Dana Jacobson

  (9:24 AM)

good morning folks. be back with you in a bit to get the chat going. i know you'll have plenty to say on lebron. i for one was disappointed with the no hand shake -upset or not...it's part of the game and your job. He knows better; he is better than that. Being a winner/competitive isn't a valid reason. Everyone on that floor is a competitor and wants to be a winner. Losing is part of playing the game...so is sportsmanship.

Garysburg, N.C

The Cavs have three major problems and they are that Lebron, His teammates and coach Mike Brown all think that he's King James, Prince at best. And the 3 reasons he even stays around is because in the refs eyes he never fouls, goal tend and always gets fouled. Its making the NBA hard to watch because no team deserves to get cheated like the Magic did.

Moderator

  (9:27 AM)

hey Garysburg...Magic are in the Finals, how cheated did they really get??

Mike G - Ansonia, CT

Lebron should be ashamed of himself, he is the so-called face of basketball and a role model. Kids all over the world saw bad sportsmanship. Lost all respect for him.

Lefty Lopez from Lorain, Ohio

You guys making a story out of nothing. Lebron walked off the court last year and didnt shake any Celtics hands. It wasn't a story last year. Did Tampa shake the Phillies hands after they lost the World Series, no. Only in the NHL is it required to do this. This isn't little league and you aren't required to shake hands and you dont get a trophy for just playing.

Moderator

  (9:29 AM)

Lefty, go back and check, it was a HUGE deal when Belichick ran off the field and snubbed Mangini - and when he ran off prematurely at the Super Bowl vs. the Giants...and both times he did offer some semblence of a shake...these acts always get noticed and scorned

Carl Robinson, Birmingham, Alabama

hey Skip, i'm taking a sick day from work just to watch you rip Mo Williams, Prince James, and the so-called "Coach of the Year" a new one...Please don't disapoint...:-)

Drew (Morgantown, WV)

I'm tired of hearing how Lebron had no help. All I heard during the regular season was, Lebron has help now, thats why the Cavs are winning. Then when they lose, its not his fault, its the rest of the teams. Look at the stats for the players, the top scorers scored more or about the same per game in the playoffs as they did in the regular season. I'm not even gonna touch on Lebron not speaking to the media after the game. Thats embarassing, what kind of MVP bails on his team like that?

Keron (Philadelphia, PA)

Has everyone stopped over reacting saying LeBron, has surpassed Kobe? I hear kobe is good for the last 12 mins and LeBron is good for the first 36, but isn't the last 12 more important? So wouldn't Kobe be better then?

A. Higgins, Dunedin, Fl

Win like a man, lose like a man, always shake your opponents hand! Prince James needs to grow up.

Jay Crawford

  (9:48 AM)

goooood morning room! happy monday to all!!

Umor (Detroit)

Hey Jay, Maybe the Cavs win next year....NOT

Jay Crawford

  (9:48 AM)

or maybe!!!! hope is endless my friend. im from cleveland!

sean d.c.

jay, didn't lebron accept hugs and handshakes from the pistons & hawks players or did he walk of the court like a 11 year old then.

Michael (KY)

This same thing is going to happen in the Finals that happened in the East Finals.... the Magic will get overlooked again, and pull off the "upset" because basketball is a team game. Not a one superstar game. The Magic will win Game 1, Kobe will get anxious and try to start doing everything himself, and the Lakers will self-destruct. Then, by the time they regain their composure, Orlando will be up 3-1 and it will be too late. If the magic can beat the Cavs, I see no reason why they cannot beat the Lakers

Mike, Ishpeming MI

Lebron James is not the only NBA superstar that has lost a postseason game or series. He needs to lace up his gym shoes and come back with vengence. Cleveland is a good team, a few minor changes and they should be able to hang a banner.

Chris (Ft. Walton Beach, FL)

Everybody thinks the fans only wanted to see a Kobe-Lebron Finals, but let's not forget that Dwight Howard broke the record for most All-Star votes this year, more than Kobe....and more than LeBron.

Darrell Espen Ree Janesville, Wisconsin

Why does the media make such a big deal over athletes who don't adhere to their standards? After all, athletes just want to play the game at the highest level achievable to them. Who cares if they don't answer questions. Some may have a phobia or anxiety when facing cameras. Give them a break! Tell Mr. Skip Bayless to have a heart and to give Lebron James a break just because he didn't shake hands. I certainly didn't care. Thanks

Dana Jacobson

  (9:49 AM)

Darrell, it's part of their contract essentially, media avail. Like it or not.

marty ia [via mobile]

jordan shook hands when he lost and he was biggest winner/competitor i've seen in my lifetime. he even shook hands of bad boy pistons

Dana Jacobson

  (9:50 AM)

marty, i agree. like it or not you have to do it!

Rob, Philadelphia, PA

You have to understand, in regular season games its common to have a good game attitude because at the end of the day it's just a number. For Lebron, this is his legacy; that's one less than he could have and I guarantee he's looking at it that way. He's going to end up being the best player of all time, hes simply trying to do it in every facet of the game. Where he screwed up was skipping the press conference. Yes, he's pissed but at least sit down at the table make 30 seconds of statements and bounce. That's what professionalism is and at 24 Lebron doesn't understand it yet. He can still remain pissed off as much as he wants after the game.

Jay Crawford

  (9:51 AM)

sean if youre looking for me to be a lebron apologist, you have the wrong guy. CHILDISH!!! even worse, he made no apologies the next day, but tried to explain it away because he's a 'competitor' PLEASE!!!! man up, shake hands, give congratulations as you would want your opponents to do to you! a huge blemish on "king james'!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Jay: 37 runs? Really?

Dana Jacobson

  (9:51 AM)

Rob i could maybe overlook it for his age if he hadn't been i this position before. he has. he's not your average 24 year old

Jay Crawford

  (9:51 AM)

i know. i thought it was a mens league softball score. thats what happens when your pitching runs dry!

Michael (KY)

Sure it may be a part of their contract, but what is anyone going to do about it..... come on, seriously.....

j(springfield ma)

YES. im happy lebron wont have a championship before my celtics regroup for next year.

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Please excuse me being delirious in the chat today. I'm still going wild over Rafael Nadal losing in the fourth round in Paris to Robin Soderling.

sean d.c.

sorry prince james now you know what kobe has known for some time now, that you can't do it alone

Dana Jacobson

  (9:52 AM)

when its during series and it happens multiple times i believe guys get fined.

Jay Crawford

  (9:52 AM)

no man has won an nba title without help.

ryu. shakopee mn

i witness king NOTHING. i witness orlando step all over the king. did you witness?

Jay Crawford

  (9:52 AM)

i did not. flipped at halftime.

Umor (Detroit)

Lebron doesn't remember NBA history. Zeke and Laimbeer didn't shake Jordan hand when the bulls finally got over the hump. And the pistons took the heat. But they did stay for the press conference.

j(springfield ma)

lebron is still a kid.

Mike-Orlando

The league wants this guy to be the face of the league? Kobe, Dwight or D-Wade would have never acted this way! What kind of message does it send to the kids wearing his jersey? It's okay to be a poor sport? It's funny to listen to his weak explanation as to why he didn't shake hands. I wonder what his approach would be if his team had one and it was Dwight that took his approach. Skip is right- Prince James at best. He's got some growing up to do!

Michael Robinson (Jacksonville, FL)

I don't like how skip is always hassling Lebron James just because he has not won a ring. All this proves is that size will kill you Mo williams is good but he is not a point guard in Clevelands sets Lebron is Mo williams is the shooting guard and D.West is the small forward The Cavaliers are lacking a decent size shooting guard next to Lebron. and one other point had Resard Lewis not hit a three pointer in the last 30 seconds og Game 1 and 3 cleveland would be had been 2-2 if you take away Lebron's shot in Game 2.

Umor (Detroit)

Morning DJ, Wings are out playing the Pens. Malkin and crosby Can't make a play with lidstrom and zetty shadowing them. I told y'all Wings in 5.

marty ia [via mobile]

i was going to give lebron a pass when he didn't shake hands due to heat of moment. was more upset that he was unapologetic for it next day

Jay Crawford

  (9:53 AM)

great poinht party. as childish as it was to storm off and not talk, it is a crime of passion so to speak. heat of the moment. not recognize his error the next day, unforgivable!

Loopy

Can't stay long but congratulations goes to the Magic for winning (not an upset). I have no problem with Lebron not talking to the media in fact I think it's stupid that the NBA or any sport makes you talk to reporters after a heartbreaking series loss. The problem is not at least saying good game or shaking hands to the opposition when it's over. Even Serena Williams shook hands at the end of a match and she's the #1 excuse maker in sports.

Dana Jacobson

  (9:54 AM)

umor before we all get too cocky - this is how it started last year. pens will get a boost at home but they are frustrating the you know what out of crosby right now. and the role guys like abdelkader scoring the way they are. huge!!! last nights was awesome..

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Last week I said that I thought LeBron was more mature than Kobe. I'd like to redact that today.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I'm now convinced that NBA fans are the biggest whiners in pro sports. Any fan who can whine when his team qualifies for the Finals has some issues.

Dana Jacobson

  (9:54 AM)

johnny wise move

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

What LeBron did was wrong but up until now, hasn't the kid done most things right? I say we treat him like we would our own kids. Let him know he made a judgment error and move on. No need to dwell on this (although I'm guessing several members of the media might).

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I'd like to apologize as a fan for the poor sportsmanship shown by the Penguins in the first two games of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. Losing is one thing but to compound it with thuggery is just wrong.

Jay Crawford

  (9:54 AM)

wrong indeed johnny boy!

Dana Jacobson

  (9:54 AM)

johnny, thing is he isn't like our kids. if we praise him for all the good, which many do. you have to point out the bad. and that means talking about it. he knows better.

Simone (Springboro, OH)

How is that Lebron can walk off the court without shaking hands with the Magic, and not speak to the media, yet nobody says anything about it. That is very poor sportsmanship. Shows the double standard the nba and the media have for Prince James.

Jay Crawford

  (9:55 AM)

plenty are saying much about it simone. he's being roasted, and rightfully so.

Dana Jacobson

  (9:55 AM)

Simone, where have you been? Everyone is talking about it.

Josh Lodi, Ohio

So aggrivated as an Ohio sports fan. The Cavs can't close the gap, the beloved Buckeyes always choke in big games, the Browns are years from winning and is there help for the Indians. But what if anything should we hope for in the future from our teams?

j(springfield ma)

i dont think lebron not shaking hands would be a big deal if the cavs were not so cocky all season

Dana Jacobson

  (9:56 AM)

Josh, you just keep hoping b/c that's what fans do. Teams break your heart and you keep cheering. B/c you don't want to give up on them and then watch them win it all. It's a love hate relationship.

Jay Crawford

  (9:56 AM)

great point j! poor winner, poor loser????

Michael (KY)

LeBron had help all season long, what happened to it in the Playoffs? OH!! Lebron wanted to be a Mr. Do-It-All, and not even use his help. True, Williams underacheived, and Z was invisible, but LeBron choked under the playoff pressure. Bottom line!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Maybe LeBron was just trying to get home to catch the end of the Yankees-Indians game.

Jay Crawford

  (9:57 AM)

his shooters didnt help. go back and look at their shooting lines michael. you cant avg 40 and call it choking. he could have been better, but what do you want from him, 50, 60 a game? when your snipers go that coild, you're cooked. period!

john- pc bch,fl

Good Morning,ALL

Umor (Detroit)

Mike Brown needed the make adjustments. But nothing was working. Cavs Play small The magie smalls were quicker. They try to double team Howard. he just over power their bigs.

