LeBron James is confused about the meaning of “competitor.”

After the Orlando Magic eliminated James’ Cleveland Cavaliers from the NBA Playoffs Saturday and James refused to shake hands with his opponents, The New York Times quoted James: “It’s hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them. I’m a winner. It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them. That doesn’t make sense to me. I’m a competitor.”

No. The ultimate competitor is the Triple-Impact Competitor who makes self, teammates and the game better. James is superb on levels 1 and 2. On Level 3, he fell down, badly.

James, admirable in so many ways, is sending a bad message to youth athletes: a competitor is too upset by losing to Honor the Game.

Former NFL coach Herm Edwards nailed it. “The game is sacred….When you are out on the field, you must remember your legacy and what you are representing.”

Triple-Impact Competitors are strong enough to make the game better by overcoming their disappointment to congratulate their opponents at the toughest time–right after they’ve beaten you.

– Jim Thompson, PCA Founder and Executive Director

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