Poor Cleveland Cavaliers fans.
Supporters of the NBA’s left-at-the-altar poster child — after all-world superstar LeBron James skipped town to join the Miami Heat last summer — had to watch their prodigal son return in top form when the two teams met on Dec. 2.
Once the dust settled, the final score stood at Heat 118, Cavs 90. James tallied 38 points… and played just three quarters.
Cleveland fans were understandably dejected. After all, their squad offered little resistance in what amounted to, at least for the city, a golden opportunity to show LeBron that his former teammates still had some bite. Clearly, that wasn’t the case.
But in the aftermath of his homecoming, I couldn’t help but wonder if Cleveland supporters have taken their crusade too far. Booing is one thing, but bringing signs to the game like “Akron Hates You too, LeBron” and “Like Father, Like Son” (James was raised by a single mother)? And officials having to beef up security in and around the arena, including using undercover officers?
Feels like we’re approaching a line I’m not quite sure belongs in the realm of sports. Or maybe I’m wrong. By definition, “fan” is short for “fanatic,” and you can’t blame Cavs-backers for experiencing some abandonment issues. But where are the boundaries?
I invite your feedback.