An Open Letter To Cavaliers Fans From Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Jul 8, 2010 10:19 PM CDT
in Cleveland Cavaliers in the News
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PrintDear 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
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Finally Dan Gilbert shows some balls whilst dealing with LeBron.
It just took a state-wide tragedy to do it… Pity… I hope Cleveland accomplishes everything he says in this letter. Good riddance, LeBron.
You deserved so much better than this Cleveland. All the Kings fans over at STR are really feeling for you guys.
"Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?"
“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”
Dan Gilbert has some balls.
Art Modell gives me a hard one
by gahnki on Jul 8, 2010 10:27 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Dan Gilbert just became my favorite human of all time.
by Bernie19Kosar on Jul 8, 2010 10:30 PM CDT reply actions 16 recs
Absolutely appropriate
Making this a national public spectacle was a completely dick move and humiliating Cleveland and it’s fans is something i wouldn’t wish on any fanbase.
I know I can’t possibly understand what you guys are feeling right now but i certainly am trying to empathize with you. To hell with LeBron I hope he realizes what he’s missing.
Good luck
-A Laker fan
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
by KBZ on Jul 8, 2010 10:30 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
From a Lakers fan.
I concur with him and will also add that there is no way Lebron wins a championship this year. He will then Complain and whine. Then Lebron will cry when his contract is over and he hasn’t won a championship and we will all Laugh…and say F you, you traitor thinking the Heat were a better option than the Cav’s
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on Jul 8, 2010 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions
As a Kings fan
I’ve always hated the Lakers. But I absolutely agree with this statement lol
The NBA: "Where 27 free throws happens"
What a homer
Wait, does LeBron like the Yankees and the Cowboys? What a frontrunner. He’s not loyal at all. He would have gone to the Lakers if he could and still get his minions.
I’m surprised there hasn’t been more chatter about his “real fans” comment. He said his “real fans” will basically abandon the Cavs and then cheer him on in Miami. I don’t get how anyone who does that is a “real” fan of anything, unless you’re LeBron’s Mom.
My swag was phenomenal.
Wow... talk about burning your bridges Dan... Dont you want to get a sign/trade done?
You really think this crap is gonna get LeBron to help us out getting us a trade exception the way Amare did for the Suns?
by ap3604 on Jul 8, 2010 10:34 PM CDT reply actions
I’d really like to see all the troll comments deleted, just this once. This thread should really be for Cleveland fans. The outsiders cannot really identify with us right now.
Art Modell gives me a hard one
Flag 'em...
And I will whack em..
FTS
SBNation's Cleveland Cavaliers Blogger
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Jul 8, 2010 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Here is a tweet from LeBron’s Elbow
After reading this I have decided to stay in Cleveland and some how some way attach to Dan Gilberts body. http://bit.ly/9MjmNZ
i love it… never heard such a public tirade by an owner. David Stern is probably assembling a conference call to Cavs headquarters right now.
I root for Cleveland and anyone playing the Miami Heat
More like he's bringing the Legion of Doom to silence him permanently.
"Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?"
He should be assembling a conference call to LeBron to chastize him for this ridiculous spectacle that made himself and the whole NBA look bad by throwing his former team under the bus the way he did it in front of national television.
Sure, LeBron could leave, but the way he did it was classless. That was far more disturbing than Gilbert’s responsitory letter in my opinion.
by cavaliersfan on Jul 9, 2010 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
This means he (Gilbert) learned about it just with everyone else.
LeBron = Zero Class.
Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.
Caracas, Venezuela.
by North of the South on Jul 8, 2010 10:43 PM CDT reply actions
No he even said only the team he was going to knew. And that was only minutes previous.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on Jul 8, 2010 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Two different things:
dandresden – he means that LeBron had zero class, something that most fans of the NBA knew, but that most Cavs fans either didn’t know or conveniently ignored. I’ve been a Cavs fan, but I always thought LeBron was not classy (look at his antics on the court – did you ever see Jordan, Bird, Johnson, or even Kobe and Shaq, do that?).
North of the South and TheAngelsColts – they’re referring to the 5 teams, including Cleveland, not knowing that LeBron was going to Miami until it was announced on his “show.” Miami knew about it ahead of time, though how long ahead of time, who knows for sure.
