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The 2010 announcement of LeBron James that he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat in free agency during a television special entitled “The Decision” is one of the greatest stories of American sport in this century.
Ten years later, it emerged that a Detroit Pistons fan’s question to then-ESPN writer Bill Simmons was the inspiration for the show.
For ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr., Drew Wagner sent the following question to Simmons:
“What if LeBron announces that he will choose his 2010-11 team live on ABC on a certain date for a show called ‘LeBron’s Choice? What kind of crazy ratings would they get?”
Simmons did more than answer the question, however, for Van Natta:
“At the All-Star Game weekend in Dallas in February 2010, Simmons launched the” LeBron’s Decision “idea to James ‘business partner, Maverick Carter; at the time James’ agent, Leon Rose, and the consultant to James, William “World Wide Wes” Wesley. Simmons met Rose and Wesley. ” They both loved it, “Simmons later wrote in an email.” I mean, LOVE. “That weekend, Simmons also enthusiastically launched the idea to several senior ESPN executives.
“Simmons threw two ideas at its leaders: a 90-minute documentary following LeBron on his free agency recruiting tour called” The Courting of the King “, followed by” LeBron’s Decision “, where he would choose his new team in a live show, both will be broadcast on ABC. “
The ball really rolled in June when Carter spoke with Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel and broadcaster Jim Gray, who was the host of the show.
One thing led to another, and then ESPN President John Skipper gave James and Carter one hour of programming for July 8th. In return, the The LeBron James Family Foundation has donated $ 2 million to the national Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
As for Wagner, the 38-year-old Detroit Pistons fan spoke to Van Natta about his idea of inspiration for the show.
“I remember everyone talking about where LeBron would go and it seemed to me that LeBron had to do the same thing these guys did and announce it live on TV. I had a bit of fun with those Simmons mail bags and I thought it would have happened to be a fun idea to send it. “
Wagner did not know that his idea was the basis of “The Decision” until Friday, when national radio programs discussed some of the revelations in the next Backstory show episode. Previously, he thought it was a “strange coincidence “.
“I don’t know how it works,” Wagner told ESPN.
“I always had in mind that maybe I had put this in some sort of equipment … I don’t think I deserve anything or any credit. I’m sure many people could have invented it kind of idea and I rolled the ball. I’m also pretty sure that some people would like to shoot the guy who got the idea. “
Cavaliers fans were outraged when James said he was bringing his talents to South Beach, but they were thrilled four years later when he returned to Cleveland. He then led the Cavs to four consecutive NBA finals, winning one in 2016.
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