Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that tonight LeBron King James went on ESPN during prime time and told the world that he was going to be leaving Cleveland for greener pastures with the Miami Heat. If I’m being honest, the decision didn’t really come as much of a surprise to this Cleveland fan. I can’t blame James for wanting to put himself in the best situation. That’s his right not only as an athlete, but also as a businessman. What I can and DO fault him for is the method in which he carried out he defection from Cleveland.
King James obviously doesn’t care what it’s going to do to the city and when it boils right down to it he shouldn’t. That issue should have been dealt with long ago by the city’s politicians. I guess what irritates me the most is that I got duped. I got fooled into believing that words like “loyalty” meant something to LeBron. And PLEASE don’t lump me in with those people that feels LeBron “owes” Cleveland something… he doesn’t. What I don’t like is the fact that for years he told us THIS is where he wanted to be, that he wanted to put Akron/Cleveland on the map, etc. I’ll give him one thing… at least he didn’t follow the money. He’s going where he feels that he’s got the best chance to win a championship. Good for him.
What really floors me about this whole situation is how James seems to no longer care about his legacy. I was always under the impression that he wanted to be known as the best ever. With this move, he just cemented the fact that he’ll never be known that way. Even if he wins a slew of NBA championships now, he’ll be known as “one of the guys” rather than “THE guy who could elevate his team.” I’m not sure if he knows that quite yet. Who knows… maybe he doesn’t care. Two days ago he was trying to get Chris Bosh to come to Cleveland. Now he’s turned from the King to a follower. All I know is James better take his family (mom included) and leave town never to return. I hate to say it, but it’s no longer safe for him here. There are too many crazies in this town. One thing’s for sure… Art Modell is a happy guy tonight. He’s no longer the most hated guy in Cleveland history.
When I logged on to the Cavs site tonight I was greeted with this open letter from Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. I’m archiving it here cause quite frankly I don’t think it’ll be around long. Regardless of how everything plays out, THIS is the kind of owner that I want running the show. Not sure how long this link will be active, but for now you can view it here: http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html
King James Is No More
Rock on Dan Gilbert – my respect just went up tenfold.
For those too lazy to click on the link, I’ll leave you with Mr. Gilbert’s letter and one final thought. Get a good night’s sleep Cleveland… if there’s one thing we’re good at, it’s bouncing back. See you on the flip side.
Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;
As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.
This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.
Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.
The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.
There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.
You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.
You have given so much and deserve so much more.
In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:
“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”
You can take it to the bank.
If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.
Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.
Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.
This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.
But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.
The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.
Just watch.
Sleep well, Cleveland.
Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….
I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:
DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….
Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers
Wow that’s amazing. Either way, LeBron might now get a contract and will be wearing retro Jordans next year.