Jebron James and the H2

[que90nek]

H2 Hummer....

uh....why would his mother buy him a car like that? seems like first the HOUSE would come...then the car.

[HulaSista]

i don't know who you are talking about, but, i do agree. roof before car.

[Melotic]

Lebron's mom claims, she gave him this vehicle for his birthday...

This guy is about to get paid in June, everybody wants a piece of him... I wouldn't surprise, if this was a gift from an agent or local dealership...

[FoxEMomma]

Are u talkin about the high school kid that is good at playing ball?

[que90nek]

yeah....the next KOBE Bryant....

the only difference being that kobe did a lot of his high school overseas.

[Melotic]

LeBron James' High School Ranked No. 1
Tue Jan 7, 3:12 PM ET Add Sports - AP to My Yahoo!

AKRON, Ohio - The No. 1 high school basketball player in the country is now on the No. 1 team.

LeBron James' Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary team earned the top spot in USA Today's Super 25 rankings Tuesday after victories over three ranked teams.


The Fighting Irish (7-0) jumped up from No. 9, helped by beating previous No. 4 Mater Dei of Santa Ana, Calif., on Saturday.


St. Vincent-St. Mary beat then-No. 1 Oak Hill Academy and No. 6 Columbus Brookhaven last month.


James is expected to skip college and be the No. 1 overall pick in the next NBA draft.




James is cool, calm, collected
01/14/03

Susan Vinella
Plain Dealer Reporter


With his wit and outgoing personality, LeBron James can be as enter taining off the basketball court as he is on it.

Take his pregame appearance in Los Angeles this month.

When a reporter asked whether the large diamond studs in his ear were real - a question his coach and handlers considered out of line - James, without flinching, quipped: "Nah, they're fake. Real fake. Twenty-five cents, from a gumball machine."


After the game, when asked about the difficulty of being double- and triple-teamed, James shrugged and said, "I get quadruple-teamed in practice. Even coach Dru [Joyce II] tries to guard me."

While the glare of the media spotlight has been hot - especially in the wake of the Hummer hysteria - it has not melted James. The 18-year-old basketball star from St. Vincent-St. Mary handles the media attention almost as well as he does opponents, especially for someone so young.

While adults around him grumble and groan and sometimes snap at questioners they think are being intrusive or inappropriate, James rarely flinches.

That's not to say he is a perfect, polished product. He is still only a high school senior. Adults are still, for the most part, able to shield him and help control who gets a peek into his life. Also, the pressures on him, although great, pale in comparison to what they are expected to be when he enters the NBA.

But observers say the intangibles they have glimpsed so far - his charisma, wit, and confidence - will be as important as his Magic Johnson-like passing skills if he wants to become the world's next sports superstar.

"The X factor in endorsements has always been charisma," said Bob Williams, president of Burns Sports and Celebrities in Chicago, a company that helps link advertisers with athletes. "That's why Tiger [Woods] and Michael [Jordan] are so heads and tails above other sports stars.

"You know when you see it, and LeBron James definitely has charisma. How much? It's too early to tell."

Chris Rivers of adidas, the athletic shoe and apparel company that sponsors the SVSM team and hopes to sign James to a contract, said James possesses a "Muhammed Ali-like wit" that separates him from the pack.

"He's special, and he knows he's special," Rivers said.

Often, high-profile athletes receive coaching on how to deal with the media. James had one session with a media coach before the season, but otherwise has received no formal training.

His mother, Gloria, is no fan of the media. In recent months, both she and her son have declined interviews other than the ones James has done in a group setting before or after games. Sometimes, even those appearances have had to be cajoled and negotiated.

But adidas' Rivers welcomes exposure for the young player.

"You can't be great and not talk to the media," Rivers said.

James has been interviewed by reporters from the New York Times, Sports Illustrated and ESPN Magazine, as well as ESPN sportscasters Dick Vitale, Bill Walton and Jay Bilas.

When Vitale worked the Dec. 12 SVSM-Oak Hill Academy game at the Cleveland State Convocation Center, he delivered a pregame speech to both teams. James sat quietly and listened intently; when he noticed a teammate was not doing the same, he nudged him and nodded toward Vitale as if to say, "Pay attention."

Afterward, James hugged Vitale and thanked him for coming.

James' game, personality and smile have invited comparisons - no matter how premature - to Jordan and Magic Johnson. Jordan, James readily admits, is one of his role models. The high school star played with the former Chicago Bulls great this past summer and often wears his shoes "to pay homage to the G.O.A.T: The Greatest Of All Time," said a friend.

Regardless, James has said more than once that it is not his intention to become "the next Michael Jordan."

"I'm being LeBron James," he said.

As the No. 1 high-school player in the country and the expected No. 1 NBA draft pick this year, James recognizes that fans want to be entertained.

So it's not unusual for him to walk to center court or strut over to the student section after a big play and lift his arms to invite applause or bring his fists to his forehead like antennas, mimicking a gesture created by Cavaliers forward Darius Miles.

"I love it when he does it," Miles said. "When he does it more, I'll finally tell him what it means."

