I am only going to leave this up for a short time because it is way too long to be on here... i just don't know how else to post it....
The Story That Was Never Told
THE SETUP
Growing up in any country in this often bitter, cold world, no matter how our fortunate or unfortunate the life we are born into may be... we all learn at a young age, what a hero is. As kids it is only natural to be in awe of older, wiser, stronger people. We all idolize somebody. And in a world full of lies, cheating, death and disappointment, we find solace in something much greater than ourselves. Our Heroes.
SUSPICION
May life has been eternally weaved together with a history of sports and competition. Growing up I found my heroes to be the likes of The Ultimate Warrior, Bo Jackson and even more recently Dwayne Wade. But, even when I was younger, there was something fascinating about the coincidences in the sports we watched. Like the moment that Michael Jordan "pushed off," received no call, made the shot and became a Windy City Hero. My earliest recollection of sports actually was in the WWF. I loved to watch wrestling, the story lines, the larger than life athletes, the feeling you got when Hulk Hogan beat the Iron Sheik, it felt like he single handedly saved America from a certain doom at the hands of Terrorism. Then, I was told one day wrestling wasn't real. My world was rocked. Sure, I continued to love the sport, but moved more towards the "real" sports like Baseball, Basketball and Football. Eventually that transition was complete, I moved into adulthood, in a sense, I left behind my heroes in a "fake" sport for new ones, in a "real" one.
WHAT IFs
I may be literally writing my own death sentence here, but I feel that I have been struck by lightning. Like that little cartoon light bulb that Bugs Bunny gets when he has an idea, just lit up above my head. I am about to propose something that some may think so farfetched, they may request I be sanction, committed, maybe even tar and feathered in a public square. What if, all sports... to an extent... were fake...
NOW WAIT, before you pick up the pitchforks and torches and call me a monster. Please read beyond and decide for yourself.
We are talking about a multi-faceted, multi-headed, multi-billion dollar business, that consumers tune into daily and pour their life savings into, for the chance to see their team "win it all." I won't get too much into the possibilities I could fathom in my head, but let's just say, WHAT IF, things didn't always happen so naturally in Sports. What if it is the Media Machine that appeases us all, keeps us happy or lifts our morale when we need it.
Sure, I have always had suspicions of Referees being paid off, or players throwing games, etc etc. All fans think that their team is being given a raw deal at some point... But something in the 2010 Super Bowl that I witnessed, has haunted me ever since. I couldn't answer why in any way, shape or form the NFL would ever, EVER want to promote negative publicity during one of the most watched television programs of the entire year, when the world is watching.
In 2010, Steelers Quarterback and formerly a fan favorite, Ben Rothelisberger took his team back to the Super Bowl, against a Dark Horse, oft injured but young, spunky and well liked Green Bay Packers team. Were talking two of the most popular and historic NFL Franchises that seemed destined to share this Super Bowl Spot Light that pit two of the largest, most dedicated fan bases against one another. Rappers released rivaling songs about their team colors, fans talked trash and backed it up with names of stars in the past and the number of rings and the history of their teams. But, one gigantic Black and Yellow elephant stood in the corner of the room, and everyone knew it. Ben Rothelisberger was brought up on charges of allegedly sexually assaulting a girl at a club in a bathroom earlier that year. Only that girl and Big Ben will ever truly know what happened in that stall on that fateful night. But, the charges were inevitably dismissed, and everyone just shook it off. A well-liked and well-respected player, people didn't want to believe he did it... but many did. And worse, he got away with it... and it was once again chalked up to the fact that he was a hero, a superstar, a celebrity... and everyone knows that type of person can not be found guilty.
Well, what if the NFL (or whoever makes up "the powers that be") knew he wasn't innocent. Surely they could not send him to jail, ruin that year and future of that ENORMOUS Franchise in Pittsburgh. But with enough strings being pulled... Maybe he could still pay the debt that he owed the legal system, in another way. Just like in the WWF, the NFL may have just decided to turn Big Ben over from a "Face" to a "Heel."
