Tortorella: 'Not a chance' LeBron could cross over to hockey

For many years, the idea of LeBron James putting on the pads, snapping on a chinstrap, and rescuing the Cleveland Browns from their destitution has existed as fantasy for sports fans in Ohio, and around the sports world.

There's been no such speculation, however, about James - in many ways the ultimate athlete - taking his schoolyard talent to the rink and helping another Ohio team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, experience postseason success.

But the topic finally came up Wednesday (because talk radio), and Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella playfully snuffed out the notion that James could make a crossover to the NHL.

"Not a chance," Tortorella told 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, according to show producer Keith Britton.

"He can't skate. He's too damn big, he can't skate. And you can tell him I said that, I challenge him. Tell him to get his ass out here and come on the ice with us. I want to see him skate."

Though you can never quite tell with the often-fiery bench boss, who seems to be mellowing with age (and success), Tortorella's comments were made in jest, as Britton reiterated.

That said, we're sure the challenge stands as issued.