Heat F LeBron James confirmed he is considering running for the vacant NBPA President position, saying the union is "not in a good place right now," according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. James: "I just think the union is going backwards. ... My voice could be huge in that situation." James has yet to decide "whether he'll officially run." He said, "I'm not sure I have the time to do it, but it's something I'm going to think about with my team and go from there. But I think we all can agree there's been a lot of transition in our union in the last couple of years. If it's not me in that seat then I hope it's someone who is comfortable with it and can do the job" (ESPN.com, 8/10).
HOMEWARD BOUND? In Cleveland, Tim Warsinskey noted James on Saturday "was on hand to encourage and celebrate Akron elementary school students who are a part of his Wheels for Education" program at his high school, St. Vincent-St. Mary. There was a "sense the bond he shares with his hometown and old school is gaining strength." But whether or not that "impacts his decision to bring his basketball talents back to these parts next year remains to be seen." Saturday's event was "festive, well-orchestrated," and attracted "about 3,500 to SVSM's Cistone Field" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 8/11). In Ft. Lauderdale, Shandel Richardson noted James donated new uniforms for all sports at SVSM, and "surprised the student body by participating in the runway fashion show" unveiling the uniforms (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 8/11).
