LeBron, I feel your pain

This June, video clips in every major news channel showed angry crowds feverishly protesting, up in arms and nearly rioting they engulfed the symbol of their loathe in flame.  The demonstration I'm speaking of wasn't any flag or holy text.  I'm talking about LeBron James jerseys. 

Anyone who follow sports heard, or saw firsthand, the LeBron James saga.  Every team with backloaded cash was vying for the chance to bring the King to rule their city. In a grab for the fading media spotlight (we only have twenty-four hours in a day and we still didn't know if Brett Favre would play this season) James, in a live televised press conference, announced "I will be taking my talents to South Beach." This move meant he would join forces with Dwayne Wade and newly acquired Chris Bosh.  Blah Blah everyone knows that story.  James was met with immediate and aggressive criticism. I didn't feel bad for James, not at the time.  I was very indifferent, to LeBron leaving his franchise and hometown for a chance to win because, well frankly they never brought in a suitable sidekick.  Yes, a whole city probably hates him and people that were once a "Witness" probably hope to witness  his private jet go the way of Buddy Holly.  Who cares, right?

Well now I do.  After arriving in Australia to play for the Rangers I was quite excited.  Four days and one practice later I was miserable.  The Rangers, as I was informed, were a Division 3 club with hopes of climbing to Division 1 by next season.  Enter my incorrect assumption.  My brother plays Division 3 football, the athletes are youthful, competitive, experienced and although they may not have the jaw dropping athleticism of the DI athlete they are phenomenal athletes and the facilities are accommodating if not excellent.  My first training was painful.  I felt as though I had not left America but I had arrived from Krypton and the Australian sun had made me a superhero.  I was on a different level.  My skills, athleticism but especially my understanding of the game surpassed the entire organization.  My teammates were either; new to baseball, old and broken down or lacking any knowledge of the sport.  I immediately and privately voiced my discontent to the club manager and president (we'll call him Bob for the sake of saving characters) and asked that the team consider finding me a home with a new Div 1 team. Normally I would have shelved my pride and enjoyed the opportunity for what it was.  However, Bob had agreed prior to my departure that if I was not happy I could be moved elsewhere.  After several weeks of the Rangers organization trying to convince me to stay with them I am now on the way out.  And I extent my sympathy to LeBron; homeboy I do not envy you.

Now I feel like an entire community wants to drive a stake through my heart. Admittedly most of the disdain is simply a product of my overactive imagination.  I have been the feature story in every baseball related news publication for two weeks prior to the news of my trade. I've been coaching two teams the 14U team and have taken ownership of my own senior club's practices.  Everyone wanted to meet me, chat with me and befriend me and why not I am a fairly likable guy.  Now I expect to see an angry mob carrying torches made from newspaper articles marching down my street.  The head coach asked that I do not attend training although I have yet to be traded and they have asserted "we value your knowledge as a coach even more so than your talent as a player". Then there is Bob.  The man once leading the charade of indulgences dinners and perks is now well less than pleased he could not persuade me to stay.  Bob decided to take a very public shot at me in the club newsletter and has repeatedly chose comment on my lack of loyalty and his disappointment in my failure to fulfill my obligation with the team. 

Well Lebron, I feel you. Let's start a weekly therapy group for people who left for greener pastures on the south beach. I'll eat up every word you have to say because, well hey-- at least Gawler isn't Cleveland and at least I didn't diss my team on national television.