James can identify with Clarett's plight, offers friend support

CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James has just one wish for his close friend, troubled Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett.
"For him to get back on the field," the Cleveland Cavaliers rookie said, "and not for anybody else but for himself. Because he loves to play."
James slowed downtown traffic, members of the visiting Minnesota Twins and office workers on their lunch hour Friday while shooting a television commercial for the Cavaliers at Public Square.
After arriving on the set, James, who has known Clarett for a few years, discussed his friend's plight.
Earlier this week, the Buckeyes' star was suspended for the season for violating NCAA rules. The school said Clarett accepted thousands of dollars in improper benefits and lied to investigators.
James, perhaps more than anyone, can appreciate Clarett's predicament.
Similar situation
During his senior year at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, James was stripped of his eligibility and suspended for the season by state high school officials for accepting two "throwback" sports jerseys as gifts.
James was also investigated for receiving a lavish sports utility vehicle as a birthday gift from his mother. He fought the season-long suspension in court and had it reduced to two games.
He can feel Clarett's pain.
"Maurice is a great friend of mine," he said. "I just want to show my support to him as much as I can with him being in a tough situation. He loves football just like I love the game of basketball.
"I went through something like it last year when basketball was taken away from me. I know it's tough for him because I was in a similar position last year and I'll show him my support as much as I can. I'll be there 24-7 for him if he needs me."
James said the ordeal made him tougher and wiser. He hopes Clarett's situation will have a similarly positive outcome.
"I never looked at the situation as 'Why me? Why did they put me in this position,' " James said. "I always looked at it that it would make me a stronger person, and I think this is going to make Maurice a stronger person. I know it's going to make him a stronger person. I hope he just knows I'm there for him."
James is popular
On Friday, James was again there for the Cavaliers, who are cashing in on the 18-year-old's immense popularity.
The team has seen a monumental increase in ticket sales and merchandising since the No. 1 overall draft pick's arrival. The Cavaliers are trying to sell tickets with a radio and TV ad campaign featuring James and a few teammates.
As James stood on the ledge of a fountain to film part of his commercial spot, construction workers lined up alongside men in business suits to watch.
First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, staying at a nearby hotel while the Twins are in to play the Indians, paused with others to see why the park had been blocked off by police.
"My son is going to lose it when I tell him I saw LeBron," said Deborah Morabito, who stopped by after lunch. "That's like his new idol."
Chosen as extra
On the other side of the park, Valerie Banks couldn't have been more proud. Her 18-year-old son, Mareo, answered a casting call and was chosen as an extra for the commercial.
As James walked through the park during the shooting, the younger Banks sat on a bike next to a hot dog vendor's cart acting rather nonchalant.
His mom knew better.
"He's a huge fan of LeBron's," she said. "Look at him, he's playing it cool now, but I know he wants to be jumping around."