Twice in the last week, reporters photographed James semi-bare in the locker room, according to Cleveland.com. James was not happy about it and he actually called reporters out on it following Sunday’s 123-108 win over the Magic.
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“That’s not cool, man,” James said. “I don’t miss anything.”
James was looking down, checking his phone while the pictures were being snapped, according to the report. After being confronted, the reporter denied taking the pictures.
It happened again Monday night following a loss to the Heat. Two reporters photographed James wearing nothing but a towel as he answered questions. Team officials caught the offenders in the act and escorted them out of the team’s locker room.
Still photography has long been prohibited in locker rooms, but recent incidents have moved the Cavs’ public relations staff to announce that rule as they open the locker room to the media.
Locker room privacy and boundaries have been an issue in recent weeks after statements from NBPA executive director Michele Roberts during an espnW interview.
“I’ve asked about a couple of these guys, ‘Does he ask you a question?’ ‘Nah, he just stands there.’ And when I go in there to talk to the guys, I see them trying to listen to my conversation, and I don’t think that’s the point of media availability. If nothing else, I would like to have a rule imposed, ‘If you have a question, ask it; if you don’t, leave.’ Sometimes, they’re waiting for the marquee players. I get that, but there is so much standing around.”