For those not familiar with these terms, a "Face" was an upstanding citizen in the WWF, a do-gooder, super hero type that crowds loved and kids looked up to. And their polar opposite, the evil villains, if you will, were the "Heels." But, every now and then for the sake of plot twists, the WWF would change a "Face" into a "Heel," unexpectedly. One of the most atrocious examples of this, was when Hulk Hogan in his twilight years was with the WCW (A Rival Wrestling Show), and he was Face, as always, but he joined unexpectedly the NWO, a gang of "Heel" Characters. Fans were stunned and appalled that one of their greatest Heroes ever, had turned to the Dark Side.
If I haven't lost you yet, here is the moment of the Super Bowl that blew me away. In the Fourth Quarter, many people clung to their seats as the Pittsburgh Steelers had a chance to make a comeback and win the Super Bowl again, behind none other than Big Ben Rothelisberger who made an entire career on being a 4th Quarter Come back kid, the King of Closers in the Quarterback world. But then... during an intermission, right before the potential game winning drive, after a commercial break, the NFL or whatever channel it was on... decided to highlight the story of Ben Rothelisberger. Not, the good Ben who had come out of nowhere, won Super Bowls against all odds and was a family man. But, the Ben Rothelisberger who had legal trouble, was charged with "alleged Sexual Abuse," and they were quoted as saying later, "...But the charges were eventually dropped." This seemed to me to be nearly out of nowhere.
So, Riddle me this Batman. WHY ON EARTH WOULD THE NFL EVER ALLOW ONE OF THEIR GREAT "HERO" PLAYERS TO BE SLANDERED ON TV IN FRONT OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, MERE SECONDS BEFORE THE MOST PIVOTAL POINT IN THE GAME. At that point, a commercial spot of the same time it took to highlight Big Ben's Personal Legal trouble, probably could've netted upwards of 5-Million Dollars. So, why NFL was it worth that much money, to let the good people watching know that Big Ben was in fact accused of rape? This haunted me for so long... until tonight when that light bulb went off. I think I get it. It's scripted to some extent. Big Ben pissed off the powers that be somehow and this was his sentence. Of the Millions watching at that moment, many were not regular fans, in fact, they were friends, family, spouses, etc of the real fans. But that minute of exposure, would make those "sub-fans" kind of naturally want to root for the Defense that is trying to stop the bad guy, the "Heel" from scoring... making this Green Bay Packers team the real heroes, that beat the "rapist."
That moment never sat right with me... why crucify Ben Rothelisberger to the Public. Why? Because he was sentenced to lose his super powers from whoever pulls those strings, he was sentenced to become the Heel and to be defeated by the Faces on the Packers. Proof? Not exactly... just logic.
EVIDENCE
I brushed this off after several conversations about the issue. But this thought, this questions remained buried in my mind. And this year, in fact, this very night that I write this, It has resurfaced. I have realized a possibility, thanks to Lebron James. That's right, I am a die-hard, life long Miami Heat Fan, since 1988.
Now again, BEFORE, you grab those pitch forks, theres more you must read. This year my team made epic moves and garnished epic consequences for those moves. Not only is the NBA another billion dollar corporation, but it in fact is full of Billion Dollar Independent Moguls such as Lebron James. Someone else who never sat right with me. "The King" that was crowned before he EVER even played a game in the NBA. He was everywhere from even before being drafted. Sure, he is a freak of nature, an athletic specimen. But, people claimed to "witness" the next Michael Jordan before he ever played a game. I didn't buy it. I realized with my college education, they were building a brand! Lebron James was the most marketed superstar ever. With tons invested in his success and it worked. Highest selling jersey, his own shoe line, he was 20 and he was actually damn amazing. Carrying the Cleveland Cavaliers on his back.
But, something still seemed a miss. He didn't win a title, he wasn't happy in Cleveland, then he did something nobody every expected. He left the team he built, selfishly, to go play with other superstars in Miami and win a championship. People went nuts, Lebron James immediately became the Ultimate Heel. Bigger than Hulk Hogan's epic flip that disgusted people so greatly. Fans burned his jersey, children cried, the Cavs owner committed social suicide... I wouldn't trust him anymore, at least.
