Lebron's Unpopular Rating (Seriously?)

Bringing up ‘Lebron James’ at a dinner party or at the water cooler has been at par with religion and politics. In other words, it’s probably best to keep your opinions to yourself. Anyway, whatever camp you’re in after Lebron’s Decision, more heat has just been added to the fire.

The Q Scores Co., which conducts popularity polls, reported on Tuesday that James is the sixth-most-disliked figure in American pro sports. Topping off the list: Michael Vick, Tiger Woods, Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco, and Kobe Bryant.

Think what you will about Lebron. But did his actions really justify being grouped in with adulterers, dog-killers, and, ahem, ‘other criminals’? Come on.

According to the report, James is viewed in what the company considers a negative light by 39 percent of the general population. In January, while still a Cleveland Cavalier, he was viewed positively by 24 percent of the population, negatively by 22 percent, according to the figures from The Q Scores Co.

“LeBron's positive score at that time [January] was the highest we had ever seen it," Henry Schafer, executive vice president of Q Scores, told CNBC.

The company’s current tally puts James’ drop in positive rating in the past seven months at 41.5 percent. Q Scores considers James to be viewed in a positive light by only 14 percent of the people polled.

Following James on Twitter, I know that he is using this as motivation for the upcoming season and for the foreseeable future. And I can’t wait to watch. Until then, here’s a video of Lebron working out with the Miami Heat coaching staff. ~ p