10 million viewers witnessed LeBron James rip the heart out of Cleveland

'The Decision' is the third highest rated cable program so far in 2010

By AP Staff Sunday, Jul 11, 2010 4:19 PM

LeBron James "Witness" billboard being removed in Cleveland.

Nike's "We Are All Witnesses" billboard being removed from a Cleveland office building today.

Credit: AP Photo/Amy Sancetta

NEW YORK (AP) — The Nielsen Co. estimates that 9.95 million people watched LeBron James announce on ESPN that he's leaving Cleveland to play for the Miami Heat, making it the third-most-watched program on cable television this year.

"The Decision" that aired Thursday night ranks behind the 12.3 million who watched the NFL Pro Bowl and 11.2 million who watched an episode of "ICarly" on Nickelodeon in January.

The special was of particular interest in Cleveland, where an estimated one in four homes with televisions tuned in.

James' future can't yet compare to Kobe Bryant's present, however. More than 28 million people watched Bryant win his fifth championship last month in the seventh game of the NBA Finals between the L.A. Lakers and Boston Celtics.

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MadCharles

The NBA Dan's changed the dress code and the posse changed the dance.
July 11, 2010 at 6:43PM EST Reply to Comment
Mr. Neutron

that's gotta be Super Bowl, yeah? Who watches the Pro Bowl?
July 11, 2010 at 7:02PM EST Reply to Comment
- Mr. Neutron oh...cable...nevermind.
  July 11, 2010 at 7:03PM EST
Stormshadow4life

DOUCHE BAGS.....those are the people who care
July 11, 2010 at 9:21PM EST Reply to Comment