The main point: LeBron is classless and announced this in a way that really severed his ties (whatever ties they were, which really weren’t strong to begin with) with Cleveland and Akron, a region that was hit hard by recent economic downturns and with a sports history that has been heartbreaking with no major championships in nearly half a century. That’s what I think hurt people the most and why most of them are mad. If LeBron had come out and said right away that he planned on leaving, I think most people would have been disappointed, but not nearly as mad as being embarrassed on national television as they were.
That’s why I say: “Win a ring without the king!”
by cavaliersfan on Jul 9, 2010 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Guess we took it as to different meanings.
I was thinking he ment the 5 teams but see that maybe he didn’t.
Now I agree with all that you just said also, and to the point about not knowing how long the Heat knew about it. When they were told WAS minutes before as Lebron himself said.
Oh and I say the same thing “Win the ring without the King”. Just not againt the Lakers ok? na if you do then ill still be happy because of this situation.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on Jul 9, 2010 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions
His actions up to this point were so insignificant. He was good with PR and surrounded himself with good PR people. He made the obvious and usually only reasonable choice his entire life. A little pouting here or there, a couple head-scratching moments and silly choices over 10 years of unbelievable scrutiny- that can be forgiven and forgotten.
For two weeks in making the biggest decision of his life- both the choice and the process- showed a basic lack of character. To love him until today, as a Cavs fan especially, is totally in sync with despising him tonight.
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
i disagree with you about the James' PR
i think that his image has taken a huge hit after this. he is no longer “king” james. he’s a sidekick. he’s not going to be a Great like michael, kobe or even shaq. he’s going to be great like ray allen or manu ginobli.
lebron’s homies from back in the day completely mishandled this whole free agency thing. they diluted the brand and made him look like a child taking the easy way out.
Please never compare LeBron James to Ray Allen and Manu Ginobli again!
He has no right to be compared to them. Ray Allen is one of the classiest players the NBA has ever seen LeBitch along with Kobe and AI is probably the least classiest player the NBA has ever seen. And LeBitch never will have the heart and determination that Manu Ginobli has. In the ’04 Manu showed why he will always be over LeBitch.
7 years this man had a chance to give lebron the players needed to win a championship
Never bothered until his final year when he finally started to bring in shaq and jamison.
That's just wrong...
FTS
SBNation's Cleveland Cavaliers Blogger
by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Jul 8, 2010 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions
LeBron advocated every move the Cavs made. If anything, Gilbert’s failing was in trying to appease LeBron too much. The Cavs are in this cap situation because of LeBron, not in spite of him.
Art Modell gives me a hard one
Hasn't Cleveland been amongst the most busy teams trade-wise?
It just didn’t work out for them and this is what happened.
"Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?"
Cleveland had a pretty decent supporting cast to Lebron.
You dont win 60+ games two years in a row with just 1 guy.
Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.
Caracas, Venezuela.
by North of the South on Jul 8, 2010 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Just like Riley brought in shaq in wade's thrid year why didn't Gilbert do something similar
he took Lebron for granted.
by Dolphins21MZ on Jul 8, 2010 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Really? The Cavs didn’t do something similar to bringing in Shaq to try to win a championship?
C’mon. The Cavs were in the middle of 3 of the most creative trades in the NBA over the last 5 years. And they did, in fact, sign Shaq.
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
Antwawn Jamison
60 win team 2x
it’s hard to see what more the org could have done.
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
That is absolutely wrong:
He brought in Williams and West, two noted players, right after the Cavs fell in the 2007 NBA Finals (with a less talented roster), then brought in Shaq, Jamison, Powe, Moon, etc.
The problem was 2-fold:
1. Mike Brown, who didn’t know how to utilize his full roster (something that I think and hope Scott is better at).
2. LeBron James quitting and not living up to the hype. Instead of trusting his teammates and incorporating them into the offense, he wanted to make every shot and every play himself (1-on-5 offense, which Brown allowed). All told, LeBron wasn’t good enough to play that style, and his teammates looked like they did nothing, when they couldn’t do anything. Jamison is not a stand-up shooter, nor is Mo Williams or Delonte West. Powe wasn’t used, nor was Hickson, nor was “Z,” and again, it all comes down to Brown’s coaching and LeBron’s “I must be the superstar.”
