(USA Today) - One day, people will stop making fun of Manti Te'o.
That day is not today.
LeBron James is now channeling his inner-Leno, joking to a Miami Heat reporter about the slow 40 time run by Notre Dame's favorite linebacker/rube. The three-time MVP was discussing his own experience running the 40 when he threw in a crack about Te'o's lumbering sprint.
Via @IraHeatBeat:
"NFL Combine again the pregame entertainment in the Heat locker room. Asked his 40 time, LeBron said he ran a 4.6 in training last summer. [...] LeBron on his 4.6 40 that he pointed out was without training, "It's better than Manti Te'o, I'll tell you that."
That time would put him 0.2 seconds ahead of Te'o's best time of 4.82.
Running a 4.6 while 6'8" and 250 pounds while training for endurance, not sprinting, is much more remarkable than it sounds. Running faster than Manti Te'o is a less impressive feat.
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Still, I'm guessing the NFL scouts and combine devotees who look at the NFL's annual dog and pony show as the end-all, be-all of a player's worth would say LeBron only running a 4.6 is a sign he's not ready for the big time.