Williams of Burns Sports said so much of James' appeal is based on potential: the potential to be a great NBA player; the potential to be a charismatic, personable product endorser who can excite both urban and suburban youth.

"Allen Iverson is overly urban," Williams said of the Philadelphia 76ers star. "Kobe [Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers] is overly suburban. I think LeBron right now is positioned to be a perfect balance between the two."

James, driving around in his new, custom-made Hummer with "King James" embroidered in the backs of the seats, is certainly positioned to become a star in the NBA.

How big of a star will be determined by his ability to win fans on and off the court.

[Melotic]

Lebron James...

[swtjamaica]

...why we gotta do shit ass backwards??? buy the HOUSE first, get the WHIP later...wtf??

[djackso]

Everybody is making money off of the kid. At 18 the most important thing is having some wheels so the girls will like you. They live in the projects so it is not like they are homeless. They can't spent too much until the kid finishes school. After he finishes the mansion will be bought.

[FAMU]

Originally posted by djackso+
Everybody is making money off of the kid. At 18 the most important thing is having some wheels so the girls will like you. They live in the projects so it is not like they are homeless. They can't spent too much until the kid finishes school. After he finishes the mansion will be bought.

Man, come on give me a break. The fact that he lives in the project is even more reason for him not to be rolling around town in a Hummer. He does not need a car to attract any girls. By all accounts this kid is the baddest 18 year old basketball player on the planet. All he needs is a fresh pair of kicks and a nice outfit and he can have any woman 15-30 that he wants. Trust, this nigga is not hurting for coochie. It just does not make any sense. In a few months he could have bought as many hummers as he wanted and nobody could question it. Why do it now when it can be questioned. Why do it now when it could jepordize his high school basketball career. Why bring that type of negative attention to yourself. Shit, if anything he should have been trying to insure his legs against injury like that running back from Miami. WTF he going to do if he tears an ACL or breaks his ankle before the draft.

This kid is getting some real bad advice. I don't care what Dick Vital says. This kid is not ready for the NBA!! Yes, he is a exceptional high school player, but he is not NBA ready. He might be ACC or Big 12 ready, but far from NBA ready. How is this kid going to fair night in and night out going up against K-mart, T-Mac, Jason Williams, Vince Carter(healthy or on crutches), Karl Malone, etc. the list goes on and on. J O'neal, T-Mac, and Kobe needed four plus years or more to get where they are today. The same time they could have spent in college.

Amare Stoudemire who plays with the Suns jump right from high school into the pro and he is doing very, very, very well. James is nowhere near the talent this kid is.

[Melotic]

Originally posted by Mr. Famu+



Amare Stoudemire who plays with the Suns jump right from high school into the pro and he is doing very, very, very well. James is nowhere near the talent this kid is.

Garnett, Shawn Kemp(Seattle), Kobe, Moses Malone, Daryl Dawkins, McGrady... There are few that make impacts, at this age... I think he'll be alright...

[djackso]

Originally posted by Mr. Famu+


Man, come on give me a break. The fact that he lives in the project is even more reason for him not to be rolling around town in a Hummer. He does not need a car to attract any girls. By all accounts this kid is the baddest 18 year old basketball player on the planet. All he needs is a fresh pair of kicks and a nice outfit and he can have any woman 15-30 that he wants. Trust, this nigga is not hurting for coochie. It just does not make any sense. In a few months he could have bought as many hummers as he wanted and nobody could question it. Why do it now when it can be questioned. Why do it now when it could jepordize his high school basketball career. Why bring that type of negative attention to yourself. Shit, if anything he should have been trying to insure his legs against injury like that running back from Miami. WTF he going to do if he tears an ACL or breaks his ankle before the draft.

This kid is getting some real bad advice. I don't care what Dick Vital says. This kid is not ready for the NBA!! Yes, he is a exceptional high school player, but he is not NBA ready. He might be ACC or Big 12 ready, but far from NBA ready. How is this kid going to fair night in and night out going up against K-mart, T-Mac, Jason Williams, Vince Carter(healthy or on crutches), Karl Malone, etc. the list goes on and on. J O'neal, T-Mac, and Kobe needed four plus years or more to get where they are today. The same time they could have spent in college.

Amare Stoudemire who plays with the Suns jump right from high school into the pro and he is doing very, very, very well. James is nowhere near the talent this kid is.



All he has to do is sign that rookie contract which guarantees him 3 years at around 9 million bucks. He is set for life. Every 18 year old boy wants a fly ride. A weak insurance policy will not pay him close to what a NBA contract will. McGhee is turning down the money to go pro & rehab. His mother got a loan so he is safe. Even he is a career bench player he will be financial set & enjoying his life.

[HulaSista]

Originally posted by djackso+
All he has to do is sign that rookie contract which guarantees him 3 years at around 9 million bucks. He is set for life. Every 18 year old boy wants a fly ride. A weak insurance policy will not pay him close to what a NBA contract will. McGhee is turning down the money to go pro & rehab. His mother got a loan so he is safe. Even he is a career bench player he will be financial set & enjoying his life. \


not if he don't chunk away his money in investments and savings and spend properly, he'll be broke in before each check is cut... his momma is the example. buying a car you normally can't afford on a loan because you "think" you go get the money later is not a smart idea to me. why couldn't they just wait for a check to be in hand before doing anything else?

