The Media

The media has long created biased opinions that influence multitudes of folks. The latest example of the media flexing it's "journalistic" muscle occurred yesterday.

Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they have been referred to the last few years, exited the playoffs yesterday evening. After a 21 point first half, James was held to 6 points in the second half of a game seven. The media's spin on this is the Cavs need a better supporting cast.

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, as they have been referred to the last couple of years, exited the playoffs two weeks ago. After a 23 point first half, Bryant scored a single point in the second half. The media's spin on this is that Kobe quit.

There is no need to mention the anti-Kobe wave that has struck number eight for the past 2 1/2 to 3 years. Nor is it necessary to spit on the love Lebron receives. But one must ask, how can comparable results be so disparately received?

Lebron lovers will say that Lebron was making the effort because he continued to shoot the ball in the second half. Watching that game, I think a lot of those shots were forced. Kobe didn't shoot as much but he also didn't create as well as he could of which is about the only difference between their two efforts. But to say Kobe quit when the gameplan hadn't changed since Game 1 of the series seems more emotional than factual. At the same time, wasn't it just a few days ago we were praising Lebron for his ability to get his teammates involved, meanwhile he's throwing up shots that have no chance of seeing the twine. (I know I'm exaggerating slightly but if paid media folk can lie, surely I can exaggerate).

Lastly, Lebron walked off without the hand shaking routines attributed to good sportsmanship. Kobe did the same thing. But when Kobe does it, suddenly there are reports that he told his teammates to do the same thing. Now this information is what 'reportedly' happened, no confirmation, no eyewitness, no one saying they actually heard Kobe tell his teammates these things. Much like Kobe reportedly broke up the Lakers a couple of years back (no voicemails, memos, conversations, nothing to support that other than media conjecture). Now why hasn't the media made anything of Lebron's sportsmanship?