Prodigal Sonned: The Harshest Homecomings in Sports History
In any relationship, it's how you break up that will dictate whether or not you will remain friends or turn into mortal enemies. Similarly, if a beloved athlete leaves his original team without too much acrimony (i.e., Wayne Gretzky departing Edmonton), he can usually expect a warm reception upon his return home. However, if a superstar decides to up and leave out of nowhere—like LeBron James bolting Cleveland for Miami—you can be sure that the spurned faithful will be much less forgiving. And we're not just talking about the traditional boos and fuck-yous—dozens of uniformed and undercover police officers will be stationed around Quicken Loans Arena tonight in anticipation of the rancor that will accompany Bron Bron's return to Cleveland. Shit could get ugly. So, on the day of LeBron’s return, here are The Harshest Homecomings in Sports. Note to Cleveland: Try to set the bar even higher...
Terrell Owens to Philadelphia
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Alex Rodriguez to Seattle
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Marian Hossa to Pittsburgh
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Nick Saban to LSU
HOMECOMING DATE: 11/8/2008
COMPLEX SAYS: Some of these coaches is traitors, too. When a beloved college football coach leaves a school in favor of the NFL, it’s not so bad. So when Saban left LSU for the Miami Dolphins, Tigers fans were disappointed, but not spiteful. But when Saban retreated back to the NCAA two years later, only to take the helm at rival Alabama, Baton Rouge was up in arms—and expressed it, often, upon his return to Tiger Stadium. Dick move, Saban.
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J. D. Drew to Philadelphia
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Luis Figo to Barcelona
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COMPLEX SAYS:The Godfather
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Vince Carter to Toronto
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Johnny Damon & Manny Ramirez to Boston
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Jason Taylor to Miami
HOMECOMING DATE: 9/26/2010
COMPLEX SAYS: After ripping the Jets and their fans numerous times while in Florida, Jason Taylor ended up crawling to the only team that would give him a chance in the 2010 season: Gang Green. Obviously, Miami didn’t take this Judas-like treatment too kindly. As the Jets visited Miami in September, coach Rex Ryan—in classic Rex Ryan fashion—decided to send Taylor to the opening coin toss in his former home stadium...alone. Predictably, the crowd let him have it.
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Sol Campbell to Tottenham
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