Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
Bauman, who says he was the person responsible for securing the tape for eBaumnation.com, says TMZ paid $3,000 for their cell phone camera version of the video. Bauman says he received this information directly from TMZ's Harvey Levin. Perhaps even more interesting is the revelation that, according to Bauman, ESPN did put a $500 bid in on the video that appeared on eBaumNation.com. In a follow up interview by phone with Bauman, he was able to disclose that eBaumNation.com paid out $5,000 for the video on their site. We have contacted TMZ via e-mail, but have yet to receive a response at the time of this posting.
The following is a statement from ESPN sent to Dan Levy via e-mail from Bill Hofheimer in the network's PR office:
We were approached about purchasing footage from multiple people who had various copies, none of which were of major value to us. We made a small offer and they declined. As we use footage from other outlets, we obviously credit them.
As for the videographer in question, Bauman would not disclose the person's identity, but described the person as "an invited guest to the camp." He also said he was "in the basketball business," and didn't want to cause any harm to any working relationships, so he asked for anonymity in an agreement that was signed.
Bauman also said he sent still shots to Levin on Wednesday to prove he had a better copy of the video. "[Levin] wanted it, but we thought it would be much more fun to 'dunk' one over TMZ," Bauman said in an e-mail.
As one final aside, Bauman noted that the person who provided the video to eBaumNation called TMZ several times in the process of the video being shopped to various outlets during the last week, but never heard back from them.
This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.
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if lebron did indeed get dunked on…BIG F’N DEAL!!! who gives a crap man!! every media nets eating this sh1t up, lebron got dunked on! again…who gives a……..!!! who hasnt been dunked on in there lives! get over it!
by RUTBUCK12 on Jul 23, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions
agree.. big deal. It was a great dunk. It just looks like Lebron was a little late with some help defense. Nike blow it up by trying to hide it.
by brooks36 on Jul 23, 2009 1:35 PM EDT reply actions
Whats funny about this was the story is so twisted now no one really knows what happened. First I heard Lebron told them to get the video, then I it was Nike officials and because the kid college id was wearing Adidas they took it as a negative image from a competitor.
Its absolutely rediculous that something as dumb as this has gotten so much publicity. As if Lebron loses all NBA cred if he slips up even once…
by Bigmentz on Jul 23, 2009 3:13 PM EDT reply actions
Stupid. I’m dumber for reading this article.
by SailorGabe on Jul 23, 2009 5:25 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks, Sailor. I take the comments of people who just say "Stupid" and post Billy Madison quotes very seriously. Got any other dated ’90s comedy references to dazzle us with?
by littmann.tsn on Jul 23, 2009 6:54 PM EDT reply actions
Knibb High Football Rules!
by ethanator1088 on Jul 23, 2009 7:14 PM EDT reply actions
Littman:
It is difficult for me to take anyone who makes or recognizes a Billy Madison reference seriously on any level.
In Sailor’s case, one should consider the source. He’s probably telling the truth, although he didn’t need his last four words.
by guardian of the galaxy on Jul 23, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions
Don’t listen to Sailor, Littman, it’s literally impossible for him to get any dumber than his current state.
Saw the dunk. Big deal, the kid got position and went up. I’m a little disappointed LeBron’s people were so worried about it…isn’t the point of these exhibitions/workshops/whatevers to showcase talent?
by BuckeyeXB on Jul 24, 2009 4:09 AM EDT reply actions
Wow, Littman. Way to be immature. I doubt very seriously that Sailor’s reference was towards your writing. I’m pretty sure he was referencing the article’s content. As in, who cares if LeBron gets dunked on or not. And companies dumping thousands of dollars to purchase the lame video. Yeah, that is stupid. I am dumber for reading this crap as well, along with your comment.
by guiltyspark2 on Jul 24, 2009 6:52 AM EDT reply actions
Probably hit a fatty before the scrimmage. Explains both the late reflexes and the paranoia. It’s the off season – leave him alone.
by rope21 on Jul 24, 2009 9:46 AM EDT reply actions
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