Why I Care About Lebron's Decision

I don’t really follow basketball much, nor do I care to. In fact, I don’t care to follow much about the sports world. I would much rather be playing a backyard football game, a pick-up game of basketball (which I readily admit I am not very good at), or some sand volleyball, than sitting in front of the TV or computer watching someone else burn calories. However, I do greatly appreciate the physical stamina and raw talent that I observe during the occasional sports-watching evening, and I do love spending time with my husband watching an occasional game in person. I recognize that athletes are not only gifted in their sport, but also very driven in their training. I played volleyball from Jr. High through my freshman year of college at MBI, so I get that it takes dedication and heart. However, like I said, I would rather be playing than watching.

With that said, when all the hype surfaced about Lebron moving to Miami four years ago, I was rather entertained simply because my then boyfriend, now husband, was deeply moved and outraged at this information. He was, and always will be, a die-hard Cleveland sports fan. Whether he’s watching the Indians, Browns, or Cavs, he’s a true supporter. He has also always been an Ohio State fan, and since moving to Columbus a year and a half ago, he is also a Columbus Clippers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Columbus Crew fan. We’re a pretty supportive couple for Ohio sports teams, but especially Cleveland teams. Regardless, Bryan was about ready to burn his Lebron jersey four years ago, but instead gave it away to a friend who probably couldn’t care less where he ended up.

Recently the hype resurfaced, as Lebron announced that he will be returning to Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers. All of a sudden Facebook and Twitter exploded with comments and cheers welcoming Lebron “home”. My husband’s social media sites were no exception. He was immensely pleased with this news, and he let the world, or at least his world of social media followers and friends, know about it. Almost immediately my mind filled with thoughts of how this man did not deserve the kind of praise and recognition he was getting, no matter how good he is at the game of basketball.

 Lebron is just another guy, albeit, the best athlete in the world at the moment, completely capable of letting people down, and to me, not worthy of all the attention and publicity he was getting. Just as I was ready to call my husband and tell him to lay off all the excited comments and posts, I thought twice. Although I do not agree with the basis of the hype, it was obviously very important to my husband, and revolves around something that he takes great pleasure in. So with that in mind, I decided to keep quiet. When he asked what I thought about it all, I calmly explained that I was only excited because he was. Nonetheless, I want to care about the things my husband cares about. He takes great pleasure in things that do not normally interest me, but I choose to be interested in them because I love him, and want to enjoy what he enjoys. I love seeing him excited and happy. If that is about the Cavs most recent trade, so be it. I care about Lebron’s decision because I love my husband and want to love him well, and he cares about it.