By Justin Michael Carter

Last week Albert Pujols signed the biggest contract in MLB history to play first base for the LA Angels of Anaheim. Pujols has no connection to the city of Los Angeles nor the Angels franchise aside from the fact both agreed to douse him with over a quarter billion dollars for a decade of his services.St. Louis, the city he led to two World Series titles, has yet to take to the streets rioting or wishing the future first ballot hall of famer physical harm. Maybe they didn’t get the memo from Cleveland fans about how to react when you lose your franchise player to free agency.

There will be no Albert Pujols Jerseys burned in effigy in St. Louis the way LeBron James jerseys were burned in Cleveland. Albert Pujols will not be booed in every ball park he enters during the upcoming season like LeBron was booed in every arena but Miami.

It’s also unlikely the St. Louis Cardinals owner will ever write an angry letter exposing the fact he views Albert Pujols more like property than player, the way Cleveland’s Dan Gilbert viewed LeBron James when he left town. Albert Pujols signing with the Angels was as textbook a money grab as there is in sports. The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t have enough cash to keep him so he simply went to a team that did. Despite this fact, the sports world has shown Pujols a level of understanding and consideration for his free agency trials that was never extended to LeBron James during his.

As the NBA prepares to begin the lockout shortened season next week, LeBron James has been making the rounds on a personal public relations blitz. In various interviews he’s expressed contrition for last year’s actions, as if he is Morgan Freeman facing the parole board in Shawshank Redemption.

LeBron James took a massive pay cut and sacrificed gaudy statistics so that he could compete for a championship in Miami. Athletes used to get praised for displaying this sort of selflessness, but in LeBron’s case this has been a source of derision.

If LeBron James thinks he can change his perception by going on an apology tour he should think again. He’d be better off learning how to swing a baseball bat. The only decision LeBron James should regret is choosing to play basketball instead of baseball.

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