02-04-2003, 02:46 PM
Here is the article. I cut and pasted instead of linked it because I cut out the last half of the article. What the Hell did he get his good grades in.
Edited By Teenweek on 1044370099
Quote:LeBron: I thought jerseys were reward for classwork
By KRISTIE ACKERT
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
LeBron James is sorry. In a televised interview to be aired today, James said he accepted two jerseys from a Cleveland sports shop because he thought the owner was rewarding him for his hard work in the classroom.
"You know, if I had known I was violating anything, I would've never done it," James told CBS' "The Early Show." "I would've never jeopardized my eligibility. I would've never jeopardized my team. ... When I went into (the store), you know, I was just going in there as being, you know, another player and they were trying to reward me for my good grades."
James, who is expected to be the top pick in the NBA draft, was declared ineligible on Friday. The Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled the 6-7 senior had violated amateur bylaws by accepting two retro jerseys worth a combined $845 from the trendy Next Urban Gear and Music.
James was expected to appeal the ruling yesterday, but OHSAA spokesman Bob Goldring said the organization had not heard from him or his lawyer as of late afternoon.
James said he has returned the jerseys.
"Yes, I'm sorry," James said. "There's nothing I'm more sorry about, you know, than disrespecting my teammates. ... I love them to death. ... I'm so proud of them, you know, to be able to stick it out for me."
Edited By Teenweek on 1044370099