December 2, 2010, was a memorable night on the sports calendar due to an interesting scheduling coincidence. That was the night that former Cleveland Cavalier star LeBron James and former Senators sniper Dany Heatley both made their heavily hyped returns to the cities they'd abandoned.
James was the bigger story, of course. His decision to join the Miami Heat as a free agent had been front-page news around the world for months. But Heatley's situation had also created plenty of bad feelings in Ottawa and beyond. And the similarities didn't end there.
Here's a look at two of sports' most notable villains, who briefly shared a night in the spotlight thanks to the schedule makers:
LeBron James: His decision to leave may have been influenced by Cleveland's reputation as “mind-numbingly boring” and “soul-crushingly dull” and “completely and utterly devoid of anything even slightly resembling a pulse.”
Dany Heatley: His decision to leave may have been influenced by Ottawa's reputation as “a great option for people who can't handle the excitement of Cleveland.”
LeBron James: Once it was apparent he would be leaving, Cleveland was forced to reconsider the massive “We Are All Witness” banner that had dominated the downtown skyline since 2005.
Dany Heatley: Once it was apparent he would be leaving, Ottawa was forced to reconsider the “Stanley Cup Champion” banners Daniel Alfredsson has been pre-ordering prior to every season since 1999.
LeBron James: By moving to Miami to play second fiddle to Dwyane Wade, revealed himself to be an athlete so lacking in competitive fire that he'd be willing to passively ride another player's coattails to a championship.
Dany Heatley: By moving to San Jose to play second fiddle to Joe Thornton, revealed himself to be no such thing.
LeBron James: Die-hard Cavalier fans booed him mercilessly as soon as he stepped onto the court.
Dany Heatley: Die-hard Senator fans booed him mercilessly as soon as he accidentally blocked their view of Spartacat's hot dog gun.
LeBron James: Attempted to rehabilitate his image in commercials for the league's biggest corporate sponsor, Nike.
Dany Heatley: Attempted to rehabilitate his image in commercials for the league's biggest corporate sponsor, Frankie's Used Car Emporium in Skokie, Illinois.
LeBron James: Apparently based his preferred destination on such considerations as “How will this affect my endorsement opportunities?” and “How will the local tax laws impact my earnings?”
Dany Heatley: Apparently based his preferred destination on such considerations as “This place isn't Edmonton, right?” and “No seriously, you're absolutely positive it's not Edmonton?”
LeBron James: Along with Wade, made it a top priority to ensure that former Raptor power forward Chris Bosh would also sign a free agent deal in Miami.
Dany Heatley: Prefers to pick up his own coffee and dry cleaning.
LeBron James: Would famously make a handful of chalk disappear into thin air before every home game.
Dany Heatley: Would famously make $4 million of Eugene Melnyk's money disappear into thin air every Canada Day.
LeBron James: After only a few weeks in Miami, was briefly embroiled in controversy after he appeared to lower his shoulder and initiate physical contact with his own coach.
Dany Heatley: Has never been accused of initiating physical contact with anybody.
LeBron James: Helped lead Cleveland to the franchise's first and only appearance in the final in 2007.
Dany Heatley: Helped lead Ottawa to the franchise's first and only appearance in the final in 2007, although if you're talking to a Senators fan it's easier to just pretend that you think accomplishments by a different team with the same name from a hundred years ago still somehow count.
LeBron James: Explained his decision during an hour-long special broadcast on national television, outraging fans and media and doing significant damage to his well-crafted reputation.
Dany Heatley: Wisely avoided that scenario by never explaining his decision, to anyone, ever.