[djackso]

His school has a nike contract because of him. His school has pay per view contract because of him. Many companies have already got silent contracts with him so $50,000 is chump change compared to what he will get once he graduates. As long as momma is there the money will be watched very closely. Let the kid have some fun while he is young!

[HulaSista]

Originally posted by djackso+
As long as momma is there the money will be watched very closely. Let the kid have some fun while he is young!

mmmmmmmmmmm no.... a hummer at the age of (what, 18?) is NOT my idea of fun.

he STILL got a long way to go and still need to be guided meticulously in all he does. he can have fun, but, let him have fun in a honda civic or prelude. not a $50k hummer! PLEASE... i'd rather my child get a engine and some scrap metal and a job to learn how to build the damn car before he gets something like that outta my me!

how many good years can they get out of his ball playing with minor injuries? 10-20? 15 average, right, without bullshit destroying him, right? ok! so... he will be something near 35 -40 when he is ready to retire... what will he do for the next 25-30 years before he "retire" at 65? he'll have to start saving NOW just to make sure he has a cushion for that time period.

Then I am sure he's gonna have a gang of folks to care fore including medical, dental and life insurance benefits. That cost a lot of money too.

Plus he's a black man?

He'll be the envy of every young blood! It only take ONE to get mad enough to try and cut 'em.

Putting material objects at the top of the list of "things to do" is NOT a good thing.

I could go on, but... I won't... stuff like this irks me.

[FAMU]

I hear what you are saying Jack. This kid is going to make his chedder no doubt, but I don't think it is wise to be trying the system like that. If I was living in the projects having $50,000 in the bank and knowing I could have a Hummer if I wanted would be satisfaction enough. All he needs to do is sit back and wait until graduation. By that time one of these shoe companies will give him 15 or 20 million before he is even drafted. I just hope that nothing comes out of this.

Hula, u right people with a mentality like his mom is displaying can not and will not hold on to this type of money long. Plus has anyone seen his mother do an interview. For like of a better word. She is str8 "ghetto" Now thats a different story.

Mel, I guess you missed what I was trying to say. James is not at the level of these giys when they left high school. Physically he is a NBA player, but mentality and skill wise. He is no better than the 20 rank player in the nation.

[djackso]

Everybody is missing the point! Espn made money by showing his games. His school makes money from nike, tv contracts, & attendence at the games. Magazines make money by putting him on the cover. Everybody is getting something but the kid. Believe me when i say Jordan's agent is going to get the kid & take care of him money wise. Compare to the money he generates a hummer doesn't cover 1 % of what he brings in so let him have it.

[HulaSista]

Originally posted by djackso+
Everybody is missing the point! Espn made money by showing his games. His school makes money from nike, tv contracts, & attendence at the games. Magazines make money by putting him on the cover. Everybody is getting something but the kid. Believe me when i say Jordan's agent is going to get the kid & take care of him money wise. Compare to the money he generates a hummer doesn't cover 1 % of what he brings in so let him have it.
'

the fact that everyone is an opportunist just goes to show.... we all know how that story ends.

he can have what ever he wants, but within reasons. there is a guideline for EA-VAH-RY-THING. What about gradual accumulation? I know everyone has their time where they blow money, but... *sigh* 50k is a lot of money to blow and you should be buying a house! PRIORITIES please!

[Sparkles]

Originally posted by HulaSista+

'

the fact that everyone is an opportunist just goes to show.... we all know how that story ends.

he can have what ever he wants, but within reasons. there is a guideline for EA-VAH-RY-THING. What about gradual accumulation? I know everyone has their time where they blow money, but... *sigh* 50k is a lot of money to blow and you should be buying a house! PRIORITIES please!

Hula I feel ya, Priorities... example, Dwight Gooden Jr. attends the samepublic school that my son attendsl. WHen school started jr. was rocking a black escalade truck that was tight, but since right before christmas he been driving a new black hummer that is also off the chain. Now mind you I am not hating, but the boy is sssssssssooooooo dumb, why not invest the money in a private education, so he can fuirther himself, or tutoring or something yano. SO he riding around looking all good and can't even play baseball because he can't keep a Gpa above 2.0 :rolleyes: What is that all about.

Ole boys is entitled cause he will get millions, but I hope that Lebron's mom is smart and don't blow will all and not invest anything.

Folks with that type of mentality on thinks for right now and that can get you into trouble...

[HulaSista]

Originally posted by Sparkles+
WHen school started jr. was rocking a black escalade truck that was tight, but since right before christmas he been driving a new black hummer that is also off the chain. Now mind you I am not hating, but the boy is sssssssssooooooo dumb, why not invest the money in a private education, so he can fuirther himself, or tutoring or something yano. SO he riding around looking all good and can't even play baseball because he can't keep a Gpa above 2.0 :rolleyes: What is that all about.

