LeBron apologizes for how "The Decision" unfolded

"I'm going to take my talents to South Beach," said basketball star LeBron James, announcing his decision to sign with the Miami Heat in a television broadcast, July 8, 2010.

/ Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Estabrook Group

It may have taken 10 months and a cathartic series win over the Boston Celtics, but LeBron James is finally expressing remorse for how his much-maligned "Decision" unfolded.

After the Heat disposed of the Celtics Wednesday night to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron said that his defection from Cleveland to Miami was motivated by a desire to vanquish his Celtics demons - but apologized "for the way it happened."

As CBSSports.com's Ken Berger reports, James told reporters: "I knew I had to go through Boston at some point. I went through a lot signing to be here and the way it panned out. I apologize for the way it happened, but I knew that this opportunity was once in a lifetime."

Berger: LeBron gets his revenge

LeBron didn't specifically mention the one-hour TV special that infuriated so many basketball fans, particularly those in Ohio, but it seems clear that he regrets how it all played out.

But don't expect his comment to repair his broken relationship with Cleveland. The apology will likely ring hollow in Ohio, especially considering he refused to apologize when he returned to play the Cavaliers in December.

[QuetzalcoatlUSA]

On one hand, one can't blame a competitive athlete for taking control of his own career and going to the place he thinks he is most likely to make an impact and reach his goals. On the other hand, in a day when athletes rarely stay in one city too long, its nice to see them show some respect to the fans who buy their jerseys and give them unconditional love and adulation. While fans understand that professional sports are a business and that players can be traded or moved at the drop of a hat, LeBron basically said "f*#% you" to Cleveland and his hometown fans and that's - if nothing else - a pretty bad public relations move. LeBron should remember that as good as he is, he hasn't yet won a championship (much less six like Michael Jordan). So he should save the "King James" stuff until he has actually proven his worth as a player.

[mb91764]

Been trying to tell my son this for a while.Seem like the guys come out of high school think they can say that they bette then jordan or some of the other great players.Lets see the rings before you brag about how much better you are.At less be like kobe and earn the resprect you want.

[WhenTimeFlies]

LeBron shouldn't have waited to apologize. He should have just apologized before the season so there's no backlash from Cleveland, get to where he is now, and focus on the conference finals against the Bulls/Hawks.