LeBron James: Cleveland Has Renounced King James

It has been several days since LeBron James announced that he would not be returning to Cleveland next season, and instead would be signing with the Miami Heat. Now, his image has been tarnished, and he has been stripped of his title as "King" in Cleveland.

The hatred of James in Cleveland was instantaneous after he said he would be taking his talents to South Beach next season.

Cleveland fans have called James a traitor, a coward and have even referred to him as Benedict Arnold.

James’ former supporters and other Cleveland fans are tuning their back on the man they believe turned his back on them.

While James is partying in Miami with his new teammates, his once pristine image in Cleveland has been tarnished and destroyed. James’ No. 23 jerseys are selling at an all-time low. No one wants anything to do with that number or the reminder of the man who left their team high and dry when they needed him the most.

Many fans are speaking out about their outrage at his decision. Many now have the attitude that if he wants to leave Cleveland that’s fine, they don’t want him there anyway.

The most extreme reaction to this decision is the burning of James’ jerseys.

There are videos all over the web of former James supporters burning their No. 23 jerseys to show their hatred for James and his decision. While the burning of the jerseys may be one of the more extreme reactions to this announcement, the one that has really hit home with many is the removal of the huge Witness Mural of James from downtown Cleveland.

The Mural that has loomed over downtown Cleveland for several years has started to be taken down and should be completely removed within the next several days.

Being hated instead of loved is something James will have to get used to as he moves to Miami. Now instead of cheers, he is hearing boos.

Instead of praise, he is receiving backlash for the way he announced his decision. Instead of people wanting to see him succeed, there are now many that want to see him fail.

It may take some time for James to get used to losing his title as the king, but maybe once he settles into playing for the Heat, he can begin to win back some of that respect and love that he once had.

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