:eek:

see... that is doing to much.

get a engine and some scrap metal and a job AND AN EDUCATION to learn how to build the damn car

[djackso]

Originally posted by HulaSista+

'

the fact that everyone is an opportunist just goes to show.... we all know how that story ends.

he can have what ever he wants, but within reasons. there is a guideline for EA-VAH-RY-THING. What about gradual accumulation? I know everyone has their time where they blow money, but... *sigh* 50k is a lot of money to blow and you should be buying a house! PRIORITIES please!


The kid is in HIGH SCHOOL. He can't sign a legal contract yet so how can he buy a house. He will buy one in the summer when he is legally able to. $50,000 out of $9,000,000 is a small amount. Athletes lose more money on scam investments & businesses than on he car lot for sure.

[HulaSista]

his MOMMA should know better... i don't care how old HE is...

and wasting money is still wasting money... no matter the amount...

i just want to know what was she thinking? (is it in that article above? maybe i should read it lol)

[Melotic]

Originally posted by Sparkles+

Ole boys is entitled cause he will get millions, but I hope that Lebron's mom is smart and don't blow will all and not invest anything.

Folks with that type of mentality on thinks for right now and that can get you into trouble...

Have seen Iverson's moms, it's on that level... They live in low income house right now... Mom should have bought a Crib, or at least having one built by time the draft rolls up in June...

[Melotic]

Originally posted by Mr. Famu+


Mel, I guess you missed what I was trying to say. James is not at the level of these giys when they left high school. Physically he is a NBA player, but mentality and skill wise. He is no better than the 20 rank player in the nation.

I disagree, I saw Kobe playing in high school, he is as good as or better than Kobe... The difference is his teammates get the ball, too...

[FAMU]

Originally posted by Melotic+


I disagree, I saw Kobe playing in high school, he is as good as or better than Kobe... The difference is his teammates get the ball, too...

Naw, dude. He is not as good nor is he better than Kobe at this point in his career. They are alike in that when Kobe left high school he could not play a lick of defense. James can't play any either. Kobe had a jump shot when he left high school. James can barely hit the side of a barn. Next time he plays a game check the box scores. Dude is shooting sumthinig like 38% from the field. Not only can he not shoot, but he also has a slow release on piece of jumpshot that he has. When Kobe came into the league there was a shortage of two guards and the league was looking for a new up and coming superstar. Kobe got into the league to fill a void. Yeah, he had talent, but mostly he got their to fill a void. James, has talent and back when Kobe into the league he might could have a chance, but time will tell.

[Melotic]

http://http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2003-01/6320168.jpg

[Sparkles]

Originally posted by Melotic+
Lebron's mom claims, she gave him this vehicle for his birthday...

This guy is about to get paid in June, everybody wants a piece of him... I wouldn't surprise, if this was a gift from an agent or local dealership...


I heard the ending of a clip on ESPN saying some one give a high school player an SUV, is this Lebron they were referring to or someone else, I just heard then end of the story?!?!!

[Andre98]

Above all else, I just hope the young man does not get shot dead in a car jack over that damn truck! I also hope he doesn't end up wrapped around a tree, or get in various and sundry legal hassles. The insurance for that vehicle must be through the roof! You know he got at least two dozen of his boys who want to get a turn wheeling and dealing in that bad boy. And a Hummer more than any thing begs for off road driving. If there's an off road to try it out on, like the city park.... okay, I can get pretty out there with the "what ifs", but if he expects to continue traversing the hood like nothing has changed, he'll get a lesson that many have been taught but that unfortunately, we just don't seem to learn from.

The sheer jealousy that rolling symbol of wretched excess will inspire in the hood will be substantial. He better keep it in a locked garage. People that are under scrutiny always strike back with the statement they they can do what they want with their money, then to prove it, they put it on something that shows they have the right to throw it away. I think it takes more caring to express concern over that, then to cheer him on. We put our pride and sense of self esteem in the wrong damn things!

What ever the circumstances, (and we all know damn well it ain't legit) however the SUV was acquired, that isn't even the point. The grab for the absolute flashiest material gain the minute one can is the expected stereotype that society sets up for us, and that we fall for one by one. We had a thread a while back about how many white celebs dress all bummy when out and about, not all of course, but some have this game of trying not to look the part, instead they try to outdone each other about how modest they are. I know that this kid is on the brink of big money, and all these other entities around him will be reaping rewards. But that makes it even more important to have a little restraint. There are plenty of cars, even plenty of SUVs if you want to carry the homies around and beg the cops to stop you on DWB (driving while black) profiling. What he has to watch out for is the one malcontent that feels he is the homie being left behind. Some people like to fuck your shit up just for spite.

Jamie Foxx ain't the only one who might need security.

And as for his abilities and potential for future riches....for every Kobe there are thousands of also rans... and there are plenty that were highly touted in bball and football, out of high school and out of college that hit a wall in the pros.

[Melotic]

I don't know any projects with garages...

[misha]

I read in the local paper today that he had been cleared of any wrong doing in this incident.....it was established that his mother indeed did buy the car....