Rob, Philadelphia, PA

Dana, he has been in this position before, but has he ever been in this position after having such a dominant role for an entire season and easy road to get here. I think he just expected so much from his teammates, didn't get it and feels like he's got the world on his back. I'm 22 and I know although I am an ex college athlete, regardless of ability, this does take a toll and his reaction is part of a complete maturation process that is a life thing.

Jay Crawford

  (9:58 AM)

not much mike could have done with all the mismatches. hats off to orlando. terrific series by an outstanding team!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Thanks for all the early chat love folks. Dana: I'm not saying we don't talk about what LeBron did but let's not drag this out all week. That's all.

Dana Jacobson

  (9:59 AM)

rob, i do think its part of a maturation process. but i thought he was beyond it...whether that's fair or not.

Dana Jacobson

  (9:59 AM)

hockey fans, justin abdelkader on the show around 1120am today!

john- pc bch,fl

Lebron is still a kid- I shook hands after losing, it wasn't fun but I didn't have the burden that he carried- understandable, but not acceptable act

Matt ( Tallahasee, FL)

Hello I was wondering if you guys are going to discuss or have any highlights on the Florida State NCAA record setting beatdown of Ohio State 37-6 it was amazing game to watch hope you guys had a chance to see some of it

Jay Crawford

  (10:07 AM)

we'll talk about it! looks like the buckeyes score from a national title football game! lol

mark(manhattan ks)

Funny that LeBron says he didn't shake hands becuz he's a winner....and he says that after he loses....what sense does that make? Queen James doesn't get a pass on this one, NO WAY!!!

John, Austin

GO HORNS GO!!!! 25 INNINGS AND STILL GOING STRONG.

MIKE(NC)

ORLANDO HAS BEATEN THE DEFENDING CHAMPS, THE MVP OF 09, COULD THEY THE BEAT THE BEST IN THE WEST THE LAST 2 YEARS! I HOPE SO

Jay Crawford

  (10:08 AM)

should be a great watch!

Damian (Oklahoma)

Haha I can hear Skip licking his chops all the way from here! I'm ready!

Kenny, (Hubbard, Ohio)

Hey Jay and Dana! Love watching the show! Where can I write to in order to get your autographs? Hope to hear from you. Thanks!

Loopy

I forgot to say. Go get em Skip!!!!

CJ (Cleveland,OH.)

This is what we call "busch league" tactics, and they were brought to you courtesy of "King" James, who showed himself to be a pauper. At 4 years old e are taught to be good sports. For this guy to not be, then turn around and excuse himself is low. Lebron suprised us all, and the NBA should turn it's spotlight from "Crybaby" James to Dwight "Superman" Howard and his big smile. Wow Lebron you shocked us all by losing, but you've slapped all fans around by making your poor sportsmanship excusable.

Jay Crawford

  (10:09 AM)

send us a line hear kenny. we'll get you a signed picture...

shane(raleigh,nc)

i dont mind Lebron not talking to the media and i dont mind that he didnt want to shake all of the Magic's hand but Howard was his gold medal teammate in the Olympics and deserved that much. Just remember this he is young and Bill Belichick was alot older and wiser when he refused to shake Mangini's hand. We forgot about that so too we will forget about this

lewis, tx

skipp knows how to call them, lebrick has no sportmenship and has no class,jordan is still the nba god

Craig (new york)

Michael Jordan would of shaked hands with the opposing team!!!!

Chris (Lakeland FL)

Unfortunately for the Magic, Phil Jackson isn't Mike Brown. Phil will adjust, and won't try to run 2 bigs out there and let the Magic hit 3's all night long.

J(springfield ma)

Skip was right the cavs thought they already made it to the FINALS

Uzo (Louisville, KY)

Apparently you have to lose before you learn to win. Same thing for Kobe, Shaq, everyone.

David (Wilkes Barre, PA

I'm just wondering what Skip's opinion of Lebron's supporting cast is now. Even with the addition of Mo Williams I never felt like the Cavs had what Skip called the best supporting cast in the league. Skip was a "prisoner of the regular season moment." My opinion is the "best player" in the league and his compadres compiled 66 regular season wins against a WEEEEAAAAKKKKK Easter Conference schedule that boasted only 4 or 5 above .500 teams.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Let's not forget the seven hour plus, 25-inning Texas/B.C. game from the weekend as well. Wild stuff happening in college baseball.

mike indy

If Orlando plays against LA he is a front runner. They are ok without him he will only play for selfish reasons and it will hurt chemistry of a team that went to the ship without him

Deundra Smyth (Austin, TX)

I think its fair to say that the Cavs lost the series because of LeBron's supporting cast, or lack thereof. But I place the Cavs game 6 debacle solely on the very broad shoulders of "Prince James" as Skip deemed him. In the rare instance when LeBron got the help he needed and demanded from Mo Willaims and Delonte West, LeBron James had a subpar game according to his standards and series average. If he had played as well in game 6 as he had in the previous 5 games, the Cavs could have easily taken game 6 and certainly game 7 in Cleveland and we are not having this conversation. LeBron picked a bad day to have a non-leBron-like performance. But he wasn't the only superstar to have subpar elimination games. Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups did as well.

john- pc bch,fl

I've seen some EXCELLENT b'ball, this post-season...If the refs do their job, I look forward to a PHENOMENAL play-off sreies

cory,South Bend,IN

Skip is it just me or is makeing eye contact with Lebron a foul? And why does every superstar player cry foul after they miss or turn the ball over? I remember when basketball was played by men not babies.

Rob

Here's an interesting question. What's worse for Shaq? Kobe and the Lakers winning the title or Stan Van Gundy and the Magic winning the title?

Marc (New York, NY)

I have two observations about James not shaking the Magic players' hand after Saturday's loss. 1. He did not shake hands with the C's last year after the Cavs loss, but no one was talking about that. 2. In baseball, players DO NOT shake hands after playoff series, so I don't see what the big deal is.

Jay Crawford

  (10:11 AM)

hmmmmmmmmmm... great questions! both!

MIKE(NC)

I LIKE THAT SKIP THAT WAS GOOD!

Jesse (Pittsburgh)

Hey Jay- Any thoughts on James bringing out the Yankees cap again?

john- pc bch,fl

Skip's crowin & Twitterin- what a great day for him,lol

Pinero Miami

its not that lebron has no sportmanship he just couldnt face the hard questions that the media was going to ask...now instead of asking him about his terrible perfomance in game 6 were talking about him not talkin to the media

Jay Crawford

  (10:12 AM)

same thoughts when he did it before. dis to cleveland. not a smart move. of all the hats to wear when the city is most down. if he goes, he goes...good luck in ny!

Tarzan Bronx, NY

I don't blame Lebron for what happened on saturday, he just got knocked out of the playoffs when everybody thought that the were going to win the championship. I feel that he didn't want to deal with any questions about going to the knicks and if losing the game would help his decision of leaving Cleveland.

mike indy

To show up after the loss in a Yankee hat just shows how he really feels like LBJ cares about LBJ again he lost dont compare him to Mamba ever he is classless and he just happened to get drafted by the Cavs he dont love that city like Cavs fans think

derrick (iowa)

i totally agree with Skip... For once he's right on the money about King James!

Jay (Chicago)

I never saw Jordan wearing a N.Y. hat or anyone eles hat after a loss... I dont get why Cleveland doesnt care, Lebron doesnt care about them!

Adam G. Tampa, FL

WE WANT JAMEER WE WANT JAMEER WE WANT JAMEER!!!

derek (iowa)

King James.... King Nothing....

CheeseburgerEddi Providence, R.I.

Hear we go... class comes with maturity that takes time cool but he still more consistently a good character role model/player

Brian (Michigan)

Failing to shake hands with the opposing team is not a criminal act. Get over yourselves, he doesn't have to do anything.

CJ (Cleveland, OH.

Two more things Lebron did wrong going into next year: First,disheartened his teammates by not taking this on his back, even if it wasn't.Second, he made the big man mad for years to come, so get ready for a Dwight Howrd kind of future in the NBA.Cleveland fans thank King Crybaby.

Joe(Buffalo)

Skip supports Lebron not shaking hands...watch!

Jay Crawford

  (10:14 AM)

nope!

Drew Arkansas

LeBron will be in NY after next season. NY will have the cap room and he has done everything he could for cleveland. The Cavs overacheieved this year and it showed in the ECF. nonetheless, season a good season

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Hard for LeBron to congratulate someone after a win but easy for King to clown someone during a loss?

lewis tx

queen james that sounds about right,jay crawford u better found a better roll model.

Paul (Antioch, TN)

Well, it never hurts to dream. I guess Nike ruined that for all of us with those puppets commercials. I didn't know about Lebron because I quit watching the game half-way in the 4th. That's a shame. I lost a little respect for him. I hate losing but I shake the hands of my opponents no matter how much it hurts. He had said you don't shake someone's hand after they beat you up, well boxers,MMA fighters, etc., they do it.

Jonathan (Atlanta, GA)

So this is how an "MVP" acts?! LeBron can take the glory but can't take the heat. Jordan did it. Kobe does it. But LeBron runs away like a spoiled litte brat, not shaking hands and facing the music with the media. We are all Witnesses.......

Selena (Louisiana)

LeBron = LeGone. Bring it on Lakers!

Jay Crawford

  (10:15 AM)

lewis...that's role model, and lebron is not now, or never has been my role model. he's been the man who cleveland, and myself pinned our hopes on to bring US a title. if pro athletes are your role models lewis, maybe you should check that.

Tyler RIverside CA

wat about Lebron only scoring 2 points in the 4th qrt there is no way any1 can compare him to jordan or even kobe the way he showed up in the 4th qrt

Des (Indianapolis)

LeBron gets a pass on too many things. LeBron is not a winner he is a whiner. He could not win gold at the Olympics (without Kobe). No one has mentioned that LeBron walked off the court in Indiana after Danny Granger sank a winning free throw, WHILE THERE WAS STILL TIME ON THE CLOCK. Randy Moss doesn't get away with that, why does Lebron?

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

ok, ok, ok........ enough picking on LeBron....... is everyone so quick to remember how quick Shaq was to get out of Orlando after not being able to win a title????

MIKE(NC)

IF I WERE A CLEVELAND FAN I WOULDN'T WANT HIM BACK NEXT YEAR, WEARING A NY HAT!! THAT'S B.S

Chris (Chicago)

failing to shake hands isnt a crime.. but its also a form or unsportmanship and disrespect at the same time

Joe(Buffalo)

Why would Lebron want to go play for the Knicks? How are they going to help him win a championship? Wouldn't a better fit be maybe Miami if Dwyane Wade stayed?

Robert ( Sacramento,CA )

marc in new york ... they may not shake hands but atleast they talk to the press ... look at T.O he is the biggest sore loser and he still has the courage to talk

Paul Cleveland, OH

Everyone will forget about not shaking hands when he has a hot start next year.

Randy (Boston, MA)

The really important concern with LeBrick's lack of sportsmanship after his final loss to Orlando is the MESSAGE he is sending to the millions of children who have looked up to him for 6 years. SPORTSMANSHIP is key in athletics for our children growing up, and LeBrick just spit in the face of every parent who has tried teaching sportsmanship to their children. I don't think I will be watching this guy anymore.

Aaron (Denver)

Talk is cheap...Lebron. Your actions define who you are, simply disappointing.

john- pc bch,fl

Skip makes LeBron sound like the NBA's Terrell Owens, hmmmmm Perhaps

MIKE(NC)

IF LEBRON DOES GO TO NY, HE STILL WILL NOT WIN, NY HAS NOBODY TO PUT AROUND HIM

Jace, Minnesota

Will people quit pretending Lebron is all about winning, if that was the case he would take a paycut and go to a team like the Celtics/Spurs/Magic and build a true dynasty

Des

Rob, Orlando was not going to pay Shaq as much as the Lakers could.