That’s why the Cavaliers failed to reach the Finals the last two years when they should have a lock to make it, not to mention probably winning one of them at least after making it to the NBA Finals prior to those highly-regarded teams.
by cavaliersfan on Jul 9, 2010 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions
i dont think james' game is a winning game. at least not in its present incarnation.
he has to dominate the ball too much. everything runs through him. you are dead on about how he was misused by the cavs.
I think this is warranted
maybe the whole curse and karma thing was over the top, but most of it was ok. Lebron went about going to a new team in absolutely the worst way possible. Airing a special on National television with all this hype over where he is going, is taking narcissistic to a new level and is a big middle finger to his city that was by his back from the start. I dont care that he donated to charity, its all just for show and has zero substance or meaning to me.
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
This is spot on and why LeBron will likely forever be Cleveland Public Enemy #1!
by cavaliersfan on Jul 9, 2010 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Props to Dan G.
That guy just displayed a shameless amount of heart. Slightly embarrassing, but in my opinion still a good sign;
The owners CARE.
Rec’d.
ps.: Next time, maybe not in Comic Sans.
- Dirk van Boxtel, the wandering Celtic fan.
Twitter: @4Hoopz
by Kiorrik on Jul 8, 2010 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Agreed… www.bancomicsans.com. Part of me thinks it was an intentional use to indicate how much of a clown LeBron is.
It’s not a particularly well-regarded font in the business world, or any world where people have eyes. I do wish Gilbert had used a different font, but I don’t really care. The words and passion are what matters.
Art Modell gives me a hard one
Kudos to DanG. This letter was amazing!
This letter is a classic!
If you want to be your best, you have to do your best, otherwise you are only second rate.
It's frowned upon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comic_sans
Just go check that out if you really want to know.
Oh, and don’t ever use it unless you want to come across as someone who’s never used a PC before. And don’t use it in anything personal. Or anything important.
Just steer away from it ;)
- Dirk van Boxtel, the wandering Celtic fan.
Twitter: @4Hoopz
I know this will be flagged and deleted immediately
But this was completely overkill. Im sorry cavs fans. I really am. But the fact is the man gave his past 7 years to the city of cleveland. And now that he made a choice that he believes is the best move for himself, you call him a traitor? What gives you the right to dictate what is the right decision for himself?
Listen, I dont mean to troll. But seriously? you think your owner could have a little more class. even in the face of bitter disappointment.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
Okay. What if your beloved Tebow transferred to another Univ and did it on national television
What if he went to SC?
you’d feel the same way
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
by KBZ on Jul 8, 2010 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah. I would feel terrible
But that doesnt mean I would be all over him calling him cowardly and a complete traitor. And i would guarrantee you the AD of florida would not stoop to that low of a level.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
I was kind of shocked. I can’t believe that owner would stoop to calling him a traitor for doing what he thought best.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions
It wasn’t just what he did, it was the way he did it.
But, as I said, you wouldn’t understand. You’re a Yankees fan. All you know is taking everyone else’s best players, not losing them.
by Buckeye Brad on Jul 8, 2010 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
dude - gatorguy - i'm a wiz fan, can't believe i'm defending cavs here
but if you can’t see that what lebron did is total dick move, then you’re blind. sure he has a right to play anywhere, but good lord he couldn’t have been a bigger d’bag about it. that’s what pissed gilbert off so much. and rightfully so.
"hindsight is 50-50" - Steve Spurrier
by little stevie colter on Jul 8, 2010 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I suppose the Gator fans and AD just don’t care as much as Cleveland fans. Not surprising.
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
by Ryan Kelsey on Jul 8, 2010 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
TBH
Im a Marlins fan first.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh, a Marlins fan AND a Yankees fan?!? Is that supposed to make it better?
You obviously have no idea what it means to be a real fan if you can root for two teams in one sport (one of them being the Yankees).
by Buckeye Brad on Jul 8, 2010 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dude. Shut up
You dont know me, you have no idea. I am a true fan of my teams.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions
And you don’t know the first thing about rooting for our team, so save your opinion for your backyard BBQ.
by Roger Dorn on Jul 8, 2010 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Fair enough
It just seems a little extreme guys.
