LeBron James, Nike and the good people of Cleveland
So after turning his back on hometown team Cleveland Cavaliers, the most celebrated basketballer of today (with no championship rings), Mr LeBron James, kicked off the season with a controversial Nike advert addressing misgivings about his recent conduct.
Exhibit 1: LeBron “Rise”
For those that don’t know, LeBron saw out his contract at the Cavs this summer and led the city and sport fans across the country on a merry-go-round while he decided where he would ply his trade in the near future. The shameless posturing involved meetings with New Jersey Nets owner Jay-Z, an advert by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a lot of promised cash. He decided to walk out on the city that gave him everything and join the Miami Heat and to top it off he announced his betrayal in an hour-long TV show.
Hence just as the clever marketing men at Nike (probably the same crisis control team that worked on Tiger Woods’ comeback ad) thought up “Rise”, the people of Cleveland have hit back with a straightforward response that endeavours to answer the questions posed by “King James”. After checking out both vids, let us know what side of the fence you sit on: LeBron or people of Cleveland…
Exhibit 2: “Rise” Cleveland’s Response
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