The Cavaliers were a prime example. Despite acquiring a group of experienced role players, they were stuck in a cycle of losing streaks. When Su Xi left, the Cavaliers were fourth in the East; now, they had plummeted to eighth. It was only because the East wasn't very competitive; otherwise, they would have damn well dropped out of the playoff picture long ago.
During this time, Tony Battie was constantly taking potshots at the Cavaliers in the media. On December 3rd, he made a famous statement that was quoted by many commentators: "In modern society, a Knight has forsaken the law to choose a King. This is the beginning of their failure. The Cavaliers should be renamed the African Tribe, or The Chief and His Subjects."
This statement caused a huge uproar.
The Yahoo Website voted it the season's most vicious jab at James.
It's only because Tony Battie is African American. If Su Xi or any white person had said it, the public outcry would have been insane.
