Cleveland Cavaliers Ban Anti-LeBron James Gear: Why So Serious?

The Cleveland Cavaliers, in union with the NBA it seems, has banned fans from bringing in their "Quitness" t-shirts, and any other type of anti-Lebron James signs or apparel.

My only question to this seemingly bizarre decision...Really?

First of all, I understand that this is going to be one of the most high profile games in the NBA this season, and definitely the most high profile game involving the Cleveland Cavaliers this season.

It makes sense that the league and the team would be concerned that their fans be construed as a bunch of ungrateful heathens, but the fact is, most of the country has already made their mind up about the Lebron James decision.

They obviously don't want another Malice in the Palace going down, but with this decision it seems that they are trying to control the image of the fans that it puts forth to the rest of the country by forcing the fans to seem less vehemently opposed to one of the league's most marketable superstars.

I understand the increased security.

There are some fans, as sad as it is, that probably do wish violence against Lebron James, and of course that should not be condoned.

That is why there is going to be enough security to overthrow the government of Liechtenstein.

There is no question that LeBron is going to be safe inside the arena, with pat-downs that will probably be thorough enough to be borderline groping, and if anyone even comes near to becoming unruly, they will promptly be shown the door.

I would even understanding limiting or even suspending beer sales for the night. While fans would be upset, it would be a surefire way to curtail many of the yahoos who may get out of hand.

Banning fans from bringing in signs and showing LeBron just how upset they are is a complete overreaction by the Cavs and the NBA.

It takes rights, that while never formally guaranteed, but usually granted, away from the fans. They are taking away the First Amendment Right of the Fan Constitution away from the fans.

The Fan Constitution begins, "Any and all fans who purchase a ticket for any team's sporting event has the full freedom to make a complete jackass of him/herself."

I don't know why the guy needs so much protection in the first place, I mean he is just a player on a team that is barely above .500 (zing!).

I can understand banning vulgarity or profanity on the signs, which is why Dan Gilbert tweeted asking fans to keep the offensive language out of The Q.

There is no reason to expose children or people who do not wish to see that type of language to seeing people show off their knowledge of four letter words.

It is also a matter of television, as the game is on TNT next Thursday, and if there is an arena full of blurs and pixelations, it will be a bit distracting.

But if these types of signs and shirts are banned, where does it stop?

Will the Miami fans be banned from bringing in similar types of when the Cavs take their talents to South Beach on December 15th?

Will it all still be banned when Miami returns to The Q at the end of March?

Can Clevelanders ever expect to be able to wear their "LeBron's mom's riding West" t-shirts if James is in the building?

It opens up a whole can of worms and only leaves the question of where does it all end, and how far can it go?

While I fully expect the fans to do everything they can to make the dethroned king uncomfortable in Cleveland, it definitely takes a weapon away from the fans.

However they will still let him have it, they will voice their anger and it will get across, so let loose fans, you can't wear your "Wade's Pippen" shirts, but you can yell at the guy for two-and-a-half hours.

Make your voice heard and make it count.