LeBron James might be popular in Miami, but a new poll suggests he’s one of the most disliked athletes everywhere else.
According to the latest Q Score, released exclusively to CNBC on Sept. 14, James’ decision to sign with the Miami Heat this past off-season—and his subsequent decision to announce the move during a one-hour prime time special entitled The Decision—has drastically changed his popularity among sports fans.
In January 2010, The Q Scores Company found that 24 percent of people thought of James in a positive light, compared to a 22 percent negative opinion.
"LeBron’s positive score at that time was the highest we had ever seen it," Henry Schafer, executive vice president of the company, told CNBC.
Now Schafer says only 14 percent of the general population see him as a positive figure, a 41.6 percent drop, while 39 percent view him in a negative light, a 77 percent decline.
According to Q Score Company, LeBron is now the sixth most disliked sports personality, behind Michael Vick, Tiger Woods, Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco and Kobe Bryant.
"Instead of his change to the Heat being seen as the best way he can win a championship, many have looked at it and how he chose to announce it as a selfish move," Schafer said.
As for Chris Bosh?
His positive Q score fell from a 13 in January to a 12 today, but his negative Q Score rose from 21 percent in January to 35 percent today.
