Syosset LeBurnt Out Over LeBron

Syosset's Andy Kelly stared at LeBron James on one of The Inn Between's TVs and perfectly surmised what is best–and worst–about sports.

"I think about it on two levels," he said Thursday night while watching James' ultra-hyped The Decision. "It's funny, then again it's not because look at all the other problems in the world we should be paying attention to. Maybe that's the whole point. It takes people away from their problems. It's like a fantasy."

Kelly took the benign approach to James' choice. He grinned while convincing his wife that James played football, simultaneously winking at a reporter to play along. On the other hand, when James said "South Beach" one person questioned the All-Star's masculinity under his breath before storming out. 

In general it was a realistic bunch, having heard that momentum wasn't leaning toward the Big Apple. Perhaps knowing the outcome led to cynicism over the format. One man who admitted to being more of a football fan openly mocked the National Enqurier atmosphere: "Don't you know that Angelina and Brad are having another baby?"

But many were much more invested, including the trio of Brendan Dunn, Dan Grgas and Ryan Walsh. Dunn was still holding out hope 15 minutes before the announcement and praising his Knicks' efforts.

"Two weeks ago I would've said they had no chance," Dunn said. "But then they got [Amar'e] Stoudemire and I thought it was possible. Maybe all the [rumors] about Miami are being used to throw people off the scent."

When it was official, Grgas, like many, questioned whether James winning rings in Miami would mean much of anything.

"I think this is the worst decision he could have made," Grgas said, noting the talent James is wrapping himself around. "No matter what he wins, it's not going to be on his own terms."

After the announcement the bartender turned down the TV and turned up the music. The first tune was the Georgia Satellites' "Keep Your Hands to Yourself," fitting for a crowd that had just been spurned. Dunn, Grgas and Walsh went out for a smoke. Soon they were witnessing the man who had cursed James storming back in the way he stormed out. He had misplaced his phone.

Some nights are just not meant to be.