LeBron James' 'The Decision': Five things you may not know about infamous ESPN special

On July 8, 2010, LeBron James changed the landscape of the NBA for years to come with a few simple words: "I'm gonna take my talents to South Beach."

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It took him quite some time to actually say those words, of course. Why get straight to the point when you can unnecessarily drag things out and infuriate an entire fan base?

"The Decision," an unprecedented ESPN special that brought an end to one of the wildest free-agency periods in sports history, was instantly viewed as a total PR failure more than a decade ago. Fans and pundits alike ripped James and ESPN for the poorly organized show, setting the stage for a season of LeBron and the Heat playing the league's biggest villains.

Despite its flaws, "The Decision" did cause a major ripple effect that benefited James' NBA brethren. It ushered in the player empowerment era and allowed superstars to take control of their careers. (Just look at Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.) It also marked a shift in how the basketball world perceived free agency and launched the year-round rumor mill.

You probably remember the big-picture talking points that were hammered into the ground and the intense backlash James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh faced at the time. But there are a few details about "The Decision" that slid under the radar.

"I'm pretty sure they'll pony up $44.99 for 'Decision 2010: LeBron's Verdict,'" Simmons wrote.

Thanks, Drew!

"I think [he didn't like it] probably because the player was in charge here," former ESPN executive John Skipper told Van Natta.

Network executives wanted someone like Bob Ley or Stuart Scott to sit across from James at the Boys and Girls Club in Greenwich, Conn., according to Van Natta. James' team insisted Gray, who had interviewed James while he was in high school and spoken to Carter and agent Ari Emanuel about doing a TV special, be involved in the broadcast.

Gray didn't initially understand the high volume of criticism, and he still couldn't comprehend it years later.

His one regret? He didn't ask for money because he knew all proceeds were going to charity.

"They should have paid me," Gray said of ESPN. "They should have paid me a ton."

Courtney Cox, a former ESPN studio stage manager who worked on "The Decision," couldn't pinpoint exactly why the rapper made the trip to Greenwich, but she claimed West missed the most important part of the evening.

I spend the first 15 minutes or so honed in on 'Ye's every move. He seems chill, he's wearing his glasses indoors, and he's not making sudden moves. I forget he's there until one of the camera operators says, "I think Kanye West fell asleep."

At the biggest non-sporting sports event in a while, Kanye West fell asleep before anyone announced anything. He was doing the church/school head nod and everything. Wake up, Mr. West.

He would eventually wake up and leave well before "The Decision" ended.

Also standing outside the Boys and Girls Club: a 13-year-old Donovan Mitchell. Yes, that's All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.

Sorry again, Knicks fans.

"People have covered up for [James] for way too long," Gilbert said. "Tonight we saw who he really is."

Gilbert added that James "quit" on the Cavs during their 2010 second-round series against the Celtics, which ended James' initial run in Cleveland.

"Watch the tape," Gilbert said. "The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar. . . . It's not about him leaving. It's the disrespect. It's time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions. Is this the way you raise your children? I've been holding this all in for a long time."

The letter and those comments created a giant rift between Gilbert and James, but they were able to reconcile years later and maintain at least a somewhat professional relationship during James' second stint with the Cavs. Gilbert kept up his end of the bargain by spending extravagantly on roster upgrades, and James delivered on his promise to bring a championship to Cleveland.

Oh, and that letter no longer appears on the team website. Good call there, Dan.