CLEVELAND -- If LeBron James was going to win another NBA title, heal broken hearts and continue building his legacy, he knew there was only one place to go. Cheap Air Jordan 1 Nz Sale . To Ohio. Home. Four years after he left for Miami, a widely criticized departure that damaged his image and crushed a long-suffering citys championship hopes, James is coming back to play for the Cavaliers to try and end Clevelands half-century title drought. Hes returning to his basketball roots, to the people who know him best, to make good on a promise. James made the announcement Friday with a powerful essay written for Sports Illustrated. His decision ended two weeks of speculation with the entire league waiting on his move. When he finally made it, Cleveland was his choice over re-signing with the Heat. ESPNs Brian Windhorst later reported the deal is worth $42.1 million over two years. "I looked at other teams, but I wasnt going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland," he said to SI. "The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy." James had not yet signed a contract, but he made it clear he will wear a Cavaliers jersey next season. "When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission," James said in the SI first-person story. "I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasnt had that feeling in a long, long, long time. My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But whats most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio." The talented kid from Akron, now a homecoming king. Cleveland is thrilled to have him back. James is the leagues best all-around player, a four-time MVP who was dubbed "The Chosen One" as a cant-miss high school star who learned the game on the playgrounds of Akron, about 40 miles from Cleveland. At 6-foot-8, 260 pounds, he can score from all over and is one of the games best passers and defenders. Staying in Miami would have been easy. He could have made another run at a third title and fifth straight NBA Finals appearance with close friends Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the other members of a "Big 3" who have been the leagues team-to-hate since 2010. Instead, James picked the young, unproven Cavs, with a rookie coach, David Blatt, who spent last year in Israel. Almost unbelievably, hell again work for owner Dan Gilbert, who torched James on his way out the door in 2010. For Cleveland, a city accustomed to so much sports heartache -- as the Cavaliers, Browns and Indians have come close but failed to win it all -- news of James return triggered a spontaneous downtown celebration during Fridays lunch hours. Car horns blared and strangers high-fived on the sidewalks outside Quicken Loans Arena, where James had so many big moments during his first seven seasons as a pro. Four years ago, some fans burned his jersey. On July 11, 2014, all was forgiven. The Cavs were considered a long shot when free agency opened. But as the days went by, Cleveland emerged as the leader, especially after clearing salary-cap spaces to offer him a maximum contract. While he was in Las Vegas earlier this week, James met with Heat president Pat Riley, the architect of Miamis back-to-back championship teams. Riley made a final pitch, but he had nothing to match the overwhelming lure of home. "Before anyone ever cared where I would play basketball, I was a kid from Northeast Ohio," James told SI. "People there have seen me grow up. I sometimes feel like Im their son. Their passion can be overwhelming. But it drives me." James exit ends an era in Miami, but its not the end for the Heat. Bosh agreed Friday to a five-year contract worth about $118 million, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because neither the team nor Bosh had publicly announced the deal. The Heat are negotiating with Wade, who learned of James departure on a flight to Miami late Thursday. He may be gone, but part of James will forever be in Miami. "I went to Miami because of D-Wade and CB," James told SI. "I believed we could do something magical if we came together. And thats exactly what we did! The hardest thing to leave is what I built with those guys." James was scorned for turning his back on Cleveland in 2010, announcing his decision on a poorly conceived TV special. His critics said he wasnt good enough to win a championship by himself, and that he needed to surround himself with All-Stars. James may never surpass Michael Jordans six titles, but his legacy could be bringing one to Cleveland, devoid of a championship in any sport since 1964. "Im not promising a championship," he said. "I know how hard that is to deliver. Were not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to win next year, but Im realistic." Hes starting fresh with Gilbert, who famously wrote a blistering letter condemning James and calling him disloyal, narcissistic and cowardly. At some point, the two worked out their differences. "Ive met with Dan, face-to-face, man-to-man," James said. "Weve talked it out." Gilbert, too, has moved on. "I am excited for the fans and people of Cleveland and Ohio. No fans and people deserve a winner more than them," Gilbert said on Twitter. Like a kid who spent four years away at college, James is coming back home. James comes back a different man, more mature for his encore. He grew up in Miami. Hes a proven champion, married with two sons and his wife, Savannah, has a daughter on the way. He wanted to raise them in his hometown. James has "loyalty" tattooed on his body. Akron is everything to him, "theres no better place to grow up." Scarred by economic woes, the area needs his help, and James intends to make it a better place. "I feel my calling here goes above basketball," he said. "I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one, and I take that very seriously. My presence can make a difference in Miami, but I think it can mean more where Im from. In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have. Im ready to accept the challenge. "Im coming home." Cheap Air Jordan 1 Nz . PAUL, Minn. Jordan 1 Retro Sale Nz . The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists detailed in a report how Russian and international journalists have been harassed and prevented from covering sensitive stories in Sochi such as the abuse of migrant workers and environmental issues. http://www.cheapairjordan1nz.com/ . The two teams will play through the completion of the game starting at 5pm ct on Wednesday. The