Know When to Hold 'Em

This whole LeBron and race thing started with a question from a reporter. A question she knew the answer to before it was even asked. A question so loaded that she needed a concealed handgun license to carry around her notebook.

Reporters too often show up with an agenda hidden in the form of a list of questions. They seem to show up to the press conference knowing what they want to hear and won't give up until they do.

In a sports marketing class I took the professor informed us that it's not really about getting an answer, it's more about getting a reaction. That's why reporters will ask the same mundane question over and over again or ask the same question three times, but just phrased in a different way. They don't want an answer to their question so that they can be more informed. Instead, they want something they can take to their editor and say, "I got the lead."

Sure, LeBron could have said that race played no part in the response to his decision, but that would only have been the first time it was asked. Next, he'd get, "So, you don't think race played any part, at all, in people's reaction to your decision?"

"No, I do not."

"None at all?"

"Well...maybe a little."

Whether he wanted to or not, I don't think LeBron was leaving that interview without saying that race was a factor. Maybe he jumped at the opportunity to deflect some blame, but it would have been coaxed out of him nonetheless.

That's because CNN has an agenda. An agenda that's nothing more than ratings, but when it comes to television, that's really the only agenda that matters.

Of course, there was no way that LeBron could have honestly said that race had absolutely nothing to do with it. Race always plays a part. But, in this case, it's better to ignore it. Sometimes when walking life's path, it's better not to stop and focus on every crack in the sidewalk. Otherwise, you'll never reach your destination.

So, CNN you got your wish. You asked a question you already knew the answer to and got the response you wanted. You have a new lead-in to your show and a quote you can use to promote it. You added the race card to a deck that surely didn't need it.