GO:Gators, Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Yankees
he who fears losing, has already lost
Josh Johnson for 2010 NL Cy Young!
Brandon Marshall is a Dolphin.....watch out World.
by Gatorfan4life on Jul 8, 2010 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions
If you consider how LeBron left (the spectacle of doing it on national TV) and the Cleveland sports climate (we’ve had more heartbreak than any other sports region in the U.S., including Philadelphia, the Cubs, and any other professional team you want to name, including the Blackhawks, who just won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 49 years), you’d understand.
It’s not that LeBron left; it’s the way that he left – he essentially dragged the Cavaliers franchise and its fans in the mud, embarrassing them on national television. He also handicapped them by leaving them in suspense waiting for his “decision” while every notable FA and trade acquisition went elsewhere, not to mention all the moves the Cavs made to try to accommodate him.
Being a Yankee fan, you see the Yankees sign anyone that they want 9.99/10 times; the only time a FA is lost is when the Yankees don’t want him. Being a Marlins fan is different; the Indians are in the same boat, though the Indians have suffered much more heartache (including to the Marlins in 1997).
If you consider the way LeBron chose to leave and NE Ohio’s recent sports history. you’ll understand that LeBron essentially made Cleveland a laughing spectacle in front of a national (even world) audience, something that Cleveland has been in sports so many times over the last 46 years. Most people recognize it as being so classless and immature, especially being born in that region, that even fans of other teams, even ones with rivalries, like the Lakers, Magic, and Wizards, feel for Cleveland.
That’s why Gilbert’s letter is not extreme, and certainly not as extreme as LeBron putting on a spectacle in front of a national audience to announce that Cleveland is not good enough – the spectacle was totally unnecessary, and LeBron tied Cleveland’s hands in fielding a competitive team this upcoming team. I applaud Gilbert’s response, and am glad he came out and told exactly how LeBron is – egotistical and chauvinistic.
by cavaliersfan on Jul 9, 2010 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
How is it that you’re still here, and not off licking your own balls somewhere?
by Jay on Jul 8, 2010 11:56 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Once again, his 7 years in Cleveland was no charity. No sign of loyalty or love for his city. He was drafted here and left as soon as reasonably possible under the NBA’s rules. He is a coward that kicked the city while down. He thought of himself before he thought of the greater impact. He is a coward and a quitter.
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
by Ryan Kelsey on Jul 8, 2010 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously. This is drama folks.
Respect for Mr.Gilbert though.
- Dirk van Boxtel, the wandering Celtic fan.
Twitter: @4Hoopz
Wow….I thought for sure this was fake when I first read it. Something tells me the strife between Lebron and Gilbert goes back before tonight.
Not a fan of the Cavs
But that is some deep shit and I love everything that was said and now feel some form of compassion for what yall are going through.Let us all unite no matter what team we rep (besides the Heat) to make sure this so called supersquad never wins a title.
Me Against The World And I'm Winning
If anyone can identify with a Cav fan it's an Orlando fan
though I think Cleveland showed more love for their superstar than Orlando did when Shaq was a FA
"Attitude reflect leadership, captain" - Big Jules
Well Shaq did say something about being a big fish in a small pond
Me Against The World And I'm Winning
IF Shaq was born and raised in Apopka. And you had a sports fan based 10x as passionate. With 10x the history. With 10x the prior heartache. Yeah, something like that.
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
by Ryan Kelsey on Jul 8, 2010 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Right. Orlando fans have no idea what it means to be a Cleveland fan.
by Buckeye Brad on Jul 8, 2010 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Haha true.
Isn’t it sad that I’m a Kobe fan now? I want to see him own LeBron in the Finals.
We are all witnesses... to a traitor.
by emily522 on Jul 8, 2010 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Let’s hope the Celtics or Magic don’t let them even get that far.
(Listen to me… I’m talking about rooting for the Celtics or Magic to make it out of the East, I never thought I’d say that.)
really you don't have to root for them.
