LeBron, Microsoft part ways

CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James and Microsoft Corp. have lost their Internet connection.

The NBA superstar and the software giant have ended a two-year marketing partnership. James' spokesman Keith Estabrook confirmed on Wednesday the contract between the Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star and Microsoft was not being renewed.

James appeared in TV ads for Microsoft's launch of its Windows Vista operating system in early 2007, but aside from the commercials and the Web site no other marketing efforts developed.

The partnership faltered when Microsoft executive Joanne Bradford, who struck the deal with James, resigned as head of the company's media network this year.

Microsoft officials were not immediately available for comment.

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