regularly scheduled Wednesday night matchup will follow that and will now be seven innings.The role of the football pundit is in flux. It has traditionally been a position of great influence over public perception, and remains so to a certain degree. Educated opinion from larger than life talking heads help shape judgment on performance, tactical execution, while taking sides in moments of controversy. The voice of the pundit remains a respected one, afforded the platform to educate and inform. But the definitive voice of reason, they (we) are not. Times have changed where the final word doesnt belong to the television analyst, newspaper columnist or online journalist. It belongs to Twitter, where everyone is an analyst. Millions of voices sharing opinion. Voices that cannot and should not be silenced. Frustrated with a player or manager? Disagree with an analysts take? Infuriated with a refereeing decision? Want to praise a special performance where fitting tribute hasnt been paid by a commentator? Twitter allows these conversations to be had. Get on your soapbox and make your stance known. We all form alternative opinions while watching. Very seldom do we all see eye to eye on the way the game plays out or the calls that are made. There is no right or wrong, just opinion. Twitter has brought the pub into your own living room. A place we agree to disagree. Where non-sensical and over the top bias meets reasonable discourse. This is a good thing. Yet Twitter reaction remains an issue of contention among football analysts coming out of Sundays Manchester derby. Prominent and well respected journos have taken aim at the online response and behaviour after Manchester Citys eventful 1-0 win over 10-man Manchester United. The match was marked by a tepid refereeing performance, flash-points, and controversial decisions. The merits and failures of each talking point was debated on Twitter. As Mark Ogden of The Telegraph described, the unpleasant trend of football supporters launching social media witch-hunts broke new ground during and after the 168th derby between City and United. Shared pictures and Vines of Joe Harts head-butt on referee Michael Oliver and Marouane Fellaini spitting on Sergio Aguero were moments Ogden claimed were skewed by bias, efforts to weaken their rivals through mob rule online and tribalism gone too far. Strong words, yet seem to be perpetuate his agenda by downplaying on-field controversy by blaming the masses for fanning the flames. The fire was ignited on the field, not on Twitter. Other columnists believed the negative online discussion was symptomatic of the trend focusing too much on the referees performance than the actual game. Its difficult to argue the focus should not have been on Oliver. Although his sending off of Chris Smalling was a no-brainer, his other decision-making left much to be desired. Three denied penalty claims stood prominent in the aftermath. Its an unenviable task taking charge of a derby as such. The job of a referee is difficult enough without the heated rivalry as subplot. A referee doesnt have the various angles and benefit of replay we the viewing public are afforded. The implementation of instant replay, added officials along the touchline or even an additional referee in the middle of the park would be progressive steps by the FA to ensure the highest quality of officiating possible. But even if these conditions were met, it is unlikely we would achieve public consensus on refereeing decisions. The rules of the game are built for interpretation. Its the same in every sport. Whether its pass interference in American football, interference in hockey or a foul in basketball, the level of indiscretion varies based upon the individual. The perception of every call is based upon personal experience, bias, or level of understanding. There is nothing objective about it. There is nothing straight-forward either. It happens in football, at all levels, everywhere. When Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod held on to the ball for 10 seconds against the US women at the 2012 Olympics, she was technically breaking Law 12 of the FIFAs Laws of the Game. Goalkeepers are not supposed to hold on to the ball for more than six seconds after gaining control. The rule is completely discretionary. Yet referee Christiana Pederson ruled it appropriate to call. Rules of the game - discretionary, arbitrary guidelines to be used ultimately with common sense and within reason. We bring these moments that enrage or puzzle to our preferred social media platform to share our frustration. Its a natural reaction to want to vent. Its difficult (however) to tell the full story through 140 characters or less, six seconds of video, and/or still-framed shots. They fail to tell the entire story. A head-butt, spit, or potential penalty call is better explained through a live lens than merely a couple frames. But that doesnt mean the snippets dont have value. They promote discussion and encourage further deliberation. Its utilitarianism at its finest, making do with what we have. Storytelling 101. The ability to tell the story is no longer solely in the hands of the broadcaster or columnist. Interpretations are there to be had and freely expressed. How many times have we all watched games and wondered why the director hasnt shown another replay or the halftime conversation hasnt gone in-depth on the issue we perceive as most important? Twitter is the solution and fills the cracks where traditional coverage either wont or fail to go. So when the focus of Twitter conversation revolves around Oliver, it reflects what the viewer took out of the match. Oliver was a clear target because of his struggles and not because of any so-called witch-hunt. Its worth noting Oliver should never have been assigned the Manchester derby to begin with after butchering his previous match, awarding Victor Moses of Stoke City a penalty after a clear dive against Swansea City. Swans manager Garry Monk branded Olivers decision disgraceful and disgusting. The penalty remained a talking point all week. Its no wonder Oliver called a hesitant match, failing to award penalties in Citys favour on three separate occasions. While only one of the three potential penalties was a no-doubt spot-kick, its hard to believe another official without the ddistraction of a botched penalty call the week previous would have ruled the same. Cheap Air Jordan 1 Nz Online. City fans had reason to be upset, and