ESPN permanently axes LeBron Vegas story
LeBron may not be as smooth as he appears.
FOX Sports
Share This Story
ESPN on Thursday permanently killed an unflattering LeBron James profile it had previously published, and blamed the reporter for “not properly identifying himself” while researching the piece.
LIKE MIKE .... TYSON?
LeBron is closer to becoming the next Tyson than he is the next Jordan, Jason Whitlock says.
The article, by ESPNLosAngeles.com columnist Arash Markazi, depicted James as someone who “relishes being the center of attention” as handlers infantilize the 25-year-old.
“The more you hang around James, the more you realize he’s still a child wrapped in a 6-foot-8, 250-pound frame,” Markazi wrote in the story, posted at 9:40am ET Wednesday. It was pulled shortly thereafter.
One day later, with the story generating attention it may never have earned if it had been left alone, ESPN was forced to explain its decision.
“We looked into the situation thoroughly and found that Arash did not properly identify himself as a reporter or clearly state his intentions to write a story,” ESPN editor-in-chief Rob King said in a statement. “ESPN.com will not be posting this story in any form.”
That means it will be difficult -- though far from impossible -- for fans to read about James flirting with Las Vegas cocktail waitresses in clubs surrounded by naked women covered in rose petals.
Though constantly surrounded by an entourage of security, family and longtime friends, he was disappointed when a club offered him a male waiter, according to the article.
“I wish they’d have one of those girls with no panties do that instead of the guy,” he said as a waiter delivered another bottle of vodka.
Even fellow basketball players seemed shocked at James’ behavior.
In one nightclub, Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis walked past James’ group and surveyed the area “like a painting in a museum, soaking in the images of the go-go dancers…and the costumed man delivering bottles of champagne.”
Davis shook his head, and moved on.
Markazi, the author, accepted the decision in a statement released by his employer.
“I stand by the accuracy of the story in its entirety, but should have been clearer in representing my intent to write about the events I observed,” he said.
It was not be the first time ESPN flirted with James-related controversy. Its own internal watchdog blasted the sports network for what he said were ethical missteps in its recent broadcast of a program devoted to the star’s signing with the Miami Heat.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Boy, 12, dies after hit by lacrosse ball
A 12-year-old boy has died in upstate New York after being hit in the chest with a la... -
Jacobs sorry for comments about Gisele
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs apologized Wednesday for saying Gisele Bu... -
'Oil Can' Boyd reveals cocaine use
Former Red Sox pitcher Dennis 'Oil Can' Boyd says he pitched two-thirds of his games ... -
Report: Plaxico wants to join Eagles
New York Jets receiver Plaxico Burress is keen to fly the nest and join the Philadelp... -
Belichick: Force throw to Manningham
Before Eli Manning and the Giants took the field for their eventual game-winning driv...
NBA Videos
Nash talks ASG nod
Posted: Feb 10, 2012
FOX Sports Arizona hears from Steve Nash after being selected to his eighth All-...
FOX Sports Arizona hears from Steve Nash after being selected to his eighth All-...
Houston to host ASG
Posted: Feb 08, 2012
Houston was awarded the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. Hear David Stern's remarks.
Houston was awarded the 2013 NBA All-Star Game. Hear David Stern's remarks.
Magic cool off Heat
Posted: Feb 09, 2012
Dwight Howard talks with FOX Sports Florida after the Magic's 102-89 win over Mi...
Dwight Howard talks with FOX Sports Florida after the Magic's 102-89 win over Mi...
NBA Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Gold | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Lakers/browse/featuredproduct/491688/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_491000/ff_491688_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-.. |
| adidas LeBron James Miami Heat Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Miami_Heat/browse/featuredproduct/498609/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_498000/ff_498609_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas LeBron James Miami Heat Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Black |
| \'47 Brand Orlando Magic Black Hardwood Classics Franchise Fitted Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Orlando_Magic/browse/featuredproduct/505997/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_505000/ff_505997_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | \'47 Brand Orlando Magic Black Hardwood Classics Franchise Fitted Hat |
| New Era Dallas Mavericks Black Primary Logo 59FIFTY Flat Bill Fitted Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Dallas_Mavericks/browse/featuredproduct/614631/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_614000/ff_614631_xl.jpg&w=100 | 34.95 | New Era Dallas Mavericks Black Primary Logo 59FIFTY Flat Bill Fitted Hat |
| Boston Celtics Team Mascot Gnome | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Celtics/browse/featuredproduct/617849/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_617000/ff_617849_xl.jpg&w=100 | 24.95 | Boston Celtics Team Mascot Gnome |
| Mitchell & Ness Houston Rockets Red Solid Script Snapback Adjustable Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Houston_Rockets/browse/featuredproduct/692238/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_692000/ff_692238_xl.jpg&w=100 | 25.95 | Mitchell & Ness Houston Rockets Red Solid Script Snapback Adjustable Hat |
| adidas Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers Womens Replica Jersey - Red | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Clippers/browse/featuredproduct/702882/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_702000/ff_702882_xl.jpg&w=100 | 64.95 | adidas Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers Womens Replica Jersey - Red |
| Majestic Chicago Bulls #1 Derrick Rose Energized T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Bulls/browse/featuredproduct/784437/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_784000/ff_784437_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Majestic Chicago Bulls #1 Derrick Rose Energized T-Shirt - Black |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.