When Alex Rodriguez was the focus of the sport world’s disdain, it was widely suggested that the Yankees’ third baseman visit a sports psychologist to deal with his perceived inability to handle postseason pressure. Rodriguez, you’ll recall, came to New York under controversial circumstances, after a trade with the Yankees’ biggest rival, the Red Sox, fell through and the Yankees swooped in and completed a deal, followed by A-Rod saying he preferred the Yankees over the Red Sox all along. Thanks to a monster 2009 postseason that carried New York to its 27th title, no one talks anymore about A-Rod’s postseason failings or his need to visit a sports psychologist. No, that conversation has now shifted to LeBron James, who came to Miami under controversial circumstances and then said he never considered himself a Cleveland resident anyway.
As soon as LeBron wins, people will start suggesting that Carmelo Anthony or Alexander Ovechkin or Kevin Durant need to visit a sports psychologist. The sports world demands to have its physically superior mental midget. It somehow makes us feel collectively better about ourselves: “I may not be able to dribble without looking at the ball, but I would definitely demand the rock in crunch time!”