Bayern Munich made an unexpected run in the 2009/2010 Uefa Champions League. Their game at Old Trafford was pivotal in their quest for European glory. In this clip, Arjen Robben, goal below, pulls the German side back in the 74th minute when Man U supporters thought the game was over. His fantastic strike ushered his team closer to the final. Enjoy!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Is Lebron James Going To Miami?
The recent buzz around Lebron James is an interesting study on public personas. On one hand, Lebron is nearly unrivaled in his athletic talent. The NBA has not seen individual talent on this level since Kobe Bryant chose to go pro back in 1996. Attuned onlookers could argue that, at 25, James shows more talent than Kobe. Dissenters can rightly state Kobe notched his first NBA championship before turning 21.
This truth begs an equally important question: Is anyone worth this much attention? Within 24 hours, Lebron James went from 0 to over 250,000 Twitter followers. Symbolically following no one, his bio is a three word moniker- "King of Akron." The explosive following is likely one for the record books but offers little information about tonight's big decision. Perhaps the one redeeming aspect is this media circus will generate funds for the Boys & Girls Club. One must wonder how much money will justify this case of an inflated ego.
The Today Show, ESPN, and nearly any media outlet with a hankering for ratings has weighed in on the hoopla surround his free agency. ESPN is airing a one hour special ominously entitled "The Decision" tonight at 9:00 PM. The broadcast will likely give a lengthy bio about Lebron's hometown roots, magnetic personality and interviews with pundits. The NBA star has promised to reveal his 'decision' within the first ten minutes.
With Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade already committed to the Miami Heat, the latest reports suggest he will follow. Pat Riley, Miami's coach, would have no problem with such an embarrassment of riches. He previously managed the Shaq and D-Wade combo that won the 2004 NBA championship.
Fanfare aside, Lebron is basketball's biggest marketing phenomenon since Michael Jordan. MJ is now retired, after several public attempts to return to the game he loved. Divorced from his wife, boyfriend to 30-year old model, and survivor of frivolous lawsuits, Jordan now occupies an interesting existence. Will the same happen to Lebron? The crazy-things-happening-to-me bug publicly caught Kobe, Shaq, as well as his Airness.
Only time will reveal Lebron's legacy. Tonight will be merely another chapter in a story that should continue on for at least a decade more. Maybe he can skirt around the pitfalls that ensnared the giants that preceded them.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
