In an appearance on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Stern acknowledged he was not pleased that...

In an appearance on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Stern acknowledged he was not pleased that James, the league's reigning MVP, didn't meet with the media, or shake hands with the Orlando Magic, following the Game 6 loss on Saturday night.

Noting that in the recent past, other players and teams have been fined for failing to meet the league's media guidelines, Cowherd asked why James had not been fined.

"I'm in the process of making a phone call or two now to talk to LeBron ... so I don't want to speak to that at this moment," Stern said.

"So you're not happy?" Cowherd asked.

"I think that's fair to say," Stern replied.

When further asked about James storming off the court without postgame handshakes with the Magic -- and whether one action was more troubling than the other -- Stern said both. "One goes to rules, another goes to values," he said. "I think both of them should be followed."

"Everything's big when you follow the NBA, so I'm going to step back and ask not to be pushed too hard right now [on the incident]" Stern added. "I've got a few irons in the fire."

On Monday, NBA spokesman Tim Frank told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand that James would not be fined, adding "We haven't had any issues with him before at all."

This Commish isn't happy with LeBron's behavior

over 2 years ago John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) 6 comments 0 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Clearly, the situation has now officially been blown out of proportion!

And I thought Wojnarowski making a total ass out of him self was bad, now it’s getting worse. I really think a fine would be a bit much, not to mention totally redundant to a guy who makes hundreds of millions in endorsements alone.

by Simmsinns on Jun 2, 2009 12:35 PM CDT reply actions

This is GD ridiculous. People are acting like he peed on Red Aurbach’s grave or something.

Ride on ye fearsome Horsemen of the Basketball Apocalypse. We got this.

by Turkmenbashi on Jun 2, 2009 12:43 PM CDT reply actions

Stern does not have the gonads to fine him.

and apparently he dosent have LeBron on his speed dial either. Glad to see Davey stepping up to handle this “crisis”.

So I told her," I'll be nicer if you try to be smarter!'..That was a mistake.

by Juannieboy on Jun 2, 2009 1:20 PM CDT reply actions

Yes, it has been blown out of proportion...

…it seems as if every beat writer in the nation has gotten in on the act. But still, LeBron can’t have it both ways. If he wants to be a superstar and a global icon, he’s going to HAVE to get used to that kind of scrutiny. That’s just the way it is. Will he ever do something like this again, after the media reaction? Hell, no! But c’mon guys, don’t be like Lakers fans and act as if your guy is without flaw. He’s not. You can’t say LeBron hasn’t gotten a little more “cocky” this year, even though that’s a harsh word.

Remember NY, when he went for that last rebound in a clear attempt to get a triple-double? I have NO problem with that – the guy has every right to pad his stats during a performance like that. But afterwards, saying that he had “no idea” that he was approaching a triple-double? I have a problem with that. Just admit it, Lebron. Who’s going to criticize you? And did you hear what he said after being asked whether he had started to get tired during the Orlando series? He said, in all seriousness, that perhaps he had spoiled us all by putting on “50-point” performances all the time. Really?

Look, these are small things, and I know that I’m nit-picking, but I’m just trying to make the point that no one is without flaw. There shouldn’t be such outrage in Cleveland over the fact that for the first time, LeBron is taking a significant hit from the media. This will all go away as soon as he starts wowing us again next season with countless exploits on the court. Again, I am a huge LeBron fan and a passionate Kobe-hater, so there’s no bias here.

by Silkster on Jun 2, 2009 2:52 PM CDT reply actions

Dude, nobody here thinks LeBron is without flaw. Why would you even type that? Of course he’s not perfect. We’re just saying that we’re tired of hearing about this because it’s being blown way out of proportion. That doesn’t mean we can’t criticize LeBron when it’s necessary, but we’re upset at people labeling him a “sore loser” because they’re ignoring everything else he’s done in his career. This is one small incident, that’s the point.

by Buckeye Brad on Jun 2, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Lebron is the face of the NBA

and largely these playoffs too. That’s why everyone having a fit about it, even though it’s not that big of a deal in reality. That’s the reality of Lebron though, he’s not a normal player.

by runningdonut on Jun 3, 2009 3:14 AM CDT reply actions

This sums it up

“Show me a good loser, and I’ll show you a loser. " Vince Lombardi

Personally, I’m tired of seeing guys laughing and joking after a loss. It was refreshing to see that LeBron wasn’t happy. If the league wants to fine him for not speaking with the media, go ahead. He did break a rule, even though its a dumb rule. What do you expect to gain from a post game interview from a player from the losing team?

There is no rule or requirement that players shake hands after a game. Many players and even entire teams left the court without shaking hands after a loss in the past and many will do this in the future.

by LFort on Jun 3, 2009 12:41 PM CDT reply actions