I was sitting in my living room, listening to the TV, checking my e-mail and conversing with Hannah before trying to do some work. Then, out of nowhere:
"I really think tomorrow night is the most important Cleveland sporting event of my lifetime," I said, kind of to Hannah, but mostly just to the universe at-large.
Hannah questioned me on this statement. Sure, the whole RETURN OF LEBRON!!! storyline is interesting and emotional and all that, but is it more important than all of those other "Most Important Games Ever" that I've watched and been let down by?
Yes. Game 7s, AFC championship games, NBA playoffs — those are all experiences had by any number of teams every year. The hunt for a title is definitely thrilling, but it's not entirely unique. December 2, 2010, is unique. It's our moment and ours alone.
Just what is this moment? It's a moment born entirely from The Decision — all of the failure, embarrassment and bitterness that was wrapped into that TV show. Those aren't new feelings around these parts, but The Decision re-imagined all of them. Gave them new life. December 2, 2010, is the fallout of that moment.
December 2, 2010, is the most important game in my lifetime because, at it's core, it encapsulates the narrative of Cleveland. Here's the scrappy team that was left behind versus the hyped-up, super team, starring the guy that pulled our pants down in front of the whole school. America's favorite punch line versus America. Cleveland never gets a chance to make fun of another city's polluted river; Cleveland never gets the chance to look down on other cities that rank on "Most Miserable Places on Earth" lists. December 2, 2010, is a chance to do that, I think.
December 2, 2010, can be about us. And I'm not saying "this is our moment to show everyone how great and classy we are!" No. F that. Cleveland has a chance to make someone else a punchline; to make someone else look like a buffoon. We can get the last laugh for a change!
I honestly hope a crazy fan attacks LeBron tomorrow. I hope the national media gets another reason to fart on Cleveland's head. Good. That's how it should be. Screw them. December 2, 2010, isn't about playing nice or making friends. This is Cleveland's unique moment in time, and the most important sporting event of my lifetime — with the nation watching — so why waste it by merely booing and cheering? Let's go set a fucking river on fire! And then throw LeBron in it!! Who's with me?!
Go Cavs!