Personally, I think that as much money as this young man makes for so many, alot of people benefited from this case going away fast.

[Andre98]

Originally posted by Melotic+
I don't know any projects with garages...

I do know people that keep their car in a rented garage and will take a bus over to where it is every morning if they have to, rather than park it on the street.

[Melotic]

Dude, you are talking about Ohio... Country ass, Ohio... He doesn't even live in a major city in Ohio...

[Andre98]

... but rather than dwelling in the literal, like whether an actual garage is reasonably close to his home, can you see what I was saying?....that I hope he has a secure place to house the expensive vehicle overnight rather than just right at the curb on the street?

If he comes out one morning and the Hummer is gone, or on blocks with the tires gone, or otherwise vandalized because Pookie and them are jealous, the joy of owning the ride would be lessened. A garage of any kind, anywhere will have seemed worth it.

That's all I was saying.

[Melotic]

In the projects, I sure there would be enough witnesses, if that happen... Since, he is about to get paid, someone would drop some dimes... I have seen some nicer rides{Lexuses} than mine, parked in the 'hood on the block... I don't think his mother is thinking like you or I would... I would have bought a house, and Le Bron would have gotten a Toyota...

[Juicey1]

Originally posted by Melotic+
... I don't think his mother is thinking like you or I would... I would have bought a house, and Le Bron would have gotten a Toyota...

Amen! He would be riding around in a nice and efficient Toyota, Honda, etc and we would be sitting in a nice house instead of a project apartment.

[Melotic]

June aint that far away...

Hey, did anyone hear, he wrecked the truck... He supposely hit an old lady and skip the scene, just asking for her number... And saying it will be taken care of, and the lady never phoned the police... Now, her car is damage and not running...

I think, this is the trouble his mother is asking for, leaches...

[FAMU]

James ruled ineligible to finish HS career

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN.com news services


CLEVELAND -- LeBron James, the nation's top high school player, has been ruled ineligible to play for the rest of the season.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled Friday that James violated amateur bylaws by accepting clothing as a gift.


The OSHAA has ruled LeBron James ineligible for accepting free clothing worth $845. What should the OSHAA have done?
Ruled James ineligible for the rest of the season
Suspended him for five games
Suspended him for one game
Required him to return the clothing
Taken no action against James



Also, the OHSAA said that James' team, Akron Saint Vincent-Saint Mary, must forfeit its last game since James played in the contest after he forfeited his amateur status. The team is ranked No. 1 by USA Today.

This comes just a few days after James was cleared of any wrongdoing for accepting a sports utility vehicle as a gift.

Last Saturday, James was apparently given two free "throwback" jerseys worth $845 at a local clothing store. The story was first reported by The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Ohio High School Athletic Association bylaws state that an athlete forfeits his or her amateur status by "capitalizing on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts of monetary value."

More specifically, the OHSAA 2002-03 Athletic Eligibility Information Bulletin states in part that, "You may receive an award or merchandise as a result of your participation in school or non-school competition from any source, provided the value does not exceed $100 per award."

After attending a local high school game last weekend, James and some friends visited the clothing store "Next," where he picked out two jerseys -- one of Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Gale Sayers, the other of Washington Bullets center Wes Unseld.

The Sayers jersey costs $395; the Unseld jersey, $450.

Store manager Derrick Craig said the store's owner gave the jerseys to James for free.

"We get celebrities in here all the time," said Craig, who would not identify the owner. "They spend a lot of money and sometimes you just got to give them some love."

Goldring said OHSAA rules stipulate that athletes can't receive any kind of apparel worth more than $100.

And in the case of a school having a contract with an apparel company -- James' school has one with adidas -- any apparel worth more than $100 is considered school-issued and must be returned by the athlete at the end of the season.

Attorney Fred Nance, who represented James and his family, was not immediately available for comment on Thursday.

[Melotic]

Mom didn't protect him, you know there are haters... Agents are lining up, hey does this mean he can join a NBA teams playoff roster...

[Brightness]

Watch ya mouth. . .


Originally posted by Melotic+
Dude, you are talking about Ohio... Country ass, Ohio...

[que90nek]

every time i've listened to james....he seems intelligent....in a smart alecky 17 year old kinda way......

why is he doing STUPID stuff then?

just goes to show that maturity sometimes just takes time.


and NOW i understand why QUE does not have a throwback jersey.

[Melotic]

Ok, let me understand...

It's alright to accept a $70,000 Truck(which your mother can't explain how she can afford that, since she only makes around $25,000 annually), but receiving $800 in clothes is a rule violation, wtf?...


Brite,
Is that country math...

[que90nek]

the thing is....

his mother can receive loans...and gifts....

but HE can't.

there are always WAYS around the rules, but they were too dumb to even try those...

blatant disrespect and a lack of understanding for the notoriety and fame that he was garnering just from espn always showing his dunks....NOW....no dunks....no lebron.......he'll still get picked though. but his contract won't be as much now.

[Melotic]

What are you talking about, not as much now...

