State Rep. Bill Patmon is proposing to add a new specialty license plate to the state of Ohio's collection that would feature a picture of the NBA superstar, who will return to Cleveland next season. The plate is to be called the "LeBron James Witness 2.0." in honor of the superstars return to the place where his pro career began.
Ohio currently boasts just over 70 specialty license plate options, including Superman, military themes, colleges and universities, as well as cancer awareness themes and sports teams. But according to Ohio DMV spokesperson Lindsey Bohrer, the state has not ever released a plate featuring a single individual.
Ohio charges $35 for specialty plates and donates a portion to charity, reported USA Today.
Patmon wants the charity portion of the revenue generated from these plates to go to the LeBron James Family Foundation, which helps children and young adults develop through education and co-curricular activities.
"When LeBron came home, it was a big deal for us," Patmon told USA Today. "It might not be for the rest of the world, but it's a big deal for Cleveland."
James was drafted by the Cavaliers in 2003, where he played for the first seven years of his professional career. He then left Cleveland to play for the Miami Heat for four years. Last month, he signed a contract to become a Cleveland Cavalier once again.
James still holds the Cavalier's record for points scored, scoring average, field goals made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, and steals and minutes played, according to 19 Action News.
If Patmon's legislation is passed, James's Ohio fans will be able to purchase his specialty license plates. The plate will not be made available to out-of-state and international James fans; although, Patmon told USA Today he believes an aftermarket – like the one following the state's release of the Superman plate – will eventually emerge.
