Sports may be a business to those making the money, but not to fans like me SPENDING the money to support their teams! Honestly, I'm tired of hearing that crap from guys like LeBron (an easy target right now). All day on sports radio in Charlotte I've heard guys say, "Hey, it was just good business for LeBron." Or, "He had the chance to go to a 'ready made' championship team. It's not personal, it's business."

If team owners and players want sports to be a "business," then maybe us fans should turn the tables and say to them something like this. "Mr. Richardson and Coach Fox, since the Panthers are going young and lean this year and it will take a miracle to get to the playoffs, I think I'll pull for the Colts because they have the best opportunity the win the Super Bowl THIS year. When you guys spend some REAL money and get the players to help us win some games and maybe a Super Bowl, I'll pull for the Panthers again. Nothing personal, it's just business. See, I'm just an average 'Jimmy' putting my heart on the line for the team (not business) I love. I'M A FAN, not a business man!"

Or, "Mr. Hendrick, For the rest of the 2010 NASCAR season, I'm going to stop pulling for Dale Jr. and pull for Kevin Harvick because he's leading in the Sprint Cup point standings. I'll buy his over priced hats and other cheap crap made in China for a while until Jr. starts winning. It's nothing personal, it's just business. I want to win a championship this year."

How's that?!

Now, I'm not stupid or naive. I know there is big business in sports. I get that. But you owners and players (of every sport) are creating a sporting culture that is destroying the reasons we love and follow and support our teams.

I'm just saying, "It's not just about business." And if it is, I'll take my son fishing instead watching a ball game. If it's just business, I won't let the Panthers losing a ball game mess me up until the next Sunday. If it's just business LeBron (or you fill in the blank), I'll do something better with my time and money.

BTW, I use the Panthers for illustration purposes. I really do think we're going to win the Super Bowl this year. You know why I believe that? It's not because I listen to the experts or look through the rosters or anything like that. It's because I'm letting my heart lead me - because I LOVE THE PANTHERS! I'm a fan....it's personal.

I also think Dale Jr. is going to get in the Sprint Cup Chase and somehow win a championship. I'm a fan...!