Some days it’s hard to walk the streets if you’re Miami Heat star LeBron James. Some days it’s welcomed.
And, some days it’s required of you.
Thursday was one of those days for the two-time league MVP, as he readied himself to report to a Summit County courthouse in downtown Akron, Ohio.
Jury duty time. Time to serve my civic duty http://t.co/7OgkVM74Er
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 8, 2013
Phil Trexler of the Akron Beacon Journal reported on James’ status as a juror.
LeBron has left the court house. Not needed as a juror today. Will try again tomorrow.
— Phil Trexler (@PhilTrexler) August 8, 2013
LeBron James among potential jurors sent home, not needed. One criminal defendant pled guilty; other one didn’t show. @kingjames #missedopp
— Phil Trexler (@PhilTrexler) August 8, 2013
According to the Ed Meyer of the Akron Beacon Journal, LeBron was one of 49 possible jurors who were dismissed when one defendant pled guilty. The other defendant in the case did not appear in court today, which is why the jurors will be back on Friday.
James arrived at 8:20 in the morning armed with a book to keep preoccupied. While awaiting his turn, he sequestered himself in the jury foreman’s office to ensure that his presence would not be a distraction.
He still maintains two adjoined properties in Bath Township, west of Akron. He spends time in his hometown of Akron during the offseason and will be hosting charitable events over the weekend.
Still, this occurrence seems almost alarming, if not comical, when contrasted with what transpired previously in the week.
Just days earlier, King James made waves on sports media circuits when he posted what some deemed to be a complaint on his Facebook page on August 4.
Man it’s hard to go out and have a good time these days! It’s cool though, it’s part of my life. Wouldn’t change anything(just saying). Been in the spotlight since I was 15. Sometimes u just wanna STOP!! But I refuse cause I have a commitment to the youth to inspire them!! That will keep me pushing forward and focused alone.”
Sure seems to be a stark contrast in perception. In one instance, he is being honest in divulging the difficulties of trying to enjoy life normally. In the other, he is—almost gladly—reporting for jury duty, a “civic duty” many normal citizens dread.
While showing up for jury duty may be somewhat normal, being that it’s anything but for LeBron James, as Sheriff’s Lt. Kandy Fatheree explains.
As soon as he walked in. I just scanned the room, and everyone knew immediately who he was. It was kind of funny to see the movements of everyone whispering to each other.”
Suddenly, LeBron James seems more like the guy in the Wendy’s commercial that is excited to go to jury duty simply to be near a burger joint downtown.
It seems, James may just be excited to do something normal for once. Like the guy in the commercial, though, perhaps he may have to plea insanity.
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Michael writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is an Atlanta Hawks, Southeast Division NBA Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.