LeBron James, Colts, Roberto Luongo Make List of 11 Biggest Sports Disappointments of 2011 (Photos)

Editor’s note: As 2011 comes to a close, NESN.com  takes a look back at the year in sports. Our “11 in ‘11” series will run during the last 11 days of 2011, reviewing the highs and lows of the memorable year that was.

The holiday season almost always brings so much promise. There is family to embrace, gifts to open and a new year to look forward to with optimism.

This time a year ago, many teams and athletes looked forward to 2011 with just as much hope. It seemed as though so many dreams would be fulfilled, and in many cases they were. In some cases, though, the hopes crumbled.

There was LeBron James slinking off the court after a Game 6 loss in the NBA Finals, Roberto Luongo being pulled yet again during the Stanley Cup Final and the Phillies’ star-studded pitching staff failing to deliver in October. The list of 11 biggest disappointments in 2011 will rival that of any year in sports history.

Check out 11 huge sports disappointments in 2011>>