In a videotape leaked to the press and broadcast on the Al Jazeera network members of an Iraqi insurgent group known as BAL have made their demands clear. "We want this Lebron James," said a hooded man into the camera, an AK-47 dangling from his neck. "If the United States will hand over this superman we will gladly release these two hostages." The two captives, AP photographer Mike Smalls and embedded journalist Kerry Sansone, appear in the video. The two men kneel before the camera, hands bound behind their backs. Their faces are bruised and tears trickle from their eyes. "Please, do what these men say," Smalls pleads as another insurgent stands behind him with a sword raised above his head. "He (James) is just an overrated point-forward. He's never even won a championship. The NBA can surely spare him for our lives. The game sucks anyway."
The demand for James, a bona-fide basketball superstar, is unprecedented in terrorist negotiations, though it does not come as a complete surprise as the international popularity of the sport has skyrocketed in recent years. "Do the right thing," the hooded man says toward the end of the videotape. "Give us Lebron James and we will let these two puny members of the media go free. Neither one of them can hit a three-point shot let alone dunk the ball." NBA commissioner David Stern said he "will not negotiate with terrorists," though he did say he was open to the possibility of a monetary agreement. "My duty is to the game of basketball and to the NBA fans. These guys are offering nothing as far as I can tell. Lebron for a couple of white guys who've never even dribbled a ball? Give me a break." James (24) could not be reached for comment as he was busy racking up thirty-four points, seven rebounds and eight assists against the San Antonio Spurs. His contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers will expire in 2010. The question of what team he will next play for is the subject of much speculation and debate around the world.
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