Infamous LeBron James Slam Dunk Video Emerges
Should Original Videos Have Been Seized in the First Place?
Jul 22, 2009
The dunk heard around the world took place earlier this Summer during a pickup basketball game at LeBron James' Skills Academy in Akron, OH. While a slam dunk is a normal occurrence in many basketball games, this particular dunk earned much scrutiny in regards to the details surrounding it.
Nike Confiscates Video Tapes of Jordan Crawford Dunking Over LeBron James
Senior Director for Nike Basketball, Lynn Merritt, was on-hand during the game and apparently ordered camera crews to hand over video recordings immediately after the dunk transpired. Various sports outlets suggested that LeBron James advised Merritt to take action and recover any tapes to keep footage from leaking onto the internet. Nike responded to queries from the media by acknowledging a “strict policy” that is in place to not allow taping of any kind at events much like this one.
Many questions lingered regarding why a big issue was made to not allow a harmless dunk video to be aired to the public shortly after the incident. As mentioned earlier, a dunk is a common action that takes place in most basketball games. Every basketball athlete, whether it be at the high school, collegiate or professional level, who has the gift to soar ten feet in the air, likely has attempted and succeeded in dunking against a sound defender. Basketball greats such as Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Kevin Garnett would all confess to having been dunked on by lesser talent. No sports star is immune to being handed a surprise by a younger, less experienced athlete on occasion. It is all a part of the game, and it is expected to happen from time to time, and when it does, it should be taken in good spirit with a pat on the back delivered to the youngster.
Jordan Crawford’s Dunk Video Finally Surfaces Online
Earlier this evening several websites released footage from the grand moment in question. The video appears to have been shot by an observer sitting in the upper level of the gym who was likely using a cellular phone video recorder. The content of the video helps to put much of the speculation surrounding this event to rest. The airing of this innocent video should also prompt Nike to evaluate the need to confiscate videos should another circumstance like this occur.
Credit must be given to Jordan Crawford for an outstanding slam, but it certainly was not an earth-shattering play like it was initially made out to be. LeBron James is a premier defender in the NBA, and no one but him can answer the question as to what level of intensity he devoted to playing with during a pickup style game. LeBron made a nice attempt to race up into the air with his invisible jetpack to block the shot, however Crawford got the best of James and took advantage of an opportunity to score against one of the NBA’s best. At the end of the day though it was no different than an older brother giving his younger brother a chance to make a big play in order to boost his confidence and have a little bit of fun.
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