LeBron is LeGone, and LeDead to me

LeBron, you're dead to me.

I really enjoyed watching your elite play and bewildering athleticism this season, and I sang your praises all year long. I defended you in every Kobe-or-LeBron-who's-better? battle that flew my way. I looked past the still-palpable pain you inflicted on Pistons fans in 2007 and said repeatedly that you were the greatest player on the planet. Still might be. But I don't like you any longer.

There's something that athletes in your position -- one of megastar status -- absolutely must do, and that is respect the game. Saturday after Game 6, by refusing to acknowledge the Magic's feat, you spit in basketball's face.

And then you ignored the media afterward -- which was a misstep, but a forgivable one. Hell, Rasheed Wallace refuses to answer reporters' questions at the end of every postseason. It's classless, but at least Sheed has decency and the cojones to give dap to his opponents at the end of a series.

By walking out of Amway Arena Saturday without even saying "Well done" or "Good luck" or "We'll see you next year" to Dwight Howard and his Magic mates, you -- Mr. MVP -- came off as the sorest of losers. And you reminded me of the whiny baby I grew to despise in 2007 when you and the Cavs took advantage of a dysfunctional Pistons team and lucked your way into the Finals.

I understand that this was supposed to be your coronation -- Title Numero Uno -- but there was one small problem: Your team wasn't as good as Orlando's team. Now your managerial team needs to bulk up your roster. And your time will come. But until it does, you need to respect your opponent, respect the game -- and put away those confounded cameras in the pregame introductions.

Have a great summer vacation, Prince.