Say Hello to the 21st Century Schizoid Man

For those of you who are visiting this site for the first time: this is a sports blog that I have been writing on and off (mostly off) for the past two years. It started out as something I wanted to write regularly, but I never found a way to write it consistently. I have gone an entire year without writing now, but I've always wanted to get back into it. And what I "witnessed" a couple of days ago was just the kick in the pants I needed. It is a shame that it took the drama of one LeBron James to bring me back to the writing game (especially when the world's greatest team sport is having its single largest game today). But such is the nature of the new era being born in sports. So, without further ado, here is my return to sports blogging and an introduction to the new era superstar.

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I'm livin' in the 21st century, doing somethin' mean to it
Do it better than anybody you ever seen do it
Screams from the haters, got a nice ring to it
I guess every superhero need his theme music


And with those poignant words, Kanye West begins to look like some kind of tea-leaf-reading psychic. The lyrics, which open his brand new single "Power", seem to typify the career of...nay, the public spectacle that LeBron James has created, particularly in the last few months. He is the most skilled basketball player of all time (take it to the bank). He has absolutely dominated the games in all non-ring categories. He certainly created a legion of haters during his hour-long special "The Decision" on ESPN. And to all Miami residents, he has instantly become a superhero.

But Kanye didn't stop there, interrupting his cocky flow with the jarring 'punk rock' sample:

21st century schizoid man!


And that, ladies and gentlemen, is where Kanye starts to look like some kind of Nostradamus.

You see, the concept of a 21st century schizoid man, a guy who looks out for number one, who makes decisions for his happiness alone, is one that is relatively accepted in post-modern American society. In fact, this ideal has sort of become the new-age American Dream. Being your own boss, enjoying complete freedom from societal pressure, and being absolutely comfortable in your own skin: these are the new ideals for success in America. It's about more than financial success or high quality of life; it's about the freedom to do as you damn well please. It's a powerful notion, and one that drives everyone from those working minimum wage all the way to Mark Zuckerberg.

However professional basketball, up until this point, has remained a seemingly archaic institution in relative terms. Pride, loyalty, and competitiveness were looked upon more favorably than financial security, health, and even happiness. And even as the NBA turned into a superstar's league, and Magic, Bird, Kareem, and Jordan became bigger than the game itself, the purists continued to turn to the notions of pride, loyalty, and competitiveness (especially competitiveness) as the overall saving grace. The aging contingent of sports writers that dominate today's sports journalism field remain convinced that this is still the case.

But LeBron James ushered in a definitive new superstar era this past Thursday. He went on stage, kicked an entire nation (minus Florida) in the gut, and said, "All I want to do is win championships and I'm doing what's best for LeBron." He doesn't care what you and I think and he doesn't care what Cleveland thinks. He has goals, professionally, personally, and globally, and he made a calculated decision to best accomplish those goals. He decided that his legacy, though certainly a concern, would not come as a priority to his personal happiness. And, though he will be derided for that decision for years to come, his views and the precedent established by his decision will define the actions of our future athlete-superstars.

The values that we once held our superstars to no longer exist. Business, personal goals, and happiness are the name of the game for the new age of superstar. Twitter accounts, global marketing campaigns, and TV specials have become their new stage. And LeBron James has become the prototype for success in this new mindset.

LeBron James is living in the 21st century. The rest of the basketball world will soon join him.

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Back with in depth World Cup Final aftermath coverage tomorrow. Game is today, Sunday, July 11, at 11 a.m. pacific time. Tune in to see if Paul the Octopus can make it 8 for 8 on his World Cup predictions. Or just tune in for, you know, the single biggest worldwide sporting event of the year. Either way.