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LeBron James Fined 25K
6-Jun-2009
Written by: Michael Mandelkern
NBA star LeBron James is fined $25,000 for ditching the Eastern Conference finals postgame news conference.
David Stern, the NBA Commissioner, announced on June 5 during an NBA State of the Union that LeBron James, an American NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers and winner of the 2009 Most Valuable Player Award, will be fined $25,000 for not attending the post game news conference after his team lost to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals, according to ESPN.
Stern spoke to him on June 3, one day after James had to remove a benign growth near his jaw. James admitted to Stern that he was wrong for not congratulating Orlando's players and coaches after Cleveland's loss on May 30.
When asked why Stern reversed his original decision not to penalize James, who is usually cooperative with the press, he explained that it would be unfair to pardon James, citing past NBA controversies in which people were punished.
"It was inappropriate for me to give someone a pass," Stern said.
James asked Stern to tell the media that he apologizes for his actions.
"Sportsmanship is appropriate whether you win or whether you lose," Stern said. "He knows he has a responsibility to all his fans."
Stern said that James would personally address the matter once he fully recovers from his surgery.
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