ESPN suspends Miami TV host Dan Le Batard over LeBron James–trolling billboard

On Thursday, ESPN — like much of the Cleveland area — got word that one of its on-air personalities had welcomed LeBron James back to the Cavaliers with a not-terribly-welcoming billboard. Not amused, ESPN suspended South Florida TV and radio host Dan Le Betard, who had not-so-secretly financed at least six billboards in Akron with the following message:

James, an Akron native, is returning to Ohio on Friday, and he left many Miami fans cold not only by leaving the Heat with just two championship rings but also studiously not thanking Miami in his homecoming letter to Cleveland fans.

ESPN, through spokesman Josh Krulewitz, said that Le Betard will be off the air until Monday, adding: "His recent stunt does not reflect ESPN's standards and brand. Additionally, we were not made aware of his plans in advance." They could have gotten a hint from tuning in to his show, the TV version of which is called, for the record, "Dan Le Batard Is Highly Questionable."

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