I mean you could just root that the Heat can’t get the pieces they need around those 3 who are the only ones besides one other player on that roster. They need 8 more players and I don’t see how your going to bring in and create a complete team this year and expect to win. it won’t happen they will have NOOOO chemistry.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on Jul 9, 2010 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Dan Gilbert just cost us an all-star with this letter =/
We could have EASILY gotten a $14 million trade exception if LeBron wanted to help us and sign and trade to the Heat.
No way LeBron helps us now =(
by ap3604 on Jul 8, 2010 11:08 PM CDT reply actions
Amare got the Suns an easy 16 million trade exception because he wanted to be nice and make sure they got something for him...
LeBron could have easily done the same thing and then we could have gotten a trade exception that we could have translated into an all star this next season. No chance he does LeBron tries to help us now though =(
by ap3604 on Jul 8, 2010 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Gilbert wan’t going to do a sign-and-trade anyways. Also, what All-Star is available to come here?
by Buckeye Brad on Jul 8, 2010 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Once the decision was final, fans at the Harry Buffalo also demonstrated Cleveland’s necessary short memory and strange, enduring hope — chanting “Here we go Brownies, here we go — woof, woof,” while the song “Cleveland Rocks” blared over the speaker.
by APV on Jul 8, 2010 11:14 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Where is this from?
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/07/cleveland-akron_fans_saddened.html
Art Modell gives me a hard one
there was never going to be a sign in trade
lebron made his choice and there will be consequences
it sounds as though the spilling of the beans by Gilbert might be the initial surfacing of said consequences
its time for all of us MAN UP, good for gilbert for showing some balls
Im the poor man's corey maggette!!!
Whoever said it earlier was right.
This goes sooo much deeper than just tonight.
by Bernie19Kosar on Jul 8, 2010 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions
The Gilbert-LeBron rift.
Seems like there is a lot of history.
by Bernie19Kosar on Jul 8, 2010 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I’m guessing we are going to hear a lot of negative stories coming out of the organization, former teammates, coaches, friends, media. LeBron’s PR people are going to have their hands full for the next 12 months.
fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com
New AP interview coming out; ESPN has part of it:
In a phone interview with the AP, Gilbert says “people have covered up for [James] for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”
Art Modell gives me a hard one
WOOT!
Gilbert just became the best owner in the history of life.
We are all witnesses... to a traitor.
by emily522 on Jul 8, 2010 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
1 hour special with dan gilbert
right now, please please please.
+1
Wow… couldn’t imagine how awesome that would be =D
by ap3604 on Jul 8, 2010 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions
We're all Clevelanders tonight
Even us Pittsburghers feel for Cleveland. LeBron is the single biggest villain in all of sports. Can’t wait for the first “overrated” chant.
As an outsider, I don't get the "balls" part.
Look, first and foremost this is a business. There are 2 sides…
The player repping his hometown and playing his guts out and building up and making relevant a franchise that before had been completely irrelevant.
The owner paying him an obscene amount of money to stay on his team and therefore raise the value of his team by bringing in ticket sales, merchandising, television and public awareness.
You had the player for seven years. He did more for this franchise in those seven seasons than any owner or player has EVER done before. For whatever reason it just didn’t work and the team couldn’t get over the hump and the player, who only has so much time and games his body will allow him to play decided it would be best to move on to greener pastures and now he’s villified by fans and the owner?
I’m sorry, but all of this reeks of an owner who realizes that his franchise value, his bottom line (and the money going in to his account) and his team’s relevance in the league has been severely damaged and so instead of taking the classy road and showing some appreciation for what LeBron has done for his team, he went the way of a frustrated, vindictive owner who didn’t get what he wanted and is now lashing out and cheap-shotting because he’s hurt at someone else doing what they feel is best for them.
I totally understand the pain Cavs fans are feeling right now, but I can’t go along with the vitriol and venom being spewed at a man who got your team to where it is now.
"Remember kids......... petty and cheap shot-ish doesn't make you a true fan, it just makes you petty and cheap shot-ish."
by Themanthemyththelegend on Jul 8, 2010 11:34 PM CDT reply actions
I feel the exact same way
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 8, 2010 11:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Dude, he weant on national TV to stab his hometown fans in the back. Fans who have cheered for him since he was in high school. That was a total dickish move. That’s why he is hated in Cleveland now.
by Buckeye Brad on Jul 8, 2010 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions
a man who got your team to where it is now.
