National Basketball Association

Browns' Cribbs wants James to stay

Published May. 18, 2010 2:36 a.m. ET

foxsports

Cleveland's second-most popular athlete can't imagine LeBron James leaving.

Browns Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs, whose connection with Cleveland fans helped get him a new contract, said Monday night that he would hate to see James bolt as a free agent.

James, whose run to an NBA title ended last week when the Cavs were upset in the second round of the NBA playoffs by Boston, is eligible for free agency on July 1.

Cribb says Cleveland ``wouldn't be the same'' without James.

``He's the king here. LeBron James is king, being in this city and growing up in the Cleveland area. If he goes anywhere else, he'll just be a phenomenal, extraordinary athlete.

``But he will not be the king in any other city but Cleveland.''