LeBron James, Cleveland, and a Messiah Complex...

Breaking up is hard to do. Unless you end up in Miami...

Last night while watching the ABC evening news my wife started to ask what the big deal was around LeBron James and his return to Cleveland. Her simple, yet loaded, question what was the big deal? In the best metaphorical story possible I explained it like this...

Cleveland represents the girl that has had her heart broken so many times (Jordan over Elo, the Browns moving to Baltimore, Indians losing to Marlins) over the years its just plain pitiful. She isn't the prettiest girl, but her personality is enough to get her a date or two ever so often. Eventually the new kid moves to town (LeBron), and due to his parents (the 2003 NBA draft) wishes he goes steady with Cleveland. She's so excited she even changed her entire outfit for her boyfriend. After a few years he gives her a promise ring (extension he signed after his rookie contract expired) and decides he wants to make a stronger commitment to the relationship.

Meanwhile, the rest of the guys around the school (Boston, LA Lakers) are getting certain perks from their girls (trades for expiring contracts at the deadline, new contracts at the beginning of the new season, claims off the wire) while LeBron gets a cheap watch or backrub (signing Larry Hughes, trading for Delonte West, Ben Wallace, Wally Sczerbiak, Shaq) from Cleveland when their anniversary comes around.

After getting trashed again by his nemesis (Boston) because of his girl LeBron decides he can do a whole lot better. He leads his girlfriend (Cleveland) and about 5 other girls on about dating them. Cleveland knows LeBron has had his eye on a couple different women, but holds out hope that he'll come home where he belongs; until finally deciding publicly to date the spicy head-turner (Miami). On national television albeit.

After he made his decision Cleveland felt like they had been spurned again, and was almost at the point of swearing off men altogether. After months of seeing him and his new girl (Miami) together Cleveland looked forward when she would see them together and give him hell for leaving her after 7 years together! When she finally saw him she told him how hurt she was, and how she hoped he died alone (without a championship ring) but all LeBron did was stand pat and send pics of him and Miami together (38 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 1 block). Cleveland's best friends (the fans) kept yelling at Cleveland to stop staring (Cavalier players) and do something about it. However, Cleveland could only muster a "I hope you're happy".

If you watched the game, or highlights, you saw some people so full of anger a doctor would label it unhealthy. In fact during the 4th quarter cameras caught a man throwing an object in LeBrons direction as he sat on the bench. Sadly, this is what happens when we place all of our hope in a man. LBJ was labeled as the messiah who would save the sports world of Cleveland from its championship-less hell, however, LBJ turned pro-wrestling heel and left Cavalier fans everywhere wondering why?

Is this a consequence of our star driven world searching for a larger then life start to idolize, who will ultimately let us down, or just fans being fanatics?