The NBA already invested millions in this kid, I bet you he will be the number one pick in June and the highest paid rookie next year...

[sistuhchey]

conspiarcy at best...we always get caught with our pants down!!..on simple shit...somebody was hatin..and layin in the cut to see shit crumble.

[Brightness]

Pretty much in a nutshell. . .

[que90nek]

Originally posted by Melotic+
What are you talking about, not as much now...



u DO understand that the bulk of their money is made in advertisements....endorsements.......not in nba contracts.

[Melotic]

ABC owns ESPN, broadcasting his High School games on ESPN/Par Per View... NBA has a broadcast contract with ABC/ESPN... See, the connection... The NBA is already investing... adidas has already offered a him 40 Million, there is a rookie cap on Team Contract, so yes I know endorsement are more... This won't hurt him at all...

[que90nek]

alls i'm saying is that if he is NOT playing.......
if he is NOT in the lime light......

it will hurt him.

but obviously not TOO much.

I just heard that his mother does NOT work......

that he has two cell phones and one of those expensive ass two way pagers.....

we've created a monster. he is so indicative of the generation that we have coming up.....

how many in THAT generation will aspire to be an astronaut......how many will aspire to be a congress person.......

[Melotic]

I was trying to be nice, but I didn't think his mother worked... What bank in there right mind would give her a loan, then... Things happens, remember Len Bias... He could get shot, by some jealous individual, too...

I just hope & pray everything works out for him, his mom is ghetto... Money is going to hurt...

[HulaSista]

Originally posted by Melotic+
I was trying to be nice, but I didn't think his mother worked... What bank in there right mind would give her a loan, then... Things happens, remember Len Bias... He could get shot, by some jealous individual, too...

one of my ex.... same exact situation (minus all the money... this was 15 years ago)... basketball star on the rise out of oakland... then... gunshots to the leg... 2 bullets... put out the game for good... *sigh* he regrets ever being... so visual...

[djackso]

If they want to get you they will! Everyone is making money off of the kid but if he gets something in return he is ineligible. Sounds like slavery to me. Technically he is not being paid to play ball so why is he ineligible. The local hero always will get a free meal or perks. Ohio is racist.

[que90nek]

Kevin Garnett made some good points....

He says that this jersey issue was correctible....that he should have been suspended for a few games....

i agree.

this is a harsh penalty over some jerseys.

[que90nek]

Sports - Reuters
Judge Restores LeBron James' Eligibility
14 minutes ago
Add Sports - Reuters to My Yahoo!

AKRON, Ohio (Reuters) - A judge on Wednesday restored high school basketball star LeBron James' eligibility to play out his final season, but ordered him to miss one more game for accepting a gift of two "throwback" jerseys.

Summit County Common Pleas Judge James Williams listened to James' attorney argue the 18-year-old was treated unfairly by state athletic authorities who declared him ineligible for the rest of the season for accepting the collectors' items, valued at $845.

"LeBron admitted his mistake, but he did not commit a crime," James' attorney Fred Nance told the Akron court. "He did not hurt anyone."

The 6-foot, 8-inch James, whose high school games have been televised nationally, is widely expected to skip college in favor of the anticipated multimillion-dollar professional playing and endorsement contracts awaiting the likely top draft pick of the National Basketball Association.

Williams said he will hold an evidentiary hearing on the case Feb. 19, when he may make his temporary order permanent or decide to hold a trial.

James' Akron school, the undefeated and top-ranked St. Vincent-St. Mary, must pick the game James will miss out of the team's remaining four regular season games, followed by the state playoffs. James missed his first game on Sunday, which counted toward the two-game suspension ordered by the judge.

A spokesman for the Ohio High School Athletic Association said it would adhere to the judge's ruling and defend its position at the Feb. 19 hearing.

James, who says he has a 3.5-point grade average out of 4, said he thought the jerseys, which honor former football great Gale Sayers and basketball star Wes Unseld, were given to him by a Cleveland sports store because of his academic record, not his basketball skills. He said he returned the jerseys.

Before ruling last week that James was unduly profiting from his fame by accepting the jerseys, the Ohio athletic association had cleared James in an investigation of his mother's birthday gift of a Hummer H2 vehicle. The association said the gift was properly obtained with a loan.








All i'll say is: MONEY TALKS!

[HulaSista]

that press release just closed this thread (sort of)

[que90nek]

This just in:

Duke University Tries to Recruit James:

Coach K, "It's worth a shot. I tried to explain to him the advantage of one year at Duke...." winking at the school athletic director that promised him a million dollar incentive for recruiting James....the AD then winks at the school president that promised him a $250k incentive for recruiting James....the president then reassures the Gold Alumni members that all is in hand....Coach K then goes out and recruits Tommy Tall (a 6'11 swing center)...explaining to him..."Can you imagine playing along side James....he is the Next MJ..."Meanwhile....the president thinks to himself..."Suckers!....we would make 100's of millions off of him...."





Ok....my question is...is any college wasting their time?

