March 7, 2008
LeBron's #1 Fan Takes to the Court For Meeting
There's a thin line between being a fan and being obsessed, and Anthony Erskine may have crossed that line on when he went onto the court to meet his idol, LeBron James.
During the waning moments of the Cavaliers’ Wednesday win over the Knicks, Erskine evaded security and actually got to shake LeBron’s hand and tell him how much he admired him. For his part, James seemed happy with the incident telling reporters:
"It was a great feeling. You get a fan to come down there to express the way he feels about you ... told me I was his favorite player, that never happens. I respect him. I respect his pride and for him to come out there and tell me something like that face to face. It's like the (most) unbelievable thing that ever happened to me."Expect King James to receive many more visitors on court!
In spite of being kicked out of MSG (leaving his two young cousins in the stands!) and going to the police station, Erskine didn't seem apologetic at all when he talked to the media, "Honestly, yeah, I'd do it again. I thought this was my one chance to meet him, and I wasn't going to miss out. My parents think I'm crazy, but even they are happy I got to meet LeBron. It was totally worth it." This was their exchange - you judge whether it was worth it:
Erskine: "Yo, what's up? You're my favorite player and I've always wanted to meet you. I love your game and want to be like you when I grew up."The 17-year-old Erskine isn’t the first fan to go to extremes to meet their favorite players, but you can’t always assume that fans’ intentions are good. While he didn’t almost kill himself or others in the act, Erskine may face a lifetime ban from MSG, thanks to the Calvin Klein law.
James: "Okay, that's cool, thanks for coming down."
Anthony Erskine, photo by Frank Franklin II/AP
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that guy is kind of crazy. i can't believe bron bron said it's one of the most unbelievable thing that's ever happened to him.
God forbid a fawning peasant gets near the king. It's one thing to be a stalker and another to be an adoring fan. This guy wanted to meet his idol. That's all. It's not like he wanted to be so much like him that he was willing to kill him and wear his skin.
If it's against the law to approach someone because of their status, I want that status so that no one ever approaches me again.
He is so gay.
Wow. I love LeBron's attitude about it all. He might do well to be more cautious in the future, but he obviously didn't feel threatened by it, so no big deal. Good on him. And good for the guy for getting to meet his idol. All's well that ends well.
LeBron was gracious in accepting the adoration of a fan. The fan was foolhardy in his attempt to express it in that manner. The people who are inexcusably at fault is the MSG security. Really? If I want to, I can walk as a single person onto the floor of the court in mid-game and get personal access to one of the opposition's players?
I hope the NBA sanctions the Dolans and MSG is boycotted by visiting teams until they demonstrably beef up their security. Sure, whatisface may have wanted to express his admiration for LeBron, but he just as likely may have wanted to shiv the young man or break his kneecap.
The reason the basketball players are so big is steroids.
It's pretty refreshing to see BronBron's reaction actually. I think it shows he a decent guy who respects his fans, and respects the game. The 'Calvin Klein' law? Is that the one about not selling third rate branded crap to wannabe fashionistas? Everyone wants publicity when they are trying to get established, then when they have what they want they deride it as an invasion of privacy. You can't be famous and anonymous, so pick one famebots.