Despite a stellar season, however, the Cavaliers still were
considered the underdog against the stronger Golden State
Warriors. The Cavs had a 3-1 deficit and Lebron would not
quit. A gentleman never quits. It all came down to the
dramatic final moments in Game 7 as LeBron set up
teammate Kyrie Irving to score the winning basket.
Cleveland, this is for you,” shouted a teary-eyed
LeBron after the final buzzer. A gentleman
always keeps his promises.
In a post-game interview, he also held his little
daughter in his arms as he savored the victory
in a dignified and reserved way. A gentleman
lets his actions doing his talking. It was also
reported that LeBron, himself a fledging actor,
watched “The Godfather” six times during the
post-season. While it is a violent film about
gangsters, the classic film’s theme is actually
about family and honor – something to which
“Gentleman James” could relate.
Off the court, James hasn’t forgotten his roots. A
gentleman never forgets where he came from.
LeBron has been a tireless promoter and
cheerleader for Cleveland. He established the “I
Promise” program with the University of Akron
to provide 1,100 low-income students in Akron,
Ohio, with a college education. James grew up on the streets of Akron, a city adjacent to
Cleveland. The program will cost the LeBron James Family Foundation, his non-profit
organization, nearly $42 million dollars.
The Cavaliers victory wasn’t only a tonic for Cleveland but gave America a positive
distraction during the start of a difficult summer. Sport often has been used to unite and give
solace to a nation. The dramatic come-from-behind win came on the heels of a terrorist
attack in Orlando, Florida where a gunman killed 49 people and wounded 53 at Pulse, a
popular gay nightclub. The country also was in the midst of a divisive and contentious
Presidential election, and experienced the start of Zika virus concerns. Of course, the peace
was short-lived as more tragedies unfolded in the US and around the world, but for one,
brief shining moment; Le Bron James made people believe that a gentleman can always do
the impossible.
Sincerely,
Brian R. Sheridan
Our Man in the USA
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