Here is the funny thing about all this to me. ESPN bashed my team, the Miami Heat, all year. So did every major sports outfit. Every fan that wasn't a Heat fan, joined the Heat Hater Bandwagon... wearing their Anti-Lebron James Jerseys now. Fans LOVED TO HATE Him. The Ultimate Heel.
Now... Let's say that once again, the powers that be were upset. The man that they poured millions of marketing dollars into, jerseys, ads, the hopes and dreams of everyone in Ohio and many other places... had just "betrayed" them all. He began to be burned everywhere. Former stars often branded him a "coward," and not a "true champion." Now these POWERS THAT BE, couldn't just take Lebron James out... they couldn't destroy this star completely. But if strings could be pulled... and they would, they could still make him pay dearly. I think they may have succeeded.
I used to swear by ESPN but this entire year they have turned into a Benedict Arnold in my eyes. Where once they were the source for all sports news and highlights, they became the Drama Queens I wanted to avoid. Constantly bashing my team and its players, building gigantic media headline frenzies over the smallest, most insignificant incidents (Google the "Lebron/Spoelstra Shoulder Bump"). It was like I was so blinded by my love for the monopolizing sports entity that I failed to see how quickly they would turn their back on their own fans. This was even more evidence to me that ESPN became the vehicle that would turn the nation and the world against Lebron James and his NWO-Like Gang, the Miami Heat.
Lebron James had money, he had fame, popularity, super-stardom was his. He was already a legend before he ever proved himself worthy of the name. But, interestingly enough he knew it. He knew he had to prove himself, if not to anyone else, to himself. Lebron needed to win a championship. And like he did in the Olympics with his friends, when he won gold, he saw an opportunity. So, Lebron seized this chance. While he left millions with a bad taste in their mouth, he didn't realize the gravity of the situation. He like I at the time, thought that it was just a game, and that winning was the goal. Wrong... Lebron... we were all wrong.
I had an epiphany tonight. I thought the Heat were leagues and leagues better than the Mavericks. I thought the refs made insane calls that changed momentums of the games in this series that led to inevitably the Heat losing to a Veteran Mavericks team. I was aware of the great players on this team, that many of them, this was probably their last chance at winning that illusive championship trophy, but I still believed talent vs talent, Lebron, Bosh and Wade beat the world in the Olympics, they would devour this above-average team from Dallas. I missed something... I was blinded. It was the ultimate trap game for the Ultimate Heel.
Look at what the NBA and the Powers that Be did. They took the Hated Heat and their new anti-hero Lebron James and pitted them somehow against the toughest of the teams to get to the finals. It was like some sort of Greek Tragedy, a Hero pitted against tests of fortitude, ghosts of the past, demon obstacles. Lebron and the Heat faced the Celtics, probably the second best team in the league in terms of star power and skill and also they happened to be Lebron's Kryptonite for his entire career. The Heat and Lebron overcame certain doom, Lebron was so emotional, you'd thought he already won the championship, he defeated his haunting demon of the past.
Next the NBA sent their minions of young talent, the Bulls, at the Heat. With Derrick Rose at his best ever, he seemed to be getting the better of the Heat. And Ironically as Lebron James became the Heel in the NBA, Derrick Rose was taking his place as the new FACE of the NBA. The new star that the fans were growing love, pouring their dreams and hard-earned money into. Rose was to the public what James was the past 6 years... "the second coming," if you will. But again, talent prevailed. With a struggling D Wade, the usual Heat closer, the Heat were expected to falter in clutch situations... but Lebron James overcame more of his demons and turned out to become and amazing closer. The Heat won, overcame another obstacle.
But, while we felt that we did it, we made it and we beat the two best teams. Lebron James had defied the Basketball Gods, when he left his home team for another squad. And those powers that be would get even, at any cost. Doesn't this sound like something straight out of Greek Mythology? It just may be...
Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. A bunch of older vets with a shot at the glory they had all chased for many years. And they had millions of fans jump to their bandwagon, simply because they wanted to see Lebron and the Heat fail. When about 3 years ago, those same fans cheer Lebron, Wade and Bosh all the way to the Gold Medal at the Summer Games in China. The NBA Powers That Be seemed to make sure, in very subtle way, such as "over the back" fouls and "Blown Calls." That no matter how good Lebron James was, he couldn't defy them, he could not just change the rules so many superstars before had followed. The Heat could not win this series, it was not their "destiny."
