There’s been a lot of talk this week about LeBron James’ “Q Score,” a measure of popularity among the general population.
The reason? King James recently became the sixth-most hated professional athlete after years of great popularity as a Cleveland Cavalier.
Perhaps the perfect analogy for James’ rise and fall comes in the story of another King.
King Charles VI of France (ruled 1380-1422) was known as “The Well-Beloved.” He was crowned at the age of 11 — still just a boy much like James unofficial crowning as ‘king’ in high school.
Because of his youth, Charles ruled with the help of his uncles, which led to an inevitable power struggle. James will now rule in Miami with the help of Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.
Things got ugly for Charles as he battled what is believed now to be schizophrenia. After wild bouts of madness, Charles the Well-Beloved became Charles the Mad.
In one incident of insanity, Charles turned on his own men, killing at least one knight. I’m sure James’ teammates and fans in Cleveland can relate.
For much of his reign, Charles was a simple figurehead devoid of the respect and power that once made him a great king.
Get the idea, LeBron?
