That is a tough question. The first thing that comes to my head. No not a bombing or other stupid stuff, but his broken wrist in high school. This franchise is so under managed that we are right now today one player from one being the Hawaii Cavaliers or worse just being extinct. Yes that is a grim fact but it is a fact. 

We can look back at the Tribe and see good times, the Browns the same. We can look back at the Tribe and Browns and see the darkest of days a franchise can have. The Tribe was almost gone at one time, and the Browns were gone at one time. But, the one thing this organization never did the other two did? Well they never captured the imagination of the fans, not until this year. They have made bad call after bad call, their best highlight since inception...yep, MJ hitting a game winner over Ehlo. That doesn't make for a good life in Cleveland for a franchise.

Don't get me wrong, basketball is as big here as anywhere except maybe NY or LA, but not much in the pro ranks has given us much to cheer about...again until this year. So I ask again is it worth risking the franchise on one player's desire to play for a piece of gold he could pay to have made himself? Yes, because that is what this country is about. We take the risk and bask in the rewards.

There are both risks and rewards in LeBron James heading to Athens. The risks?

It's right there in front of you everyday. Yep the main reason no American should head to Athens. Right now it's only May and numerous concerns have been brought up about the safety of U.S. citizens overseas. It's not that they are not trying to do their best to protect the athletes, but face it, in this day and age there just isn't much security beyond prayer and hope. It has been speculated that the U.S.A. will completely pull out of the Olympics. Which I feel is a big mistake, the entire point of terrorism is to strike fear into those you hate. As American's we have never run from a fight, we have never feared an enemy, and we sure as hell never thought that we would have to worry about citizens being killed because of some pansy ass not being man enough to go after the military. This is new...or is it?

It's happened before, in front of the whole world. Sadly, it was 30 years ago, so why are we still here? (Sorry, that is for another site) The fact is terrorism isn't the reason that James shouldn't be heading to the Olympics. Fact is many superstars are worried that they won't win. They will lose money because they don't win, so instead of playing harder they quit. That isn't James, but James wants to win more than about 3 guys I have ever seen set foot on a NBA court. It is always in the eyes. MJ had it, Tim Duncan has it, Magic had it(Bird probably did to but that hair was in the way)

The Positives?

Well for starters, how about the fact that he would be playing everyday with one of the great all time coaches. Oh and Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, maybe Tracy McGrady and some of the best of the best in today's game. You don't think that would have a lasting effect on his game. I do and I'm sure that most would agree with that statement.

Also, how about this. Not all countries play basketball in an NBA style. Their way isn't wrong. I actually believe a couple of those teams beat the U.S.A. a couple years back using the other way to ball. The knowledge and experience of playing against and seeing these styles will not only help in LeBron's defense but in his offense too. It is a learning experience unlike no other he will get.

So should LeBron at 19 risk everything to win the gold in a turbulent time? Well, as much as I hate to say it...yes.

Jesse Owens did it, in the worst of times. The Miracle Hockey Team of 1980 again not a good time. This is one of those times. Duncan and Iverson will try and do it themselves if LeBron doesn't go. (yes I think LBJ will dominate that much if he goes and don't think Tracy will make it out of Florida) Not many can disagree that Tim Duncan is a good man and his devotion to this team should be an inspiration to LeBron to see what being a role model and an American is all about. 

LeBron, you let the guys handling the dangerous other stuff do their job, you just worry about the hoop and make America and Cleveland proud.