Arthur (Spring Valley, NY)

Fashion can explain or express how you feel LeBron, Yankee cap? They make Indians cap in that color! So dont be suprise if he's in the MSG...

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Some Cavs fans talk like they'd be fine with LeBron leaving but just watch them change their tunes if he actually does leave. He's the best thing Cavs basketball has seen in a long time and may ever see. He should be allowed to walk through downtown Cleveland wearing a full Yankees uniform without being chastised for it.

Drew (Warwick, RI)

Queen James really needs to learn maturity, what he did saturday night was a complete joke and a disgrace. No sportsmanship at all from the most overrated player in basketball

Robert ( Sacramento,CA )

<<==== no tv at the moment so i just wanna thanks for the good topics in here to keep me up to date ...

Brian (Michigan)

Fun watching the undeserved King get dethroned Louis the XVI style. Executed via guillotine aka Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.

Michael (KY)

Garret Anderson hit a HR yesterday for the Braves!!! FINALLY!!!!

Justin TheOXFORD, MS

Lebron is gone to NYC. He is only 24 and has the chance to become one of the greatest players ever. He is not MJ and it is not fair to put him against those standards. Could he not be an evolutionized OR, if I had to pick one young player I would pick D-Wade hands down. He led us last summer and is the only young player to show the MJ killer instinct! Sorry Lebron you will always be a prince we have already crowned a King!

Deundra (Austin, TX)

I think its fair to say that the Cavs lost the series because of LeBron's supporting cast, or lack thereof. But I place the Cavs game 6 debacle solely on the very broad shoulders of "Prince James" as Skip deemed him. In the rare instance when LeBron got the help he needed and demanded from Mo Willaims and Delonte West, LeBron James had a subpar game according to his standards and series average. If he had played as well in game 6 as he had in the previous 5 games, the Cavs could have easily taken game 6 and certainly game 7 in Cleveland and we are not having this conversation. LeBron picked a bad day to have a non-leBron-like performance. But he wasn't the only superstar to have subpar elimination games. Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups did as well.

Matt (Satellite Beach, FL)

LaBron showed zero respect for his opponents and teammates. He firmly believes that the Magic where a lesser team, but it was clearly not the case. LaBron showed us several things after game 6. He has zero class, zero respect and that he is still "Prince James". Maybe he needed to be humbled yet again.

Joe(Buffalo)

I'm an Orlando fan...we would love to have Lebron.... coul you imagine, Lebron and Dwight? in my dreams!

Will (WV)

So glad that the Lebron talk is over....forget it if he goes to another team now...we have more sports to talk about....

john- pc bch,fl

Scoop brought up CHARACTER- CHARACTER is how a man acts- when no one is looking. It is consistent & it is natural- anything else is hypocrasy.

mike indy

I guarantee Mo williams will make no more Guarantees

Justin TheOXFORD, MS

Yes, Prince James at age 24 shows exactly who he is. This is disappointing but only because all of the hype. He is a great talent but he is no MJ. There are many great athletes but only a few with the killer instinct that MJ possessed, and Lebron does not have it.

cleveland fan

"NEXT YEAR MAN"

Andrew, Cincinnati

This isn't the first time Lebron has acted like a baby. When him and his teammates lost the Ohio High School State Championship his junior season, they wouldn't even wear their runner up medals. Classless

Jay Crawford

  (10:25 AM)

that's not classless. i wouldnt wear a runner up medal either. refusing to shake the winner or losers hand, is classless!

E.J. (Queens, NY)

As a Lebron James fan I was extremely dissapointed in him on Saturday. Their is no justification for not shaking any one's hand, it's the simplest form of sportsmanship and his explanation was disgraceful.I hate to say it but, Skip you might be on to something on "Prince" James

Shane(raleigh,nc)

Barkley said it best they're not ROLE MODELS they all are HUMAN.Let's not forget that the great Kobe Bryant tainted his image alot worse than not shaking someones hand. To err is human Bryant

Dra (Dallas, Tx)

Do you think Carmelo choked under the pressure of an elimination game? And where was Chauncey?

damion,ny

dude why do lebron have to take a paycut lol are you serious.

Rob (Duval, GA)

With a player like Josh Smith the Cav's would be a champion next year.

MIKE(NC)

I'M A MAGIC FAN BUT HAD ALOT OF RESPECT FOR LEBRON. THE ISSUE WITH THE HAT AND THE POOR SPORTSMANSHIP SHOW THAT HE HAS NO RESPECT FOR THE GAME OR HIS FANS!

Chris (WV)

Van Gundy is afraid of Phil Jackson. LA sweep.

chris from san antonio

this summer cleveland needs to go shopping for a big man than can gaurd dwight howard if they ever hope to keep lebron. the cavs and magic are going to be playing each other for years to come not to mention the celtics arent going anywhere either.

Courtney (Odessa)

Skip and this non stop Lebron bashing is silly. The Cavs as a team aren't that good besides Lebron. Not one other cavs player could start for either Orlando or the Lakers besides Maybe Mo Williams and I wouldn't take him over Jameer Nelson. Lebron averaged 38 8 and 8 and played terrible? All the things Skip says about Lebron they said about MJ, he's a one man show and scoring champions don't win championships, Jordan didn't have 6 rings in 6 years.

TIMM COLUMBIA S.C.

HEY LEBRON: EVEN IN THE UFC THEY SHAKE HANDS AND HUG AFTER GETTING BEAT UP. HE NEEDS TO GET IN THE OCTAGON AND SEE IF THEY ARE COMPETITORS IN THERE

marty ia [via mobile]

so is cleveland turning its attention to indians now, or just skipping them and going straight to browns talk?

Jay Crawford

  (10:26 AM)

tribe is 7 out. not until they are 15 out is it browns town

Stephon (Waldorf,Maryland)

Why are people giving LeBron excuses every year. Last year he need help now there are too old. People did not say this before Orland in the playoff.

marty ia [via mobile]

bynum will finally have some success this playoffs, he'll be able to successfully use his time fouling howard

damion,ny

if garnet havent got injured all this hype would not even been on lebron on the first place. yall just hating on the king man its cool hate all yall want

Pete Chicago, IL

Gotta give props to skip again he said after the cavs swept the first two series that orlando would win the only person who picked the magic skip once again youve made your haters cry i love it

Mark(manhattan ks)

IS JAY CRWFORD SAYING HE CONDONES WHAT LeBRICK DID?

Mike (PIttsburgh, PA)

I don't understand why Skip keeps saying LeBron let the Cavs down this series, and their loss is LeBron's fault. It was his team's fault, especially Mo Williams. And what about giving Mike Brown some blame since he NEVER found a way to contain Dwight Howard

jay (hoboken, nj)

i agree with scoop on this..i am not going to go the route of skip just yet but i do not want to see lebron as the next isiah..remember 91 where he ducked mj. howard is a star but he is not shaq or kobe..bron would have congradulated both of them..that is all i am saying..i will give bron a pass but it was poor judgement!

Jay Crawford

  (10:27 AM)

not at all mark, go back and read them carefully! i called it classless. i said not wearing a runners-up nedal when you lose in the hs finals is not a classless move.

garry rocky mount,nc

i just want to say about time the cavs were exposed for who they were a bunch of calfs not cavs and by the way la lakers better be ready

chris Brentwood NY

lebron stay in clevland..and that frickin hat means nothing...u have to understand the yankee has become a neutral team logo...there are sooo many different colors and styles of yankee hats it means nothing but it matches what im wearing...

Andy (New York, NY)

Jay, I think Prop Athletes can be role models. Personally growing up I looked at Muhammad Ali. Sure he did some things that weren't so great, but he also did a lot of things that were really good and admirable and I have no problem with my children looking to him either.

mike indy

No one is SHAQ. Howard is good but if you take both in their prime Shaq Deisel would kill this kid.

Aaron (Denver)

I am interested to see Pietrus on Kobe...should be a fun and physical battle.

Anthony (San Antonio,TX)

Hi everyone, just wanted to say that not only was Lebron showed VERY poor sportsmanship and degrading himself. What got me more was how ignorant he was by sending a e-mail to Howard to congratuate him. Thats really cheap! I find that very disrespectful!

john- pc bch,fl

I'm not really concerned where LBJ will be next year or how many rings he'll win- I'm more intrigued with the upcoming match-ups in the finals, this oughtta be good

marty ia [via mobile]

lebron may have trouble getting titles whatever team he joins. howard is going to only get better in orlando

Adam G. Tampa, FL

The key to the Magic winning will be JEFF VAN GUNDY doing the games helping brother Stan. Jeff knows the Lakers style. lol

Ken Philadelphia Pa

Labron is a disgrace. You dont walk around all the time flexing your muscles when your winning than walk off the floor when you lose. Skip was right all along about Lebron. If you can run around dancing and taking fake pictures of yourself and teammates before games than be a man and shake the hands of the team that just beat you. Your right Skip how is he a winner. He hasnt won anything yet. With this attitude he will never be a winner either.

DAVID ANN ARBOR

ESPN needs to change how they show the NHL it is still a top sport but all of us fans get is 2 mins of highlights for a STANLEY CUP FINALS game

Rob (Orangeburg,SC)

Why is every body make a big deal over LeBron's action after the game it's not that serious.

Selena (Louisiana)

I hope LeBron learned a valuable lesson; don't hot shot while you winning. Stay humble. No matter how good you are, there is always someone better.

Danny Ainge (Boston, Mass)

Does anybody have LeBron's cell number handy??

Chicago (Chicago)

what most are failing to remember is!!! if it wasnt for the late shot by Lebron to win the 1 game they won... This series would have been a sweep...

Umor (Detroit)

If Tiger an Phil can shake hands after a round to win the masters. Lebron can shake hands with howard.

James (Michigan)

The Magic are going to give the Lakers a run for their money. However when it comes down to it, the lakers are going to pull it out.

Tim (Cleveland, OH) :

Skip, why should we Cleveland fans be upset at Lebron for wearing a Yankees hat? He is a Yankees fan, he's not trying to make a statement. It's as simple as that.

Mike (N.C.)

i bet Jay didnt want to come into today,, knowing everybody was going to be hating on Lebron and Cleveland!

Stephon (Waldorf,Maryland)

I can understand if James was just a sore loser but at sthe sametime he is a sore winner. That show less sportmanship than just been a sore loser. Big up to skip for seeing this before anybody and taking the heat for it.

ALAN(TAMPA BAY)

All of you are a bunch of Skips aka superstar haters.

Rod (IN)

Great athletes all have their share of detractors. Unfortunately for Lebron, the Cavs losing means all of his get to have their day in the sun. I still don't understand why this is even a story.

Robert ( Sacramento,CA )

rob in orangeburg ... when the NBA idolizes a superstar and make him out to be this really kool guy that you should strive to be i think it is well warrented when the so called good guy turns a cold shoulder

Donald Bayonne, NJ

I'm a huge yankee fan jay. i hate carl pavono. it hurt loosing to him yesterday

Zman, Dickinson, ND

Lebron is the reason why high school athletics needds to get less national attention, and need to go to college for at least 2years! His maturity level is not at the pro level it needs to be to be the "super star" he is rumored to be!

marty ia [via mobile]

i wonder how shaq feels about finals matchup. on end is his master of panic, on other end was player he rapped about last year

Courtney (Odessa)

The shaking hands thing is way overrated, what was Lebron supposed to say anyway, thanks for kicking my head in for four games and exposing how awful my team and coach are?

Pinero Miami

who cares about the yankees cap...number 1 selling hat of african-americans males from age of 16-24 even if you arnet from new york

Robert ( Sacramento,CA )

well guys i am gonna get going ... thanks for a great morning first take ... and don't worry jay it can only get worse from here .... ( free agents ) love ya skip you the man

Daniel( Harrisonburg, VA)

No shaking hands is just poor sportsmenship

aminty,CA

imagine if Nadal just walked away after his loss refusing to shake anyone's hand.

mark(manhattan ks)

ARE WE GONNA TALK ABOUT HOW JIMMIE JONHSON MADE UP 10 SPOTS IN 20 LAPS YEASTERDAY IN DOVER?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:46 AM)

sorry folks, was busy coming up with questions for abdelkader and writing the segment. back with you.

lawrence stowe vt

Lets face it Lebron is a 24 y/o kid that is mad they got whopped and is acting the part.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

yeah mark(manhattan ks) = no mention yet of Tony Stewart being the first owner/driver in a dozen years to lead the points in NASCAR........

Dana Jacobson

  (10:48 AM)

but lawrence unlike other 24 year olds he makes millions, has for years and is a role model. he prides himself on the good things he does for his community. being a good sport is a basic we teach our kids...it's just a basic thing no matter what level you play at. suck it up and be a man

Chase (Texas)

I think everyone is being to hard on the supporting cast of Mr. LeBron James. Looking @ the stats Mo Williams had 17 pts, West had 22 pts, and Varejao had 14. Cavs need to improve their bench. Cavs bench had 10 pts vs Pietrus 14pts....Pietrus has outscored the Cavs bench by himself

Matt (Council Bluffs, IA)

i think we need "Kobe and Dwight" commercials now

Isiah (Bronx, NY)

I don't understand why it is such a big deal that Lebron wear a Yankee cap. So what he is a Yankee fan, it doesn't mean he is coming to New York. I would understand if every time you see Lebron he wore some type of New York clothing like a Giants jersey one day then a Rangers jersey the next. But all he does is wear a baseball cap. Whats the big deal?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:49 AM)

matt, all they ned to do is cut to dwight - the real dwight holding the strings of the puppets after yanking them off the screen - he is the puppet master. at least the lebron puppet

damion,ny

look wat he did was wrong but seriously the guy got a lot of haters.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:50 AM)

damion, i'm not a hater but ive defended him for things i don't think he's gotten a fair shake on and this one i think he messed up.

Scuba Steve San Antonio TX

The ambassador of the NBA just walks off the court, way to go LEBRON you got the right stuff crybaby, SKIP must be so happy

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Dana = when talking of "role models" I always acquiese (sp?) to Charles Barkley's stance on the topic.

Aaron (Denver)

Look at that...one NASCAR comment gets through and the whole site shuts down...it must be a sign.

Ryan (Alexandria, VA )

Kobe doesn't NEED another ring,but the media makes it seem that way, saying he only won those rings because of shaq, never do they say shaq and kobe won those rings as a TEAM...because if shaq didnt have kobe they wouldnt have won those rings.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:50 AM)

Rob, i remember his words well. problem is you don't get to pick IF you are a role model, sometimes like it or not, you just are.

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

Dana being a fellow sports comentator what did you think of Barkley calling the his producer that nasty name after the game?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:50 AM)

paul, didn't hear it

damion,ny

you know what dana since you put it like that your right, but i still think skip a lebron hater.

john- pc bch,fl

SVG- AFRAID of Phil? I'm not even sure he's smart enuf to be afraid of MRS. VG- but he HAS beaten Phil twice this year...right? I know this- he's a heck of alot more entertaining than Phil!

James (Michigan)

Nascar is good, although it is very popular. Mainstream sports enthusiasts only care about the four major ones.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:51 AM)

damion - i do think there are a lot of haters out there...i don't think you're wrong in that but i do think a lot of people on here just aren't ok with this move.

Paul (Antioch, TN)

To change topics, I think it's a little unfair to say that Kobe's legacy is tarnished a little because he couldn't win without Shaq. He's a hall of famer and a great player. You can't just diminish that because of one thing. 3 rings are 3 rings regardless of who's on your team. This is what makes deciding, for me, who I'd like to see win the finals hard for me. I'd like to see Dwight win one but I'd like Kobe to get a least one post-Shaq so people can stop hating on how great of a player he is.

Will (WV)

Kobe still has his legacy even without a fourth title. I dont like the kid, but you must respect his game.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:51 AM)

paul, we're going there next on first and ten. in 30 seconds!

John, Austin

Don't agree with Lebron walking off at all, man up and shake hands BUT lets not let the rest of the NBA off the hook for being poor role models. Every one of them argue about every foul call and millions of kids see that also.

Matt (Council Bluffs, IA)

very true Dana,but he wont beable to pull Kobe's strings...they have home court and will win in 5

marty ia [via mobile]

need phil jackson and stan van gundy puppets. would be new version of the odd couple

Dana Jacobson

  (10:52 AM)

love it marty!

Daniel ( Harrisonburg, VA)

Dana, what do you think about people say JAmes is better then MJ?

**Lew** ChiCago

Shame on Lebron for being a sore loser and then trying to justify it. Jordan shook hands which was his idol and even Kobe shook hands when he lost. How is he the face of the NBA and sending that type of message to the kiddies?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:52 AM)

daniel, maybe one day. not yet.

tony

it's done the better team 'orlando' won,he might the best player or mvp. but it takes a whole team to win

Mike (Akron)

OK everyone, lets put this into perspective. First, LeBron not shaking hands is not a huge deal. Especially when they are getting ready to have that celebration. You people are such hypocrites. Bad move, yeah, but not the worst thing ever. Basically, what you people are incinuating is that LBJ would have been better off shaking the Magics hand, going out, getting drunk, getting caught with an underage prostitute, going home, beating his wife, neglecting his kids, demanded a trade and shooting his limo driver....but hey, at least he would be a good sport about it. Give me a break!!! Should he have shook hands, yeah, but lets not blow this thing out of proportion. He is 24 and was disappointed. Thats all.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:56 AM)

mike, i don't think that's what anyone is saying. two entirely different things!!!

john- pc bch,fl

w/b Dana if you need help, i'll start- who's abdelkader?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:56 AM)

john, he's a rookie with the red wings, 2 goals in 2 games...msu kid, michigan native, playing b/c datsuyk and draper are out basically and his 2 goals have been darn pretty

marty ia [via mobile]

cavs need one player who can create own offense and not just let lebron create for him

damion,ny

Lebron not shaking hands is bigger than the finals i see.

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

Interesting take mike from Akron, except, the rest of his teammates were shaking the Magic hands. The self proclaimed King James, is now Baby James.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

I don't have a problem with LeBron not shaking hands with his opponents. But when you don't talk to the media after you lose, you start to look like Kyle Busch.

YoungKev (Cleveland OH)

Between now and Feb; if LaBron shows any significant sign that he wont resign with the Cavs, the team should trade him. DON'T LET HIM GO FOR NOTHING!!

John, Austin

Is Jameer Nelson really going to be able to play? He said during the game the other night that he was shooting for preseason next year and now all of the sudden he could suit up. What the heck?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:04 AM)

john been reading about it all morning -if you believe what you read, mabye.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Abdelkader sounds like a super hero. But he has been playing like one.

Kev (Cleveland, OH)

Should the Cavs trade LBJ instead of waiting to see what he wants to do after 2010?

DONALD-BAYONNE, NJ

I LOVE MY JOB MY BOSS PAYS ME TO WATCH FIRST TAKE AND COMMENT TO YOU GUYS. SSSSSHHHHHH! DON'T MENTION MY NAME OUT LOUD

shane(raleigh,nc)

Mike from Akron is right. Skip and Scoop say this is a testament to Lebron's character. Well what to does Kobe's transgressions say about his character?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:05 AM)

donald, not bad

john- pc bch,fl

Disagree Hook- shake your opponents hand FIRST....then eat crow from the media

Mike (N.C.)

PLEASE... Stop comparing Lebron to Jordan... if anything Kobe's game is more like #23!!

John, Austin

Dana, new on my Bucket List: attend a Red Wings playoff game. Watching it on tv, it looks like a ton of fun.

brian (ohio)

never heard Jordan wanting out of Chicago when he wasnt winning!! cant believe Cleveland lets him get away with everything!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:06 AM)

john, do we have a convert?

Kevin (Tuscaloosa, AL)

Do think Malkin knows he is supposed to drop the stick and gloves if he is going to fight?

Ed from Baltimore

Hey Skip, I hear you rscking Lebron over the coals, but lets not forget to mention how you guys in the MEDIA have built this kid up to be the next Oscar Robinson or MJ. You guys need to recognize that this kid has bought in to all that the media has said about him, but because you guys have not mentioned how MJ didn't win until he got scotty, and Kobe had Shaq, you need to give this kid a break. He is the face of the league and as you know, the playoffs are far different than the regular season. He does not know how to be a gracious looser just like Jordan is said to have been worst in his loosing by his fomrer roomate when he mentioned to us that he made him stay up all night because he wanted to win soo bad at monopoly for goodness sakes. Give Labron a Scottie Pippen and then holla back at me.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

think about it -- WHO exactly did LeBron have he could go to, a shooting guard who could hit anything other than airballs, a center that could dominate the paint? answer - NObody!!!

mike indy

If Gasol couldnt handle 30 year old Kg he will have fits with Superman and boy how good are Hedo and Lewis La has no matchup for them I say Orlando in 6

Joe(Buffalo)

If Kobe doesn't win the championship he is going to accept that contract to go play in Italy!

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

How bout we stop comparing anyone to Jordan...enough already. These Joran comparisons will never end. Onto a new generation of NBA players..MJ is gone

Brandon (Groveland, MA)

Why is everyone so suprised about Lebron not shaking hands? He never thinks he fouls anyone, but everyone fouls him and when he does get fouled he acts like he just got punched in the face. He is the biggest pampered athlete today and im am a witness. A witness that Lebron is not the "King" and he will never be in my eyes.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:07 AM)

kevin i dont think either malkin or zetterberg knew exactly what to do there...but i'm pretty sure they'll shake hands when the series is over.

jim (L.A.)

What a great Finals.. Lebron is out, and Shaq looks like a fool for running his mouth,with his rap or the comments about Stan Van. What did Shaq ever win without a great forward or guard.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:07 AM)

sorry, i had to.

Garry Washington(Waldorf,MD)

Jameer Nelson isnt playoff ready...I understand why because Phil Jackson is going to make Kobe guard Rafer Alston...but he has been off since Feb...

Jonathan (Atlanta, GA)

If Nelson can come off the bench and give the Magic 10-15 minutes, he will drive the Lakers nuts especially for the second unit.

Jay Crawford

  (11:08 AM)

i wouldnt mess with the chemistry in orlando. they're winning without jameer. he's a great player, but if it aint broke, dont fix it!

John, Austin

Dana, I may be John from Austin but I used to be John from Youngstown. But Wings game sure look like a great experience.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:08 AM)

jonathan, my only question would be how much rust is there and does he throw off the team at all seeing as he hasn't played since what february.

John H (Lincolnton NC)

Jordan had better sportsmanship, he knew if you beat him he was gonna come back and kill you. Lebron just complains

Brian (Indiana)

Who does Skip have as the top team in the NFL?

Vince McMahon(WWE)

Mike Brown should be arrested for impersonating a good coach

Aaron (Denver)

Shane, laughable comment...do you really believe Kobe's character has not been question/attacked in the media?

Art Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Joe Torre said that Manny Ramirez should stay out of the All Star game if he is voted in and I agree with him. If you are a contending team in the National league, do you want to see Manny in the All Star game with home field advantage on the line?

Daniel ( Harrisonburg , VA)

Not shaking hands is being a baby..no class or sportsmenship. Hes suppost to be a role model for kids.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

RedWings game came off my BucketList when I had to get rid of my octopus collection

john- pc bch,fl

MAGIC think & talk trade, Chris? Shouldn't they focus on the upcoming FINALS?

marty ia [via mobile]

no way magic should even think about bringing jameer back for finals. don't mess with chemistry and he'd be rusty after all time off

Jay Crawford

  (11:09 AM)

yep. he can give the nl a better chance to win, which would ultimately be home field in the world series. its a big deal.

Tony Goforth (Cobden IL)

Will LeBron James go to the New York Knicks?

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

COME TO BK LEBRON. WE'RE NYers. We appreciate rude and lewd behavior. Storm off the court all you want...WE DONT CARE!!!

Jay Crawford

  (11:09 AM)

love it tj! very funny!

Viva

Shane if it was Kobe who blew off a handshake etc he would be criticized as well. Just like he's been in the past for just about everything else. Personally I have no issue with LeBron not shaking their hands its his lame explanation that made it worse. If he just said " I was upset over the loss" instead of saying he was above that sort of thing it wouldn't be that big a deal.

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

Fact: The Pens will even the series at 2-2.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Sounds like Jim from L.A. is one of Kobe's relatives.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:10 AM)

mike i definitely think they're winning game 3.

DONALD-BAYONNE, NJ

JAY I LOVE THE YANKEES IT HURT LOOSING TO PAVANO YESTERDAY

Kevin (Tuscaloosa, AL)

"but i'm pretty sure they'll shake hands when the series is over" Classic!

Courtney (Odessa, Tx)

If Kyle Busch walked in my living room right now I wouldn't know who he s so comparing him to Lebron isn't accurate lol

Dana Jacobson

  (11:10 AM)

donald, because of eric wedge pavano missed out on the win but i can see why that would hurt. we're even now b/c it killed to lose to cc in cleveland saturday!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:10 AM)

thanks kevin, it was a softball lobbed over the plate.

John H (Lincolnton NC)

I think Dwight is gonna stop all the championships hopes lebron had. If he gets a lil jumper and hook shot he could be like a hakeem

Daniel ( Harrisoburg , VA)

Im sick of people saying LJ is better then MJ. Dont you agree Jay? Jordan has 6 rings regarless of how good his supporting cast was

john- pc bch,fl

THIS john isn't a convert- always liked hockey. Grew up in B'ham w/the B'ham Bulls...we called it "Bull Hockey"

Jay Crawford

  (11:12 AM)

honestly, i really dont hear people saying lebron is better than michael. its ridiculous. win ONE title, and then 5 more, and get back to us. howver, he is a terrific player and is only 24 yrs old.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Jordan had a top 50 player Daniel in VA come on!

Courtney (Odessa, Tx)

Pavano pitched great yesterday against the Yanks

Jay Crawford

  (11:12 AM)

more wins in may than anyother pitcher, and he was robbed of another yesterday.

John, Austin

Lets talk baseball...the Astros are idiots.

Wayne Campbell (Aurora, IL)

Bull Hockey! Clever! NOT!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:13 AM)

wayne it made me laugh

Jay Crawford

  (11:13 AM)

agreed john! lucky for them roy doesnt want to pitch in the band box on the south side of chicago.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Jay = no offense, but exactly what had you accomplished by 24???

michael (reno,nv.)

Dana I respect your opinon as always, I dont think there just happy to be there. when I look at this years magic team. I think of the 04 piston team. proven all doubters wrong. the magics when in six.

Jay Crawford

  (11:13 AM)

i could ride a wheelie 5 blocks....other than that, no nba titles either.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Old time hockey! Eddie Shore!

Jay Crawford

  (11:13 AM)

love eddie shore!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:14 AM)

michael, did i say i thought they were just happy to be there? i know skip/scoop said that but i don't agree. i don't think any team is just happy to be there, they want to win. it's hard enough getting there.

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

How can I get a Skip Picture to put in my sports room? He said to "book it" and I did. Oh prophetic one Bayless, thanks for the insight that never fails

Jay Crawford

  (11:14 AM)

hey thj, did you book it to the bookmaker?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

How's the MCL, Jay? I know I ask every day but you know, we care.

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

Listen, the Pens, overrall, were the better team in the first 2 games. The Pens outshot, outskated and had more scoring chances than Detroit. It's just unfortunate they didn't have any luck on their side. I mean, how many times can they hit the post or miss an empty net? I haven't a doubt they tie things up.

Jay Crawford

  (11:15 AM)

still sore. 2 tears. threw 2 scoreless yest though. no earned runs in 13 innings in 09!

Jay Crawford

  (11:15 AM)

and johnny, thanks for asking!

John, Austin

Is MK in the room?

Jay Crawford

  (11:15 AM)

no he's off today

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I hope you're right, Mike. I'm kind of sick of seeing Detroit skating around with that Cup.

Ken (clev)

LBJ is not near MJ status as far as careers go. He is the best player in the game Jordan will always be the measuring stck for great players but when LBJ hangs them up the question will be who is the next Lebron. the one "break" MJ had and he helped quite a bit is his career coincided with the explosion of popularity of the NBA.

john- pc bch,fl

T.J- love it....u can have varejao,2

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Yessir. Skips my hero. He needs a cut of the earnings

Dana Jacobson

  (11:16 AM)

mike isn't that part of it. and i'd argue that detroit also did a lot to frustrate crosby as they did early last year. no doubt wings didn't have better pressure on net in game one but great pressure in game 2.

Tony (Harlem)

Dana, why is not Jay facing skip today to defend his king LOL

Jay Crawford

  (11:16 AM)

very funny! the man knows his sports.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:16 AM)

tony, it's my day on first and ten...nothing more than that

Selena (Louisiana)

You ask who is to blame for Cavs lost? Everyone. Brown for not coaching his team, LeBron for playing 1 on 5, and his supporting cast for lack of support.

Jay Crawford

  (11:17 AM)

selena, 2nd straight day you get the post of the day! well said. very well said. the best recap of the series ive heard so far.

mark(manhattan ks)

I think it's pretty crappy that FirstTake will talk about NASCAR when there is a crazy crash but then when there is a spectacular ending to a race it's like it never happened.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

It's the big men in Cleveland that need to go. Go get Trevor Ariza, and maybe Dana's boy Rasheed.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:17 AM)

mark i believe its still coming up in the show....

MIKE(NC)

THERE SHOULD BE NO BLAME, ALL CREDIT SHOULD GO TO THE ORLANDO MAGIC! MAGIC STEPPED UP

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

No floppers for me. No thank you

Heath(Bham,AL)

SKIP...NOT EVEN JORDAN COULD DO IT ALONE

Justin (TheOXFORD, MS)

D-Wade needs to find a big man! He is the greatest young player in the NBA when healthy, what possible scenarios could happen?

Chris (WV)

Blame coach Brown! Cloutless decision making skills. LeBron's decisions late in the game reflect Brown's poor decision making.

Daniel ( Harrisonburg , VA)

Great game the other day between Texas and BC. What was it like 25 innings?

Kevin (AKRON OH)

I personally thought Cleveland was an underdog going into that series because i thought that orlando was the better team all year.

Jay Crawford

  (11:18 AM)

good point kevin. go back 3 years. orlando 13-4

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Selena should get Skip's job.

Jay Crawford

  (11:18 AM)

she would be good! always insightful.

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

It is completely Lebrick's fault the Cavs have gone fishing this post season. He has played small in almost every 4th quarter in the Orlando series. Who cares if he scores 49 points, if he doesn't secure the win in the 4th quarter or overtime! If he is the reason for the success, he is also the reason for the failures.

Jay Crawford

  (11:19 AM)

completely r mom? come on...you win as a team, lose as a team. i ask you this. where are the cavs without?

Anthony (San Antonio, TX)

It was a great game Daniel! HOOK'EM HORNS!

Tone (Seattle)

Blame Danny Ferry, he didn't have a supporting cast that could match up with Orlando. All the bigs are stiffs, and all the guards are midgets

Sammy (FL)

If Jordan was in his prime on this Cavs team they would win the Finals this year. Look at the competition Jordan had to go againist. Do you guys even know why it took Jordan so long to get a title? Look at who he went againist.

Aaron (Denver)

Give Dwight %80 more on his skill set, that would be truly freaky.

Anthony San Antonio, TX)

Its very disrepectful when people put Lebricks name next to MJ! MJ won how many titles? Oh yea 6! Lebrick has won NOTHING! SO STOP COMPARING THE TWO!

Courtney (Odessa, Tx)

Mike you are right too man Orlando played great they deserve more credit than they have received

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

Lebron will be a Brooklyn Net...they have better nucleus of players to offer Lebron

damion,ny

man imma miss those puppets man, maybe we need superman an kobe commercials and lebron peeping through the window

Adam G. Tampa, FL

This Superman guy just says all the right things.

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

No career slams in men's tennis, since Andre Agassi. With Nadal losing, Federer is almost a lock to win the French and secure his career slam this year!

Kev (Cleveland, OH)

Cavs are better than the Magic; Orlando had a better coach. How muchof a blame should Mike (getoutoftown)Brown take for this loss? I thought the Cavs should've fired him after the 06-07 season. He has trouble making adjustments, puts too much control in LBJ hands, and I don't think the players respect him.

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

First off, all this Bulls got Pippen talk needs to stop. #1, The Bulls DRAFTED Pippen and Jordan probably made Pippen the top 50 player he is. 2. The Bulls didn't go out and get another superstar. As a matter of fact, if you look at everyone else outside of MJ and Pip you see a ton of castoffs on his teams. The Bulls never went out and bought a Wade, Bosh, Shaq, ect to win a title. Rodman was the biggest FA the Bulls ever signed. All thsi Jordan and Pippen talk isn't the same as buying a superstar. It's not MJ's fault Bron can't make a star out of a teammate.

Pinero Miami

Rob in tallahasee...when they were 8-0 and up 15 at halftime in game 1 there were no complaints about help then

Jack (Dayton Ohio)

the media is the only one who cares about kobie winning without shaq. a ring is a ring. do you think montana looks at his 4 rings and thinks,I won these without rice/ these with. Or is he just a 4 time champ.

Robert (wisc)

Your my boy Skip!!!!!!

Chris (WV)

What can LA do to stop DH? He's going to get his, then the 3-ball will be in full effect. Phil better do something great!

MIKE(NC)

ADDIDAS SHOULD HAVE A DWIGHT HOWARD PUPPET

Hook (Southern Maryland)

Even if Jameer Nelson can play, I don't think he should start unless he proves he can play better than Rafer Alston. Even then, you risk getting him injured more and who knows how long he would be out then.

Selena (Louisiana)

Agree Mike the Orlando Magic won fair and square, but we're talking about what is wrong with the Cavs right now.

Kevin Akron

Selena is right. Mike Brown is a horrible coach. and probably the reason why no other superstars want to come to cleveland

aminty,CA

don't you guys think Chris Anderseon would be a PERFECT fit in Cleveland?? i would really like to know what jay thinks about that.

Jay Crawford

  (11:21 AM)

would take him in a heartbeat!

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Jay = hey, how about Dwight calling out VanGundy during the Celtics series, Orlando is a changed team since then.

Jay Crawford

  (11:21 AM)

great point rob. great point.

Jim phx Az [via mobile]

How long did it take Kobie an Jordan to realize that scoring 50 a game don,t win champions

Jason (Cleveland)

I respect Skip on most issues, but can you please not let him discuss Lebron anymore. He is so impartial. How cany anyone with any objectivity watch that Cavs Orlando series, and blame it on Lebron. It is ignorant and irritating. He had 38-8-8. C'mon Man.

john- pc bch,fl

Sammy, seen the "Old School" commercial? It ain't real,man-sry

DONALD-BAYONNE, NJ

MARK TEIXEIRA FOR AL MVP. I KNOW ITS EARLY BUT THIS GUY IS TEARING IT UP. CAN TEX GET SOME LOVE

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

Let's talk baseball indeed! The Astros are idiots!! How good is Joe Torre at managing? The Dodgers are dominating in the National League without Manny. It's just Torre being Torre!!

Jay Crawford

  (11:22 AM)

torre's a wizard! everyone said he was avg until manny got their. ok, look at them now. wow!

Will (WV)

The Cavs are out of the playoffs and we are still talkming about them.

Jonathan (Atlanta)

Hey Kev, you made a very bad point and a very good point. The Cavs weren't better than the Magic...not even close. However, Mike Brown is the most overrated coach in the NBA. I wouldn't be shocked if he does get fired. It wouldn't be unprecedented. Cuban fired a playoff coach, Avery Johnson, last year.

Jeff (Texas)

I wish Skip Bay((LESS) would get off on King James. He is the KING. Tell less to look at the stat of what the KINK did for his team then put Kobe or anyone else on that team and see what they can do. Stop the Hate. Give the KING his due.

tom nj [via mobile]

When I played hockey I really played hockey. Boom Boom Geoffron

Ariel (New York, NY)

The only thing Lebron should be completely blamed for is his lack of sportsmanship. Children look up to Lebron and I'm afraid that they will think that it is okay to act that way. Not cool at all. He played in the Olympics with Dwight for goodness sake! Very rude.

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

Let's talk baseball indeed! The Astros are idiots!! How good is Joe Torre at managing? The Dodgers are dominating in the National League without Manny. It's just Torre being Torre!!

Lex (Salem VA)

GO GATORS

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Birdman over Floppy Varejao...Easy decision

Jay Crawford

  (11:24 AM)

cleveland needs him more. look back in history. how many nba titles have been won without a dominant big?? verajo and z are far from that.

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

SteveFitz, let me ask this. Of all the players Cleveland has had over the years, can you name ONE with the ability to become LeBron's #2 guy? You can only improve your teammates by so much. Jordan did vastly improve Pippen's overall game with his presence but in the end, the ability was always there.

John H (Lincolnton NC)

Nobody is sayin lebron isnt any good, he is one of the best finishers in the game now but how many times is their gonna be an excuse for him

Jonathan (Atlanta)

So Jay, who does Cleveland get in the off season?

Jay Crawford

  (11:25 AM)

not sure what danny ferry is thinking right now. wally and ben are gone, plenty of cap space. i know he's thinking very big!

Chris (WV)

Bill Cartwright and Luke Longley were great bigs Jay?!?

Jay Crawford

  (11:26 AM)

nope. but you had 2 superstars in pippen and jordan. the cavs need a 2nd star who is versatile or a dominant big.

Brian (Michigan)

Ben Wallace has another year on his contract.

Jay Crawford

  (11:26 AM)

he'll be shipped off...

Will (WV)

Lebron in NJ with Harris is a great 1 -2 punch!

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Whoever is on the market. Ferry has to make a splash or Lebron will be gone?

Jay Crawford

  (11:27 AM)

yep...gone!

Jason (Chicago)

Way to early.. What about Adrian Gonzalez, Victor Martinez, Pujols has the same amount of homers and has about .050 higher batting average than Teixeira...

Erik (Arizona)

Skip is/was absolutely right. He is not a Lebron hater, he is just pointing out the facts. Keep it up Skip

Jason (Cleveland)

Jay Crawford is right. Let's examine the roster of cleveland. Where is the second go to scorer. There is not one. Maybe Lebron called them complimentary players because that's exactly what they are.He needs another go to guy.

John H (Lincolnton NC)

and at the beginning of the year the cav's bench looked way better than the magic's

Jay Crawford

  (11:28 AM)

regular season john.

damion,ny

only think missing today is a breaking bret farve news.

Jay Crawford

  (11:29 AM)

dont say that damion. im waiting for that shoe any day now!

Brian (Michigan)

Jason, one MVP in each league. Tex doesn't play in the same league as Pujols or Gonzalez.

Justin (Fairfax, VA)

I agree with Skip 100% about Lebron... I think Scoop needs to apply his "translating big games in to wins" philosophy to Bron Bron too. He can put up great numbers, but those in the Win column are the only ones that matter. Skip was right when he said that you can't have it both ways... he's a king, but can't take the blame for losses?

Hook (Southern Maryland)

The end of that race was awesome. They need to talk about it. If y'all talk about hockey, NASCAR, and all the other sports that are not as big as baseball, basketball, and football. You could help other sports fans see how awesome they are.

Jay Crawford

  (11:29 AM)

nascar talk is coming soon...please standby

Johnny Damion (NYC)

I still don't feel right without the mullet

Jay Crawford

  (11:30 AM)

you dont look right either johnny.

John, Austin

Dang it Damion, we went all Friday and almost all of Monday without Favre talk.

Brian (Michigan)

Mo Williams can score. The Cavs aren't completely bereft of talent.

Justin (TheOXFORD, MS)

The puppets? They should send lebron his so he has some company to watch the finals. I do not know whats more disappointing not shaking hands, calling his teammates "his complementary players, or lebrons overall premature ego.

john (key west fl)

Jay did you see the Ohio State baseball game over the weekend?

Jay Crawford

  (11:30 AM)

no but i saw the score...laughable...ha!

derrick (g'berg)

if Manny makes the All-Star game does the manager have to start him or even play him?

Mike (Chicago, IL)

Nike Commercial - Miss Lewis could turn out to be Rashard Lewis' mom and move her son in because Lebron cant afford the rent

Dana Jacobson

  (11:31 AM)

derrick, you know if he's voted on he's an automatic starter and i think that's the only way he's on this year

Tony (Harlem)

Jay you need to get in on 1 & 10 and face skip today in defense of the King. That walking off the court was worst then T.O. at least he shakes hands when he loses

Hook (Southern Maryland)

The end of that race was awesome. They need to talk about it. If y'all talk about hockey, NASCAR, and all the other sports that are not as big as baseball, basketball, and football. You could help other sports fans see how awesome they are.

Jay Crawford

  (11:31 AM)

there is no defending james for his postgame antics. none!

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Torture Jay with the Ohio St. Baseball. 2 things he loves most

Dana Jacobson

  (11:32 AM)

hook, brad daugherty just walked in studio to talk nascar. take a deep breath!!!

MIKE(NC)

I DON'T WATCH HOCKEY AT ALL, BUT HOW DOES THE RED WINGS WIN ALL THESE TITLES. HAVE TO CONSIDER THEM IN ALL-TIME DYNASTYS.

Jay Crawford

  (11:33 AM)

come on tj...cut me a little slack.cavs sat...osu sunday...rrrgggg.

Mike (Savannah.GA)

Jay who are you picking in the finals?

Jay Crawford

  (11:33 AM)

orlando

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

Jay c'mon. Lebron passed up a chance to win a game when his defender fell down by passing to Delonte West for a three point shot! Kobe would have elevated and sank a jump shot and Michael Jeffrey Jordan won an NBA Championship when Bryon Russell fell down! Face it Lebron is not what the media makes him out to be! He is good but he is no Kobe. He is no D-Wade. Hell he is no Iverson!!!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:34 AM)

mike, glad you went there. last week we had a top franchises in sports discussion. i think i said wings, lakers, yankees, pats. got hammered about hte yanks..but if you all saw sports illustrated they have a top franchises last 15 years - wings, spurs, yanks, pats!

damion,ny

seriously brooklyn would adore you lebron just win and we will worship you.

Nathan Daytona Beach Fl

I think they should auction off that lebron puppet to charity

Chris (WV)

Coach Brown is to blame. His game plan to stop DH was weak and he had no answer to Turkoglu. Don't blame the cast. Blame the man conducting the orchestra.

Feeve, Milwaukee

Magic in 6????????????????? Thats just arrogant

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

How the Steelers NOT get mentioned in the top franchises discussion? That's just ludacris!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:39 AM)

mike, it was just top 4 by winning percentage over past 15 years. not sure could have been 5th

Aaron (Denver)

Love this Kid's attitude! Going into a shark story classic.

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

The Pats Dana? You're driving me mad.

Aaron (Denver)

Dana you argued against the Spurs! How do the Steelers not make that list?

Selena (Louisiana)

Awww that's so nice. I don't know who this one-handed kid is but I wish him the best.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:39 AM)

sorry TJ...just telling you what i read. AND yes Aaron i thought lakers would be over spurs, silly me.

Aaron (Denver)

Dana, I got $20 says someone asks Daugherty about the CAVS

mark(manhattan ks)

HOW ABOUT KEVIN LAUE REPPIN MANHATTAN...WOOOOOOHOOOOO

damion,ny

that is so amazing omg, playing with one arm that awesome.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:40 AM)

aaron, i dont think there's time, but he may mention it on his own!

tony (seattle,wash)

dana what's up with david ortiz slump?getting worst by the day

Dana Jacobson

  (11:40 AM)

getting worse?? it's been at its worst it seems like....it's unreal!

Adam G. Tampa, fL

R Mom second door on a right Dana will hand you the cup.

Brian (Michigan)

Manny can always decline to play. That will make things much easier on everyone.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:41 AM)

brian, just asking here...if fans vote him in. shouldn't he play? i mean if the fans vote for him, they want to see him and isn't that what the all star game is about in part with the fan vote?

Tone (Seattle)

Hey Dana how about those Tigers?!! Wasn't sure they would bounce back this year.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:41 AM)

tone, pitching, pitching, pitching. i told jay a couple weeks ago i kept whinning last year about how the banged up pitching killed us and maybe now this is proof.

DONALD-BAYONNE,NJ

WHY DOES THE MEASURE OF A GREAT PLAYER GO BY RINGS. ISN'T IT A TEAM GAME. YOU CAN BE THE GREATEST PLAYER TO EVER LACE THEM UP (DAN MARINO) AND GET PUSHED TO THE SIDE BECAUSE YOUR (TEAM) COULDN'T PUT IT TOGETHER AT THE RIGHT TIME.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:42 AM)

it isn't fair but it happens. think about how much greater kelly and marino would be considered had they won it all.

Tom (River North)

I have the SI Issue in front of me. They took the top team from each of the 4 leagues over the past 15 years using regular season win percentage, playoff record and titles. That's why the Steelers weren't lised. But if you go by history, I'd put the Steelers at the top of the NFL list.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:42 AM)

Tom, thanks for pulling that up!

Brian (Michigan)

I don't care if he does play or not. He doesn't have to play just because the fans voted for him, just ask Juan Gonzalez.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:43 AM)

i know he doesn't have to but i'm just asking is the right thing actually playing since the fans want to see him. if they don't care?

Drew (Buffalo)

Dana, must we be reminded of Rory Fitzpatrick almost getting voted into the NHL all-star game?

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

Dana, u make a good point, but don't u think the commisioner should step in? There's no way that's good for the baseball image.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:44 AM)

did merriman, lights out, get selected to the pro bowl the year he served his suspension for a positive test? i think he did. i dont think it looks good but it would fit what we've said all along which is fans don't seem to care. now if he wanted to pull his name from consideration that would be one thing, but once voted in...he may have a better case to play than not

marty ia [via mobile]

jay needs to face skip on topic of lebron, then walk off without shaking his hand when its over

Jay Crawford

  (11:45 AM)

ha! i would never do that though...

Brian (Michigan)

Well I believe Manny is currently in 4th in All Star voting so it this is all moot unless he gets in the top 3. Right now, the majority of fans don't want him to start.

Aly (Miami, Fl)

I think lebron should sign with miami!

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Tom (River North) = the list goes back 15 years, NOT 30.......

DONALD-BAYONNE NJ

COVER 2 I CAN'T WAIT. I NEED MY FOOTBALL FIX. DO I NEED AN INTERVENTION

Dana Jacobson

  (11:45 AM)

rob, i think that's what tom said wasn' it?

Jay Crawford

  (11:45 AM)

donald, you may. i'll book you for a session with john clayton!

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Good one Marty ia

Chris (WV)

hilarious marty!

mark(manhattan ks)

Manny being voted to the All-Star team is a marker that says the casual baseball fan no longer cares about players using 'roids...sorry all you pass time purist.

Mike (Chicago)

Manny should not play. I doubt the fans vote him in when its all said and done

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Fans dont care about the roids epidemic. Traditionalist writers do. Manny is a spectacle and the spectators wanna see him

Chad (madison)

when does Bud Selig step up and take blame for steriods in Baseball

Dana Jacobson

  (11:46 AM)

chad, partial blame...and never

Jay Crawford

  (11:46 AM)

very well said tj!!!

Brian (Louisville)

If MMA fighters can hug, then Lebron can shake hands.

damion,ny

the broncos is sad omg.

Anthony (San Antonio,TX)

Remember Dana last 15 years! SPURS 4 Lakers 3! Magic are taking it this year!

Umor (Detroit)

Tigers got pitching. Zumaya back. Rodney not blowing save chances.The hitting still anit consistance. Too many guys being left on base for me.

Tone (Seattle)

Dana, don't forget about fielding too, i think this years team is a better fielding team with some of the moves over the summer

derek (iowa)

please Dan Marino isnt the greatest to lace em up!!!!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:47 AM)

derek did someone say he is? i was trying to make the point that with all his records (though some have fallen) he's already a hall of famer, imagine had he won a super bowl or multiple on top of it. the rings the thing as they say

Tone (Seattle)

Merriman did, but then I think that summer the league put in a rule that made it so it couldn't happen again. I don't understand why other leagues didn't follow suit.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:48 AM)

tone, thanks for the backup. yeah it is curious....but it wouldn't be the first time that leagues were arrogant about the issue.

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

Donald (Bayonne, NJ), Dan Marino also played quaterback in the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (one of the more glamorous positions in sports) and holds many records. Of course he will always be remembered, as will Charles Barkeley for dominating at power forward at an undersize 6'5", but for the most part you need the rings to get respect!

Tom (River North)

Rob, I did say 15 years.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:48 AM)

tom, i had your back

derek (iowa)

you didnt Dana, i was responding to somebody else's comments!!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:49 AM)

derek, got it...sorry i can either see all the comments coming in or go way down on the screen and see everything posted.

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

Dana, Not only did Merriman get selected to the Pro Bowl that year he was 2nd in votes for Defesive player of the year behind Jason Taylor.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:50 AM)

again, says something about what we as fans care about....or maybe our skepticism...or wait THAT WE BELIEVE WHEN YOU'VE SERVED YOUR PUNISHMENT YOU GET TO MOVE ON. sorry for yelling.

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

Dana, I feel that if Manny doesn't get pregnent over the month or so that he should be banned for another 50 games.. :)

Dana Jacobson

  (11:50 AM)

paul, lol

Aaron (Denver)

Dana, I want my $20, Jay crossed the Cavs line!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:51 AM)

aaron, i missed it. but i believe you. its in the mail

James (US Army)

The media is at fault as much as the players for P.E.D's, most fan are tired of hearing about it and would like to move on but the media grill players such as AROD for weeks and weeks with the same stuff.

DONALD BAYONNE, NJ

DANA IS THE PERFECT FEMALE I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A WIFE I CAN WATCH SPORTS WITH ALL DAY. NO HOUSEWIVES, IDOL, OR THAT OTHER GARBAGE. PRO SPORTS IS THE ULTIMATE REALITY TELEVISION. AND ITS REALITY, NOT WRITTEN REALITY

Dana Jacobson

  (11:52 AM)

donald, very kind of you to say but i'm afraid i watch the other stuff too. AND chick flicks.

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Maybe Kyle Busch and Dale Jr. should shake hands.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:52 AM)

TJ nice!

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

The Bulls are in a great position to free up a lot of salary cap space and could free up a ton more by trading Deng. Rose, Gordon, Bron, Tyrus, Noah, Kirk...........DYNASTY!!! We all know how Chicago treats its champions too. Your seat in Chicago awaits you LeBron.

marty ia [via mobile]

baseball has hands tied if manny gets voted in. only way they could've had say would've been if all star game was during suspension, which its not

Mike O. (Chicago)

The Lebron puppet should watch footage of Kobe making free throws in the fourth quarter

chaz (sa tx)

WHY IS DONALD YELLING??? I AGREE BUT WHY IS HE YELLING??

Dana Jacobson

  (11:53 AM)

chaz sometimes its cathartic

Bill (Pittsburgh)

I can't see what they wrote about the Steelers becasue all the light comming off so many superbowl rings is blinding me.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:54 AM)

oh and thanks.

DONALD BAYONNE, NJ

DANA NEEDS TO ANCHOR THE PM SPORTS CENTER

Aaron (Denver)

As long as Manny does not crack the starting line up, the manager can keep him on the bench.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:54 AM)

donald use to...every night at 6. jay and i will both do a night at the end of the month to help out.

Jay Crawford

  (11:54 AM)

if he's notr voted in by the fans, he wont be in st. louis. all this talk is funny to me. he doesnt want to play in the allstar game anyhow.

marty ia [via mobile]

only time people care is when names are clemens and bonds; and even then it gets tiresome

James (US Army)

Pens-Red Wings anyone??? French Open???

Aaron (Denver)

James (US ARMY) I agree to a certain degree. However the topic lights up a chat room, so the public is interested in the topic, if not only just for argument's sake...which in turn gets ratings/readers to pay the bills

Hook (Southern Maryland)

I'm not a Jr. fan but I would like to see him wreck Busch.

dave (iowa)

so next time does Lebron shake hands? knowing all eyes will be on him?

MIKE(NC)

LEBRON HAS ALL SUMMER TO HEAR ABOUT HIS SPORTSMANSHIP. BRING ON THE FINALS!!!

mark(manhattan ks)

New Nike Commercial: 45 seconds of Lebron fishing

Jay Crawford

  (11:56 AM)

love it!!!!

Feeve, Milwaukee

ENOUGH ABOUT THE PUPPETS!!!! Admit it if you were Nike and had Bryant AND James on your roster, it's a genius move. Is it wrong that Howard isn't a Nike "alum". If any1 should'a felt bad it was 'Melo

derrick (iowa)

great chat today!!!

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

If Manny doesnt start he's not an all-star

Steven J Smiff (St. Louis)

Instead of getting rid of the puppets maybe they should replace Lebron's puppet with the biggest icon of the orlando magic, lil penny. i mean new commercials with Kob e & Lil Penny going back & forth would be great & hilarious.

Moderator

  (11:56 AM)

love that idea, Steven J

Tom (River North)

My favorite part of the weekend was sitting in the sports book at Mandalay on Saturday night watching Pens fans lose their money and giving me dirty looks as I collected for the Wings scoring the first goal and winning the game.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:57 AM)

tom not condoning gambling but nice work

Brian (Michigan)

I think I'm the only one who hasn't seen the puppets commercial. I just turn the channel.

Lebron (Cleveland)

I dont like the way this chat room is going, im leaving now.....

Brian (Michigan)

Roland Garros is my favorite tennis major because it removes power from the equation. It rewards the player with the most skill. That is why Andy Roddick will never win the French Open.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

I don't watch anything but sports. The last time I went to the movies was 10th grade.

Jay Crawford

  (11:57 AM)

not good hook. go see a movie!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:57 AM)

bron we know you'll be back, you've got some time on your hands

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

lol to Lebron

Selena (Louisiana)

Now First Take, shake hands at the end of the day.

damion,ny

hahah lil penny wass the best lol

Allequal (tennessee)

This is no class per Jay of Lebron it is President Barak Obama. Lebron is young and will bounce back! Skip get a life you are always critizing top African American players!!!

Tone (Seattle)

If winning really is that important to athletes why don't more do like Hossa did and take alot less money to play on a top team when they are at the top of thier game?

T.J. (Brooklyn, N.Y.)

Pens-Wings is a rerun. Hence, nobody is talking about it.

damion,ny

skip you better shake scoops hand

Moderator

  (11:58 AM)

love the fact that you have to win on various surfaces in tennis, it really adds variables and points to argue about who's the greatest

Jay Crawford

  (12:01 PM)

GREAT CHAT!

Aaron (Denver)

They should play basketball on the rubber floor or old school carpet gyms...completely changes the game

Jay Crawford

  (12:01 PM)

talk tomorrow.

wILL (wv)

Wiffle ball time!

Tone (Seattle)

Would people like the wings more if they only played 3 lines and let Zetterberg and Datsyuk score more? Seems like they don't get the pub like the pens or caps.

Keith (Hamilton,OH)

Jay, don't worry. Like Chris Broussard was saying earlier Cleveland will end up with Yao Ming or Chris Bosh next year and then we can all sit back and relax as James win his ring and signs a lifetime deal with the Cavs with the option to own the team and the city of Cleveland as well. Sounds good don't it.

damion,ny

good day mates

Dana Jacobson

  (12:02 PM)

tone, if it aint broke don't fix it. they dont get the pub cause there isn't a crosby or ovechkin. who cares though they win. they've been doing it for years....and that on its own is tough

Drew (Buffalo)

Nobody likes Swedes, Tone

Dana Jacobson

  (12:05 PM)

drew, how can you not love swedes?

Hook (Southen Maryland)

The Red Wings can't get a Crosby or Ovechkin if they keep winning Stanley Cups. Unless they find a diamond in the rough.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:07 PM)

hook, funny that you say that. check out the article i SI about the wings...and lidstrom being that diamond in the rough so to speak oh so long ago... interesting on how they built the team. also on the show reporter talking about how guys essentially red shirt and it helps keep the team strong.

Tom (River North)

Apparently Drew has never seen Swedish women...

Dana Jacobson

  (12:07 PM)

I guess!

JEREMIAH (SIOUX CITY)

DANA what do you think of the stl card and there season so far

Dana Jacobson

  (12:08 PM)

jeremiah haven't thought much about it but it's been streaky.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:08 PM)

im here for a post tape if folks want to stay on.

JEREMIAH(SIOUX CITY)

what do you think of the cards

Dana Jacobson

  (12:09 PM)

jeremiah they seem to have been bit by the injury bug and it comes in waves. good news about lohse and then bad about pinero. you know?

Brett

It's hard for those role players to make shots when all they do for 10 mins of the 4th quarter is watch Lebron bully his way to the basket...no rhythm with that team.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:09 PM)

brett, that just doesn't explain why they made shots in other playoff series and in the regular season.

Tom (River North)

Who needs a Crosby or Ovechkin when you have Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Filpulla, Helm, and Abdelkader, the 4th line center who has more goals in the Finals than top 10 picks Crosby, Malkin and Staal combined?

Chris (WV)

Why isn't coach Brown getting any flack for this loss. Everyone is so stuck on the "no handshake incident." Nothing about coach Brown and his terrible decision making.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:11 PM)

chris, we did a who gets blame segment. he got some. perhaps not enough in addressing matchup problems. but is it possible that there just weren't any answers?

marty ia [via mobile]

orlando was just better team, coach could only do so much. lebron was best player on floor but next 3 best players played for magic

Chris (WV)

Dana, there is no doubt he was out-coached. You are correct. Brown had no answers.

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

Chris (WV), You hit it right on the nose. I bet there is one play in his 4th quartter play book: Give the ball to Lebron!

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

Dana, How big are you on tennis? I am outright shocked by Nadal Loss!!!

Dana Jacobson

  (12:17 PM)

R Mom am i going to sound awful if i say...it was due. i mean all great streaks end. I was surprised that it wasn't to federer or a bettter known player. but it always happens.

Brian (Dallas, Tx.)

So, is Lebron going to turn out to be the NBA'S T.O.? ... He did great for a few years at SF, then his EGO started to need fed, and you know the rest. A winner huh, Lebron? Just like T.O. ... what have you won? Oh, and by the way T.O. has a bad habit of bad sportsmanship as well, so maybe you should hook up. You would be perfect for each other.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:18 PM)

Brian, i don't see it. Whole different level of expectation for lebron right from the start. I'd like to think he'll learn from this moment and grow. I do think he'll win a title if not multiple once the team around him is the right one. of the modern guys, kobe's about the only one that just walked into that situation - maybe duncan (in that it didn't take long to turn it around). shaq, mj, they had to find their guys...

Kev (Cleveland, OH)

Dana, tere were answers in beating the magic; M.Brown didn't know them

Dana Jacobson

  (12:19 PM)

kev, please share...

marty ia [via mobile]

i'm glad van gundy is in finals, he has been most entertaining part of playoffs for me

David Wilmington, NC [via mobile]

All I have heard from the last two days is how Lebron didn't talk to the media following saturdays loss to the magic. Why is the media so mad? So you missed a chance to hear the raw emotion and a chance to report on what was said. Is it really that they are upset with Lebron or is it just the fact half of the media missed their payday when they couldn't report on him trashing whomever. I say its time to get off the guys back and move on with life. The media didn't even ride Arod that hard when he had steroid allegations. King James is the best to play the game. I know it, you know it, jerry west knows it, and maybe even kobe. Let's cut the guy some slack and move on. Oh yeah, the magic won the series, maybe you should report on that!

Dana Jacobson

  (12:20 PM)

david, actually i've heard mostly he didn't shake hands like everyone else and then didn't meet with the media. its about being a man, doing your job, and being a good sport. do you think anyone who has ever lost at that level wanted to sit down and talk to the media? no but they do it b/c they know fans want to hear from them...not the media. fans. if i was a cavs fan, i'd want to hear what lebron said after

Chris (WV)

I agree marty

marty ia [via mobile]

for me it wasn't even heat of moment and lebron leaving, it was him not being sorry about it next day. i do think he'll learn from this for future

Chris (WV)

Foul out your bigs, stop doubling on Howard, switch on picks with Turkoglu, make Howard go to the line to beat you, run the ball...need I sat more?

Dana Jacobson

  (12:24 PM)

chris all valid suggestions. i think the problem wasn' t doubling howard...it was that z is a hideous defender. i would have done a better job

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

I agree Dana, it wasn't cool ducking - especially the press. As a former sportswriter some players forget too easily that it's the press that HELP make you, and they're also the first that can HELP bring you down.

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

Dana, You always sound good to me, as well as look good, and Nadal was due. Soderling is not so bad but he is no Federer. Federer must be salivating. If he wins the career slam this year because of this, do you think it'll be a little hollow? Especially, since Nadal gave Federer his comeupance at Wimbeldon last year.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:26 PM)

R Mom, i'm a firm believer in that you can only bea the compeition in front of you. so if federer wins the majors and its hollow, i think that's a shame. he did his part, can't help it if federer wasn' there. but i'll bet first question here will be somehting like, should there be an asterisk!!!

damion,ny

haha we need a skip puppets lol.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:26 PM)

by the way damion if you're still here...fantastic thought. that one i could shut up!

Marlo (Chi-Town)

I personally feel Lebron is wrong cause sportman ship is apart of the game, and what message do that send to his own kids.. And i believe Nike should bring LIL Penny(voice of Chris Rock) back. Put him in the house with Lebrons puppet and just have him talk about Lebron while they are watching Kobe play in the finals

Chris (WV)

If you can move your feet at all I agree with you :)

Dana Jacobson

  (12:26 PM)

chris, better than Z!

John:(l.a): [via mobile]

Lebrick is a bad role model.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:27 PM)

john, i don't think so. I think he made a mistake, acted immaturely and should be taken to task for it since he's hailed for the good things he does. A mistake doesn't mean you're a bad role model..but in this instance, i'd tell me kids...lebron was a bad sport - don't emulate him.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

really, the Cavs' biggest problem was WHO to double - the Magic had too many players that contributed, and did, throughout the series. fouling Howard proved to do little good as he shot 70% or something from the line, and all the time under pressure.......the magic dominated the cavs during the regular season, just as they did in the playoffs.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:28 PM)

maybe the tell tale sign was when they won with turkoglu going what 1 for 11?

Kobe: (Los Angeles): [via mobile]

Hahahaha whos better now jerry west.

The Huckster (Atlanta)

Tell me why the Pens will win Game 3 again... To me, the reason they haven't won is mostly Osgood playing lights out hockey, cause the Pens do look like they had more chances than the Wings...

Dana Jacobson

  (12:30 PM)

Pens have gotten shots on goal - more in game one, not sure in game 2 i'd have to look. home ice boost - i say never underestimate it....

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Dana = how about "don't emulate THAT" one instance hardly makes a man, or his message

Dana Jacobson

  (12:31 PM)

rob, that was what i was saying. don't emulate his poor sportsmanship in that instance. look no one is perfect, even role models...

david [via mobile]

You have a valid point dana but if I were a cavs fan wouldn't you want to hear from the role players and see what happened to them. Lebron posted a 38 point average for the conference final, and feeling he left all he had on the floor, what is there to say? Is it really going to help if he points fingers. I don't think so. With that being said, I am not a cavs fan, but I'm a basketball fan and I feel as if Lebron put on a show for the ages. His team on the other hand was a huge waste of payroll dollars.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:32 PM)

david, the role players were there. their leader wasn't. that just doesn't sit well with me. lebron is an amazing talent and he's young and trying to learn how to be even more of a leader. i dont imagine it's easy but i do think he let people down this weekend.

Drew (Buffalo)

O, I've encountered a few Swedes in my day..... I have no time for them.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:32 PM)

drew - they like beer and wings

R Mom (Spring Valley, NY)

Dana, you're right! But I am sure Federer is a tiny bit upset he can't avenge his loss at the all England Club last year. Beating Nadal on his best surface would probably give him massive amounts of confidence at Wimbeldon this year, No?

Dana Jacobson

  (12:33 PM)

well that's exactly it you'd want to avenge that loss. any real competitor would you know?

Drew (Buffalo)

Don't you remember Cherry on Swedes during the Anaheim/Sens cup? "Beautiful women in Sweden? I don't know anything about it." In Cherry, we trust.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:33 PM)

drew, i don't but coming from don cherry i'd believe anything!!!

Drew (Buffalo)

Come on! don't play that game with me Dana. Finland is where it's at. Long live Suomi!

Dana Jacobson

  (12:33 PM)

drew can we meet in switzerland??

Chris (WV)

This is the first time I saw him make a bad decision and try to back it up. Good decisions come with maturity. He'll get better.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:34 PM)

he's had some others but this the biggest or at least on the biggest stage. I agree, i tink he'll mature and get better.

Drew (Buffalo)

He said it between periods on NBC with Hull. He also took a run at Hull saying he knows that goal he scored in '99 was illegal! Cherry for Preside....er Prime Minister!!!!

Dana Jacobson

  (12:35 PM)

drew it was!!! the goal that is.

Drew (Buffalo)

Dana, I'd meet you anywhere in the world. As long as you promise not to tell Molly!

Dana Jacobson

  (12:35 PM)

deal drew

marty ia [via mobile]

lebron had day to think about it and was still not sorry for his actions. thats what rubbed me wrong way. it was not way to be a leader of your team

Dana Jacobson

  (12:36 PM)

no it wasn't marty but again some of that comes with maturity. i'm not excusing it for that but i do think he'll get it.

john- pc bch

Heard alot about the puppets today... from a marketing stand point, they're a sucess

Dana Jacobson

  (12:36 PM)

seriously...no matter who's in the finals they've gotten buzz. and i agree with scoop and skip would love to see lebron have fun with this and take a shot at himself.... only endears you to people when you can do that.

Kevin NC

Is Lebron going to go to NYC? YES YES YES YES YES YES

Dana Jacobson

  (12:37 PM)

kevin, would be a stupid move if you ask me. he doesn't need help in the marketing arena...that team is no where near ready to win anything so how will that be less frustrating than cleveland? can you imagine the media scrutiny had lebron been in ny and ducked out saturday????

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Dana = if I'm not mistaken, "wings" were invented in Buffalo

Dana Jacobson

  (12:38 PM)

well rob, they do have an annual wing eating weekend or something like that so i believe you're right...and there is always the name buffalo wings

john- pc bch

Anybody that likes beer & wings is O.K. with me.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:38 PM)

john, it's a good barometer

Kevin NC

I only say that about Lebron b/c look where he is. About to enter his 7th NBA season and nothing. Even if he doesnt admit it, You know he wants to go to NYC

Dana Jacobson

  (12:39 PM)

i hear you kevin but i dont know that he wants ny as much as he wants a place to win and shine. maybe neither clev or ny is that place.

Chris (WV)

Why would LeBron go to NYC? I thought he wanted to win championships.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:40 PM)

chris, that's what i was asking. its just not there for him now. i think it was broussard earlier who talked about "holding the team hostage" for the right role players. he needs the celtics ideal of a big 3...a big 2 would do and i'm sorry it's not the guys there.

john- pc bch

Dana- recently I heard someone quoted as saying that home ice doesn't matter- agree or disagree

Dana Jacobson

  (12:41 PM)

john, i disagree. i mean i know teams win on the road but i think teams get a boost at home at least in that first home game there of a series. in the end you'd rather have it than not.

Kevin NC

Book it, if Lebron goes to NYC, he will be a whole diffrerent player in 3 years, and I mean attitude towards the team, losing, and shaking hands. It will all change.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:42 PM)

if you say so kevin but i dont agree...

john- pc bch

Still no chat about the morbid performance of the Nuggets-how come?

Dana Jacobson

  (12:43 PM)

what do you want to chat about. crashed and burned friday night...can't complain about the refs in that one.

john- pc bch

It works in other sports, that's why it surprised me.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:44 PM)

i remember in the first round we talked about it b/c who was it the rangers and sharks it failed and then bruins eventually...next round. But i remember barnaby said to me what i just did, you'd rather have it than not. i also think, just my opinion, the more experienced the team perhaps the less it matters...

john- pc bch

Hey, I got it- maybe it's b/c they all play the same organ music,hmmmmmmm

Dana Jacobson

  (12:44 PM)

there you go...

marty ia [via mobile]

i think there is certain advantages to home ice. penguins didn't look like they were used to bounces off backboards in detroit

Dana Jacobson

  (12:45 PM)

marty, i'd think these teams have played enough that the pens should know those bounces, but you may be right!

Kevin NC

Look how Kobe's attitude toward everything was in his first 7 seasons, then compare it to the last 6 seasons. His attiutude has changed. I think that will happen to Lebron in the long run.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:46 PM)

kevin, too tough to compare b/c they came into entirely different situations. lebron was asked to be the man from the get go...kobe was asked to help the man

Kevin NC

Good one Dana about Friday night. The knuckle headed nuggets finally showed up.

Dana Jacobson

  (12:46 PM)

allright folks, going to tape with colt mccoy. talk with you tomorrow.