In lieu of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ trade with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, several disgruntled hoops fans decided to burn their Isaiah Thomas jerseys. In what can only be described as an act of class, LeBron James, a player who knows a thing or two about jerseys being burnt, decided to defend his new teammate on Twitter.
James sent out a barrage of tweets in his defense of Thomas, saying: “The burning of the jersey thing is getting ridiculous now! The man was traded. What do u not understand? & he played in a game after (his) sister’s tragic death. Gordon Hayward paid his dues as well and decided to do what’s best for him and family. Put in the work, got better, became an All-Star, etc!! If these guys weren’t good, you guys would be the first to say “get them up out of here.” Man, beat it! When “we” decide to do what best for us, it’s “cowardly,” “traitor”, etc. But when it’s on the other side, it’s “business,” huh!?!? Ooh, ok. Man, do what u feel is best for your profession, love, family, happiness, and continue to #StriveForGreatness🚀 #Salute.”
Stephen A. Smith, an analyst who is best known for his role on ESPN’s First Take, seems to agree with James’ sentiments. Smith, not one to mince words, says “LeBron is 1000% right to get on those fans in Boston.”
On Thursday, First Take’s twitter account relayed Smith’s quote about Celtics fans burning their jerseys. Whether he meant to or not, it appears as though Thomas liked, then unliked the tweet.
Update: Thomas seems to have unliked it now.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) August 25, 2017
On one hand, Thomas’ jersey being burnt is a blatant act of disrespect (yes, Cavs fans did the same thing in 2010 when James decided to “take his talents to South Beach”). However, on the other hand, it shows exactly what Thomas meant to Celtics fans. As the old saying goes: “truth comes out in moments of anger.”