Dan Gilbert.
by johnnyphoenix on Jul 9, 2010 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions
the player, who only has so much time and games his body will allow him to play decided it would be best to move on to greener pastures and now he’s villified by fans and the owner
Michael Jordan won his first title when he was 28, after being beaten down for six years by the Celtics and Pistons. Give it a rest.
someone from the AP got Gilbert on the phone and he wasnt finished with the letter… http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/13618114/cavs-owner-says-lebron-james-quit-in-playoffs?tag=pageContainer;TeamNews
I root for Cleveland and anyone playing the Miami Heat
To quote Jay-Z
Tonight Cleveland has “99 problems but a bitch ain’t one”
by morethesamewiz on Jul 8, 2010 11:38 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
Sorry totally wrong. Cleveland has no problems any more because the biggest bitch is gone now!
LeBitch Cleveland from a Boston fan. Cleveland doesn’t need you and will be better off with you gone!
I feel 4 cleveland fans of course
But…
Some cavs fans have been extremely hypocritical.
If he had stayed in cleveland… no cleveland fan would be callin him egotistical and crap but he still would have done all the free agent hoopla and the same 1 hr special. Wasnt this the same owner just a little while ago praising lebron’s character? Someone plz explain the reasoning behind this. No offense at all intended by this question?
sincerely,
a former lebron hater
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 8, 2010 11:40 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
I don’t know about the mood on this site, but I’ve talked to a lot of Cleveland fans over the past few days who agreed that he was behaving like a child regardless of what his final decision was. If he had chosen Cleveland, I would have forgiven him after a few dunks, but I wouldn’t have argued with anyone that called him an egotist or a douchebag.
So no, i don’t think I’ve been hypocritical.
o
maybe its just the cleveland fans that ive seen write on various sites. definitely if cleveland fans thought he was acting childish before he made his decision, those fans are not at all hypocrites
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions
I, and many others, have been saying the way he went about this whole process, (since 2006), has been terrible, disrespectful, and just a plain dick move.
Hell, if you really want, you can read direct comments of mine from three days ago, talking about how, whether he stayed or not, LeBron has always been an egotistical jerk.
no cleveland fan would be callin him egotistical and crap but he still would have done all the free agent hoopla and the same 1 hr special.
Here’s one.
My opinion of him took a drastic nosedive about a year and a half ago when he ‘jumped the shark’ and lost all perspective. You could see it building little by little in his behavior…how he handled things….and I have always said thate..regardless of his talent or the fact that he played for the cavs. Even if he would have stayed I still wouldn’t care for him much. The only difference would have been I would have had some modicum of respect for the (and I use the term loosely) ‘man.’ because he kept his word….but like Chris Rock said…’that’s what you’re supposed to do."
by johnnyphoenix on Jul 9, 2010 12:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Some cavs fans have been extremely hypocritical.
a former lebron hater
Pot. Kettle on line 2…
by johnnyphoenix on Jul 9, 2010 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions
a former lebron hater
Plz explain the reasoning behind this.
Blake: Thanks to you, I am damaged beyond repair!!
by emd2k3 on Jul 8, 2010 11:45 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
LeBron's on his team now
Ergo he has no more flaws
What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
by remingtonmartin on Jul 8, 2010 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions
You mean just like when LeBron was on your team he had no flaws but now since he's not he's COMPLETELY flawed, right?
"Remember kids......... petty and cheap shot-ish doesn't make you a true fan, it just makes you petty and cheap shot-ish."
by Themanthemyththelegend on Jul 8, 2010 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
?
im still awaiting a straight answer to my question
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 8, 2010 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
You answered your own question below. Is it really that difficult to transcribe your feelings to our own?
Art Modell gives me a hard one
but you would have welcomed him with open arms and not called him out
for all his faults if he had come back to cleveland. so those faults are nonexistant if he is in a cleveland jersey but they are magnified if he is on another team?
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Seriously, dude. Think about your changing opinion tonight. Think about ours. Connect the dots.
Of course fans are willing to overlook flaws in their superstar player. But to have him publicly embarrass you like this…well, it’s just not a good feeling.
Why are you here anyway? Go celebrate with the other fifteen die-hard Miami fans.