providing visual evidence on Twitter validates the complaints. Rare consensus was achieved on Twitter in stripping down of United defender Chris Smalling for his mindless play that saw him sent off in the first half. Those who criticize the conversation on Twitter cant have it both ways - you cannot hit out at Twitter reaction when it comes to controversial officiating while agreeing with Tweets chastising an over-zealous defender. United fans didnt argue Smallings sending off. They did argue City goalkeeper Hart could have been sent off even before Smalling was issued his second yellow. Earlier in the first half Hart rushed towards Oliver in animated protest and met heads with the referee. Media analysts regularly denounce players who get in the face of referees. Hart not only argued, but made head-to-head contact with Oliver. It was a head-butt. Not a forceful put-your-head-through-the guy type of blow, but the type of weak head-to-head contact weve seen between players all too often that seemingly end in a player getting sent off. Mind you, the player receiving the blow usually dramatically throws his head back, conning the refereeing in the process. Oliver had to feel the contact made by Hart and froze in the moment. Twitter blew up as the visual evidence spread. United fans felt hard done-by as Oliver let off Hart, scot-free. Another referee may have sent off the player. We have seen red cards given for similar dissent towards officials. Thiago Silva of Paris Saint-Germain was sent off last year for trying to hold up an official in protest. It wasnt even a push, more of a stop-right-here kind of touch. Silva was dismissed. Harsh? Maybe. But it provides further evidence that the rules of the game argument cannot be applied to everything. Twitter suggesting Hart was lucky to stay on is no witch-hunt. It is an opinion. In fact, when television coverage failed to adequately highlight the incident, it became incumbent on the online world to share the incident. Should Hart have been sent off or not? It was a fair question to ask. The conversation made for lively discussion. There is nothing wrong with United and City supporters, as well as neutrals weighing in. The referees inaction gave every reason to put him in the spotlight. A referee has an incredible amount of power dictating the proceedings. Olivers decision to not take action against Hart gave City a lifeline. Smallings sending off gave them the points. As previously mentioned, City fans as well had good reason to gripe. No fewer than three penalty claims were denied by Oliver. The clearest Marcos Rojo taking down Yaya Toure on the stroke of halftime: a more than reasonable penalty shot and potential red card. The replays were damning. Was Twitter wrong for highlighting the injustice of these decisions? Of course not. Television networks and news outlets use former officials to analyze decisions. Twitter analysts may not have the experience of taking charge of a match, but one assumes one has watched enough football to formulate some kind of rational opinion. Professional playing or refereeing experience should not be prerequisite to weighing in. Experience certainly helps and is an asset to educating. Its food for thought to help sway opinion. But by no means is the be-all, end-all. If television finds it necessary to weigh in on refereeing decisions, so should Twitter. City fans also jumped all over Fellaini for an alleged spitting incident. In another first half incident, Fellaini kicked Aguero inside the 18-yard box. The Argentine went down but Oliver unsurprisingly denied the claim. Fellaini charged back to Aguero on the ground in a fit of rage. Vines soon-thereafter spread showing saliva coming from the mouth of the Belgian. The natural assumption on Twitter was that Fellaini had spit on Aguero. Did he spit? Yes. Was it because Fellaini was a spit-talker? Most likely. This was not a Francesco Totti hork-on-a-player type scene. But the emotional response on Twitter suggested such a crime committed. Is this fair on Fellaini? Probably not. But Fellaini put himself in a position to be criticized, engaging with Aguero instead of playing on. No sympathy for Fellaini. The online noise in this case was just that; noise. It will fan the flames for some while roll the eyes of others. Such is Twitter. In cases as such, its easy to ignore. Again, this is a good thing. Extra analysis, whether its skewed or not is a positive. Make your own conclusion. Passionate engagement should be encouraged. As long as threats, racial/personal attacks, and foul language is left out of it, added material should be embraced and has become part of the overall experience of consumption. To ignore sentiment is to disregard the pulse of the people. If a story is being discussed or debated, we as professionals must engage, not discourage. Football is game made for debate, discussion and disagreement. Analysts telling fans how they should feel or react to a play or controversial moment is a thing of the past. The preachy nature of the business has been a long-standing turn-off for many. Its easier to take when the fans can have a proper say. We in the media should never talk down to fans and how they react to the game. Our job is to inform while providing our personal interpretations as to what happened. There is no right. There is no wrong. Twitter on Sunday gave people the platform to voice their dissatisfaction at the way the game was officiated. Human error will continue to exist. But that doesnt mean the mistakes shouldnt be pointed out. A higher standard is required. The future of our industry is engagement, not polarization. The musings of Ogden and others does little to facilitate the two-way conversation that is demanded. If the conversation being had is about controversy, officiating, and mistakes, then so be it. It may be called the beautiful game. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We are here for the fans. They determine the beauty of the narrative. Not us. Gareth Wheeler can be reached at: @WheelerTSN gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca China NFL Jerseys Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys NFL Jerseys Cheap Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap Basketball Jerseys Online Stitched Hockey Jerseys Wholesale Baseball Jerseys Football Jerseys Outlet College Jerseys For Sale Cheap MLB Jerseys Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys For Sale Wholesale NFL Jerseys ' ' '