hope, was it replaced with horror?
Fans saw [LeBron]
James much like a
prophet; he brought a
love to the city that
altered doubt into
glorified hope.
James was much like a saving grace for
Cleveland. He swept the city off their
feet during his first year with the Cava-
liers in 2003. With continued record
breaking statistics, he led the Cavs into
the playoffs several times. Fans saw
James much like a prophet; he brought
a love to the city that altered doubt into
glorified hope.
From 2003-2010, Cleveland was
brought to a sort of fame, a recognition
that for many years went unseen.
This is no wonder why Cleveland poured Were you one of the few
out with so much emotion the day James
announced his decision. who were cheering for
During the years James was Cleveland’s his departure?
own, fans developed an armored bond
not only with him, but with their city. They
trusted James in such a way that they felt Were you one of the many
proud and confident in their city. Watch-
ing James play was an outlet for most, who were torn
a way to reassure Cleveland that there
was light at the end of the tunnel. by the emotional
When that nerve wracking Thursday
upheaval?
arose in July, Cleveland fans had noth-
ing but opinions. The truest of hearts and
beliefs came out that day. Some deeply Do you think James
believed James loyalty was with Cleve-
land, while others feared their gut instinct really helped change
was right about him choosing to play for
Miami. Flooded streets and jam packed Cleveland’s image?
bars held many anticipating fans, wait-
ing for the moment to silence Cleveland.
When the moment came, Cleveland’s Do you see him leaving
trust was compromised and the city was
changed forever. as a new opportunity
Despite the decision of James leaving to make our
Cleveland, the city still has some of the
most loyal fans. They continue to sup-
city stronger?
port, honor, and believe in Cleveland’s
team, regardless of the statistics.
After the reality had set in, Cleveland
From tears to cheers, we
was faced with a choice; and that choice want to hear your voice
was how they perceived their great city,
their homeland. Cleveland!
Cleveland Society Magazine wants to
know how you perceived James depar-
ture in regards to how it affected Cleve-
land. We invite you to share your reac- Write to us on Facebook, give us your
tion to the July 8, 2010 decision. feedback and comments - tell us how you
feel!
Even though we appreciate all heartfelt
and honest responses, please keep all
comments tasteful.
Contributing writer: Melanie Stevens
melanielauren.s1979@gmail.com