LeBron James’ “The Decision” to air on ESPN

By Ryan Berenz

espn_special_lebronI feel kind of dirty posting this, considering the absurdity of it all, but I’m sure this program will get a ton of viewers. Reports are that LeBron is favoring joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, so maybe someone from a competing network will confirm it and report it before ESPN does and we can all skip this circus. (Yeah, I know about the proceeds going to charity thing. Doesn’t make it any less silly.) Here is the release from ESPN:

“The Decision” to be Presented Live on ESPN Thursday at 9 p.m. ET

LeBron James to Make Formal Announcement as to Where He’ll Play Next

One of the most anticipated decisions in the sports world – where NBA superstar free agent LeBron James will play next season and beyond – will be officially revealed on “The Decision,” to be presented live on ESPN and ESPN Radio Thursday, July 8, at 9 p.m. ET.

Proceeds from “The Decision” will be donated to Boys & Girls Club of America in support of James’ vision to construct basketball courts for youth across the country. The program will be co-presented by University of Phoenix and Bing. vitaminwater® and McDonald’s will also sponsor the program. In addition, Nike and Sprite are making contributions in support of this charitable initiative. LeBron James and his marketing company, LRMR Marketing, were responsible for securing the sponsors for this unique event.

Maverick Carter, CEO of LRMR, said: “LeBron has a longstanding commitment to giving back to the community and has worked with Boys & Girls Clubs in cities across the country. With the unprecedented attention and interest surrounding LeBron’s decision, we decided to make this announcement on national television and donate the proceeds to Boys & Girls Clubs. We very much appreciate the cooperation and generosity of our sponsors.”

Roxanne Spillett, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, added: “We were thrilled to hear from LeBron’s organization over this past weekend with this most generous gesture. Taking time out of what I am sure is a most difficult decision, and creating an opportunity for our Clubs and members to benefit, is just tremendous.”

ESPN’s Stuart Scott will host “The Decision,” and will be joined by ESPN NBA analysts Michael Wilbon and Jon Barry.  Freelance reporter Jim Gray will conduct the first interview with James in which he announces his decision.  Wilbon will also have an extensive interview with James.

ESPN’s 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter will expand to three hours leading into the hour-long “The Decision” at 9 p.m.  Following “The Decision,” ESPN will televise an expanded SportsCenter from 10 p.m.-midnight (9 p.m. PT).  SportsCenter’s coverage throughout the evening will provide news and information associated with the decision, an overview of the NBA free agency landscape, and a recap of the other sports news of the day.  ESPN will also have reporters at the team headquarters of several teams which have been most active in free agency.

Thursday’s ESPN schedule (July 8):

6-9 p.m. ET    SportsCenter
9-10 p.m.    “The Decision”
10 p.m.-midnight (9 p.m. PT)    SportsCenter (with Baseball Tonight updates)

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About Ryan Berenz 2166 Articles
Member of the Television Critics Association. Charter member of the Ancient and Mystic Society of No Homers. Squire of the Ancient & Benevolent Order of the Lynx, Lodge 49, Long Beach, Calif. Costco Wholesale Gold Star Member since 2011.