[sassy1]

At this point I'd have to say that ANY college is wasting their time.
This child and his mother are already spending money that they are anticipating having in the future, come on...wait a while?.. yeah right... but on the real, he may as well go ahead to the league while his timing is HOT,HOT,HOT...and just stash some loot for that backup education that he may eventually need...but for now, it looks as though time is on his side...

[Juicey1]

Originally posted by lramsey225+
At this point I'd have to say that ANY college is wasting their time.
This child and his mother are already spending money that they are anticipating having in the future, come on...wait a while?.. yeah right... but on the real, he may as well go ahead to the league while his timing is HOT,HOT,HOT...and just stash some loot for that backup education that he may eventually need...but for now, it looks as though time is on his side...

I don't think he knows how to stash money. He needs to get him a good financial advisor and put that money away. Its ok to buy a new house and car, but stash something away "just in case".

[que90nek]

perhaps i should "volunteer" to set up his new website :D

[HulaSista]

Originally posted by Juicey1+


I don't think he knows how to stash money. He needs to get him a good financial advisor and put that money away. Its ok to buy a new house and car, but stash something away "just in case".

i thought Michael Jordan was schoolin a brotha? isnt' that what one of you said?

que you silly

[OhSoPrecious]

Originally posted by que90nek+


u DO understand that the bulk of their money is made in advertisements....endorsements.......not in nba contracts.

It was reported on UPN 9 News tonight that Lebron's already getting offers from NIKE and some other company for ads/endorsements worth $20+ Million~!! :eek:


Also, he played in Trenton, NJ tonight.. scoring 50+/- points himself~!!!

Damn.


(this post has been edited)

[Melotic]

Team won the Ohio State Championship...

His jersey has been requested to be displayed in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass...

Had a good showing in McDonald's All-American Game last week, I guess every is going good for him...

All he has to wait now, is the NBA draft in June...

[que90nek]

will karmelo anthony usurp him....or does the marketability of jebron rule?

[Melotic]

No, Anthony is a good player, but Lebron is better, alot better...

[que90nek]

jebron IS good....

but he is UNTESTED.

the wizards have a guy that was sposed to be really good too.....*sigh*

can he play within a system?
can he play defense?
can he play against guys that jump as high?

[Andre98]

My fingers are crossed for LeBron James, because even with all the hype, all the corporate sharks ready to make bucks off the inner city black kids drama, I want the young man to make it, get his dough, and reach that plateau where maybe he can try to normalize his life a little. It just has that classic set up of an "almost made it" story. I hope it doesnt play out like that.

Next couple months, he needs to play it real safe... go from school, to the court, to his house, don't be playground balling with the fellas one last time and fuck up an ankle or knee or some shit befiore he signs anything. Whether I like it or not, this is the dream come true that kids take the most stock in. It is what may be keeping untold numbers plugging away at the books because the Jr High or high school athletic participation demands it, and seeing him make it is inspiration to hang in there.

[Andre98]

The sports memorabilia sharks...uh, collectors have already jumped on the bandwagon, and fashioned a card? Is this something that has always happen? A "rookie" card before you're a rookie?

[Melotic]

If anyone is untested, it's Anthony...

Saying he's ready for the NBA, is coming from people, like Jordan, T~Mac, etc... I think they are pretty good judges of talent, he plays with them in the summer... Remember John Lucas, the fired coach of the Cleveland NBA team, he was fined $200K last year for having him working out with the team... Might I add, they said he did more than hold his own the workout, some of the players added...

I think he will be a Knick... I wouldn't mind seeing him in Philly, but that highly unlikely...

[Melotic]

:)
http://sports.espn.go.com/i/page2/quickie/030408_quickie.gif
I think we will find out next year, I still think Lebron is better...

[Admin]

I wanna see this young brotha get his loot ON! and put some excitment back into the NBA, Hell I might get back into watching some games cause I know they gonna play him on Sundays:D...

Got the Tivo Ready and waiting...but Ummmm...I just hope he does not get hurt or whatever...the Nigga need a Safe House to go to...
Holla

[que90nek]

athletically....he is superior to anthony....

but anthony seems to have an understanding of the game.......that ....normally takes time.

[Brightness]

Just wondering how much it would cost to carry an insurance policy on an 18 yr old male with a Hummer?

[Melotic]

Originally posted by Brightness+
Just wondering how much it would cost to carry an insurance policy on an 18 yr old male with a Hummer?

If someone would sell it to him, I am sure they will insure it as well...

I am waiting to see the prom pictures...

[Brightness]

LeBron James Inks Nike, Upper Deck Deal

By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND - LeBron James will go into the NBA with a swoosh.

James, the high school star expected to be the No. 1 pick in next month's draft, signed a multiyear shoe contract with Nike, the same company that launched Michael Jordan's career.


Aaron Goodwin, James' agent, reached agreement on the deal with Nike late Wednesday night following daylong negotiations. Nike spokesman Mark Shapiro confirmed James' signing, which was first reported on ESPN's "Outside the Lines."


ESPN.com, citing unidentified sources, said it was a seven-year deal.


James' publicist, Alexandria Boone, would not confirm the deal but said a formal announcement would be made Thursday.


