So the Cleveland Cavaliers are banning any anti-LeBron James apparel from Quicken Loans Arena for their Dec. 2 meeting with the Heat, and have even beefed up police presence for the return of The King. Obviously they’re hyper sensitive with the game being televised nationally on TNT and all. But where does security end and a fascist military state begin? Do the Cavaliers have the right to strip me, TSA/airlines style, if they don’t like my “Quitness” T-shirt?
It works like this: If you proudly strut into the arena wearing your “LeBron: The Lyin’ King” sweatshirt, security will confiscate it and “replace it with a Cavaliers shirt,” according to The Cleveland Leader. Any anti-LeBron signs will be confiscated as well.
Per ESPN’s Chris Broussard, the NBA, the Cavs, and the Cleveland Police Department have had multiple conversations regarding the security plans for this game and they have enlisted dozens of extra officers to ensure LeBron’s safety.
“Honestly, I’m a little bit afraid,” one member of the Cavs organization said. “Some people don’t care. Their mentality is ‘‘I’ve got to get this off my chest.’ There’s so much negative energy around this game. People aren’t excited about the game itself. They’re just like, ‘‘I can’t wait to do something.’ “
First of all, unless you strip-search everyone at the gate, you’re not going to stop the majority of anti-LeBron apparel. So what you’re left with is security roaming the stands plucking people out of their seats, which is going to look great on TV. Expect a few signs to get through security as well; and the resultant scuffles when security tries to confiscate them. Also I predict at least one shirtless fan — possibly with a url advertisement written on his body — to crash the court.
The Cavs say they’re worried about LeBron’s safety, but they’re really worried about their own image. As far as TNT is concerned, the game turning into a huge anti-LeBron rally could make this the highest-rated NBA game of the season.
And speaking of that, will Cavs security be patrolling the parking lot before the game? Because I predict numerous, LeBron apparel-fueled bonfires. And maybe even a burning-LeBron-in-effigy or two. Also, if Cleveland wins, will we see civil unrest downtown? It’s not out of the question.
I kind of can’t wait for Thursday. It’s early Christmas!
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Extra security, no anti-LeBron shirts for James’ return to Cleveland [The Sporting News]
Cavaliers Ban Anti-LeBron Signs/Apparel; Attempt to Avoid Disaster [The Cleveland Leader]
