With all apologies to Lebron James. . . and Jesse Jackson

   I have always considered myself an objective, albeit critical, sports fan. I grew up in San Diego so I follow the local programs but that doesn't mean I always root for them. While I believe in loyalty, I believe that it is a two way street. I refuse to blindly invest my passion into a team that has zero interest in winning ball games i.e the Padres. I do not believe this makes me a fair weather fan; I simply think that I deserve a return on my investment. In order for people to listen to you when you comment on sports, you have to maintain these 4 Noble Truths (to borrow from Buddhism): Be consistent, be objective, do your research and don't make it personal. There's nothing wrong with being a homer, Fight On Troy, but if you don't substantiate your opinion it will not be taken seriously. I'm seriously.

    So, why the diatribe? Up until recently I have hated Lebron James with every bone in my body. Why? For no good reason really. He's an attention whore, so are most professional athletes. He's more self absorbed than Napoleon Bonaparte, so is Napoleon Bonaparte. So I don't really have a good reason, which contradicts the afore mentioned Noble Truths. Which is why I have resolved to de-board from the "I hate Lebron" train at the next stop. This doesn't mean I'm going to root for him, I'm still KOBE! through and through, I'm just not going to waste my time hating him for no apparent reason. So there you have it, I have laid down my burden at the foot of the proverbial cross. Now I can spread this gospel one Red Sox fan at a time.