Financial terms were not immediately available, but recent published reports predicted that the 18-year-old from Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School star might get a $100 million deal.


James also signed an exclusive multiyear contract with Upper Deck trading cards Wednesday.


His selection of Nike over Reebok and Adidas ends a nearly two-year battle between the shoe companies to land the dynamic player, whose game has been compared to that of Jordan and Magic Johnson.


James has received unprecedented media coverage the past two years. His games were sellouts in arenas around the country, and two of his games were televised nationally by ESPN.


The shoe deal came less than a day before James was to learn where he'll be wearing his Nikes as a pro. The NBA will hold its draft lottery Thursday night, and the winner gets the right to select James, a three-time Mr. Ohio in Basketball and the consensus national player of the year the past two years.


The Cleveland Cavaliers (news) and Denver Nuggets (news), who finished tied for the league's worst record this season, have the best chance at getting the top pick.


Terms of the deal with Upper Deck were not immediately available, but company spokesman Jake Gonzales said James' contract is on a level with previous agreements signed by Jordan, Tiger Woods and soccer star David Beckham.


Boone said the trading card deal included a $1 million signing bonus.


"Every kid who plays sports aspires to be the best and be part of a winning team," James said in a statement. "Today's deal with Upper Deck not only means that I've joined a team that is the leader in the collectibles industry, but also allows me to be part of a team of world class athletes representing their products."


Gonzales said James is the youngest person ever signed by Upper Deck, whose other spokesmen include Kobe Bryant (news), Kevin Garnett (news), Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui.


Upper Deck said James' trading card and memorabilia agreement prohibits any other company from using his autograph or his likeness on its packaging. It also stipulates that James can only promote for Upper Deck.


"Upper Deck is known for producing the most collectible and innovative trading cards and memorabilia in the world," vice president Tim Muret said in a statement. "It is fitting that LeBron James and Upper Deck join forces in an exclusive relationship that will bring exciting products to fans and collectors worldwide."


James' first trading card will be available July 29, the company said.

[CLSmooove]

90 million

thats 90 Million.... Not including NBA contract....does he know the amount of coochie thats gonna be thrown his way....

[Juicey1]

I pray he doesn't hurt himself while playing because he won't have a college degree to fall back on. I also pray that he keeps track of his own money and sign his own checks. He needs to take a financial course, or invest, invest, invest. I just hope he won't end up ending his career somehow and has no money to sustain him for the rest of his life.

[que90nek]

all rookies have ROOKIE ORIENTATION ...a training session that goes over FINANCES, how to deal with relatives, how to deal with cootchie....etc....it is run by other players.

good program.

i think folks put value on college education that just isn't there!

i mean folks know that they will make more money if they get a masters degree.....

so why is it that folks don't immediately get one after graduation?

why do you wait.....

why do you get a job instead?

exactly...because u WANT MONEY NOW....not later.

[Brightness]

He's probably been advised to take out an insurance policy, if he's not already gotten one.

[HulaSista]

ok then...

i hope he put aside money he cannot touch until he is age 30 so it can be available for his college education when he is ready to go to school and in case he has no money left over.

[djackso]

7 years for $90 million with Nike plus NBA salary is enough to live on. Now Lebron can pay off that Hummer. LOL

[Andre98]

He can get an H1 now! Now all the controversy is water under the bridge. The college ranks didn't have a prayer of getting him anyway.

7 years? Nike makes out, if he lives up to expectations. They'll be marketing shoes for him... a few years from now, Moms is going to want to renegotiate.

[OhSoPrecious]

Good Lawd, what is this young man going to do with all that money~?!?! :eek: Damn.

[Brightness]

So, does anyone foresee any hatin' on the rookie brother by men who've been in the league don't have so much as a chewing gum endorsement?

It seems to me that when he was in high school it would be could to watch but now that he's on the brink of entering the NBA no one is going to want to be "showed up" by a youngster.

[que90nek]

the league will receive him warmly...

because they realize that he is just adding money to the ENTIRE pot...called the NBA.

they understand the marketing aspect of it...

not everybody is market-able.

[sistuhchey]

Just thinking about the commission his agent is getting...Damn!!!

he's getting paid big bucks now...and the kid hasn't even been picked!!!...I just hope they make the clauses in his contract...super simple...so he and his mom understand, all the fine print....

[sistuhchey]

Originally posted by Andre98+


a few years from now, Moms is going to want to renegotiate.



....I'd be stuck like glue...to my son....me and all my other lil chilren's....where he goes we go!!!....is he a only child...or the eldest???..

Have a mansion built....you take the right wing...we'll live in the left wing.....no coochies moving in...Too bad they don't have a pill for the brothas to take....so he wouldn't get some fast tale girl pregnant......stock him up on condoms....and every morning...have him stop by the left wing so I could personally dispense his birth control pill...I'd be like...lift your tongue...ohhhh that's a good boy...bye bye now!!! have fun!!!:p ;)

[HulaSista]

:D :cry::D :cry::D :cry::D :cry::D :cry: