Over the past few weeks, past few days in particular, it’s been impossible to ignore the LeBron James news updates and what NBA team he would be signing with for next season. In reality though, its been a lack thereof of news updates. But for many of us working in the media industry, we live for exposes like these. In a semi-serious way, we wonder things like how amidst the Gulf’s ongoing oil spill (today marks the 81st day), a NYC visit by England’s 84-year-old Queen and 89-year-old husband in record high temperatures and the World Cup, LeBron maintained his position as THE top news story. And I’ll admit, it had my attention. But in admitting how much undivided attention he had of mine, I’m realizing how obsessed we as a nation are with no new news.
That’s weird isn’t it?
Morning after morning while getting ready for work, we tuned into ESPN TV or radio to listen to Chris Rousshard get paid to essentially have zero new intel.
It reminds me of the last time a news story kept us glued to our television sets or computer monitors and where after the initial report, there was no new news to be heard – Michael Jackson’s unfortunate death. Sure, natural disasters and tragedies aside, news stories like O.J. Simpson’s car chase and subsequent trial are fascinating to watch unfold, but why is it that we keep watching when developments are not happening? Is it the hope that one will? Is it the anticipation and adrenaline of it all? The feeling of being engaged and indirectly connected with something all your peers are with as well? What? I’d really love to know.
In the end, Lebron decided to join Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade on the Miami Heat, citing his hope of winning a national championship. But it took how many weeks, days and then almost an hour into his exclusive interview to get us there? I don’t care how good a basketball player he is. Simply put, LeBron and the dubious person(s) and maybe mastermind(s) behind his July 1 free-agent announcement didn’t deserve the attention they received.