The NBA exacted its revenge in full. Lebron James made it to the finals like he expected, with a team MUCH better than the Dallas Mavericks. Lebron James thought he had beaten all of his demons, all of his rivals, overcome all of his obstacles. But, he made one ominous enemy, his employers. They baited him into believing he was going to achieve his ultimate goal. They took an eye for an eye, for they once believed he was going to be their next Michael Jordan, their key to the continued popularity, money and greatness of the NBA. But, he had his own plans. Well so did the NBA, and they crushed Lebron James tonight. They made him pay by dangling what he wanted more than anything in the world, right in front of him. And as his reached out to grab it, they tauntingly, mercilessly pulled it away and handed it to the lesser team. The team that played by the rules. The Dirk Nowitzki that "would never abandon his franchise." And Lebron was once again sent home with no goal achieved. He has paid so dearly for his "crime." Beyond anything we can ever even understand. I will still root for Lebron, and Wade, and the Heat. But especially Lebron, for what he was just put through.
BUT WHY!?
You know, I thought it was all about money. And, it just didn't seem to be evidence enough for me that sports can be fixed all for the money. Nobody is that sick. There are too many honest people to have money overpower humanity. But, that was it... that was my epiphany in full force. I already suspected foul play, but I could never go beyond speculation... then I realized... Its not the money that could make this true. Its everything else.
Remember how I said when Hulk Hogan beat Iron Sheik, it was like America struck a blow against the evil of the world?? Well, what about when The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl after 9/11 with a Back up Quarterback drafted in the 5th round? What about when the Saints won suddenly and fatefully after receiving a shunned quarterback that 4 doctors said would never be fixed, then he was, right after Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, and thats where he won.. and he boosted the morale of an entire country. What about Lance Armstrong.. the American Hero who has avoided all steroid controversy until only recently, yet Barry Bonds was already pronounced guilty by his fans, yet is still being pursued in a dying sport by Congress of all people? Just take a second and ask why? Is it all about money? No, it is something so much bigger, I never really got it. I think I'm on to it now though.
I can't prove anything, but I can say this. When Lebron James left Cleveland for Miami. He didn't just leave a city with no championship. It wasn't about the unsold jerseys that were now wasted, or the team that now was decimated. It wasn't about the money or the championships. It wasn't even about legacy or stature. It was about the morale of the people. It was about a man, Lebron James, who went against the machine, the NBA, and the machine was not about to let it's workers dictate to them how things work. It was about the thousands of little inner city kids that idolized Lebron and their parents had to explain why their hero left them. It was about the tens of thousands of out of work professionals in a down economy that couldn't find work but could find some peace and happiness in watching their favorite player week after week, their "Hero," who might save their day. It was about the Lebron James savior that turned on his millions of faithful, at least that's how the NBA played the story, and all the media followed suit. If there is an illuminati conspiracy, it is an ingenious thing. And you do not want to go against that machine like I am right now. Because it will find a way to make you pay. But I don't much they can take, and like Lebron James, I am proud and I will do what I believe is right to justify my own self. Lebron James was crucified yesterday, he was beaten down, destroyed, demoralized. He will be back, he may even win someday. Hopefully the NBA will focus on a new target. But, while he's has an amazing gift to play the game of Basketball, he didn't realize what was at stake. He didn't realize that the game the NBA and all professional sports play, is soooo much bigger than that. It's a game that he underestimated, and he lost.
So, call me a bitter fan... although I'm not. I am happy for the mavs, for the veterans who just caught that championship after so many years of work. Call me paranoid or a conspiracy theorist... maybe I am. Maybe I am just a non-conformist. But, maybe I am just an intelligent, outside thinker who may be on to something here. Maybe not, but you can't prove me wrong, just like I cant prove I'm right. I love sports, I hope for the sake of the world I am wrong. But, It is quite suspicious... aren't you at least glad you heard me out?
Go Heat...
5:31 AM
Wind Flight
Posted in: NBA Lockout
