It’s well known that Miami Heat fans are none too pleased that LeBron James has not thanked the Heat fanbase since announcing his decision to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Well, in an attempt to beat James to the punch, ESPN’s Dan LeBatard has put up a billboard that reads “You’re Welcome, LeBron” on behalf of Heat fans in Akron, Ohio., according to Greg Cote of the Miami Herald.
This good-natured jab is part of a larger plan by LeBatard and his radio show (The Dan LeBatard Show With Stugotz) to make sure Heat fans are heard at James’ homecoming party in Akron on Friday.
Cote mentions that he can’t talk about many of plan’s other aspects in an attempt to avoid tipping James’ people off in regards to what else LeBatard has in store. However, Cote does reveal the show will be sending its producer Mike Ryan to Friday’s celebration (LeBatard has mentioned on his show that Ryan will be wearing a LeBron Heat jersey).
The masterful troll job by LeBatard got its wings following the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Akron Beacon Journal releasing statements that said the Miami-based radio show attempted to purchase an ad in their papers that featured a similar message to the one displayed in the billboard. An agitated LeBatard insisted on his show that he was simply calling for a price estimate and would now do something to lightheartedly spoil James’ celebration.
It appears the billboard is the first step, but it sure sounds like the presence of LeBatard’s show will be heavily felt on Friday.