Art Modell gives me a hard one
ok
i apologize if ive offended you
meant no offense by it
i think i understand the sentiment now, i would have felt similar to that if wade had left.
again im sorry
good night and good lucky
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
luck*
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions
I’d imagine you would be singing a different tune if Wade Bosh and James were all convening in Chicago now.
Blake: Thanks to you, I am damaged beyond repair!!
of course
there is no question that you guys should be angry,
but to point out the flaws that so many (not u) defended i find difficult to understand.
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions
to point out the flaws that so many (not u) defended i find difficult to understand.
You’ll ‘understand’ soon enough if you’re a heat fan.
by johnnyphoenix on Jul 9, 2010 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Perhaps you’re missing the point, at least the one I’m making.
It’s not that he left, or made a decision that I’m not happy with … it’s the process. The TV show for a guy who hasn’t won a damn thing to basically say he’s changing zip codes.
A simple press release would have sufficed. Oh, and perhaps calling your former owner to you know, let him know your plans so that he and his new GM could at least try to make something out of the free agency period.
I’ve never defended James on this forum, but then again, I’m pretty new here.
Blake: Thanks to you, I am damaged beyond repair!!
ive always hated lebron
ive always pointed out that he is an egotistical player who quit on his team
it was people like the ones on this blog that defended him and called me a hater.
but im a heat fan first and a lebron hater second. so now im a former lebron hater
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 8, 2010 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
So basically a hypocrit.
If you hated Lebron so bad before you should still hate him even if he is on your team. Doesn’t mean you hate your team but the player.
If that is the case you wouldn’t be a “Forer Lebron Hater”. but if you like him now your just a Hypocrite but I guess if you are ok with that…
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on Jul 9, 2010 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions
hows that being a hypocrite?
id be a hypocrite if i wasnt a fan of a player on my favorite team. that makes no sense at all.
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions
nice
give no explanation and call me dumb
very classy, just like your owner
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions
did not mean for it to be
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Because a man is wearing a different shirt all of the transgressions that previously bothered you are no longer valid?
You are a hypocrite. That’s okay. Just cop to it.
Blake: Thanks to you, I am damaged beyond repair!!
ok...
by that defenition… you are also a hypocirte by the same defenition
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions
I’ve never defended James on this forum, but then again, I’m pretty new here.
Read much?
Blake: Thanks to you, I am damaged beyond repair!!
my bad
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions
lol. Great come back that wasn't even hard.
Oh and thanks for I guess making Davone able to understand once it was repeated what I said lol.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on Jul 9, 2010 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions
This is a d*ck move
Look, I’m down on LeBron right now, too, but this is laughably over the top. Guy’s just bitter his net worth dropped $200 mill in 10 minutes.
And I thought you all might enjoy this – a recap of “The Decision” via SportsCasualties.
http://sportscasualties.wordpress.com/2010/07/08/the-decision-plus-week-in-review/
Stepping Away from the Ledge,
Robbie
Lebron had no idea what is coming his way. Don’t let up and don’t let anyone tell you its an overreaction.
Dan Gilbert made me grin at my television like a moron, pumping my fist the entire time.
I still can’t figure out why I care so much about this, it’s just the stupid NBA. Regardless, I hope LeBron James dies in a plane crash.
Pretty pathetic, Nick.
"Remember kids......... petty and cheap shot-ish doesn't make you a true fan, it just makes you petty and cheap shot-ish."
by Themanthemyththelegend on Jul 9, 2010 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions
As pathetic as rejoicing in the wreckage of a plane crash to fill your need for schadenfreude?
Art Modell gives me a hard one
No, I mean as pathetic as someone looking for a way to justify someone's comment about wishing death on someone because their feelings are hurt at the moment over something SPORTS RELATED.
"Remember kids......... petty and cheap shot-ish doesn't make you a true fan, it just makes you petty and cheap shot-ish."
by Themanthemyththelegend on Jul 9, 2010 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I doubt if Nick is serious about his intent. He’s never come across as a malicious person, to me.
But I’m still curious at the number of fans from other teams that we’ve had on here tonight, not just stopping by to pass a quick comment, but to continually goad and challenge the fans on their initial, emotional outburst. You have been awfully quick to judge us, but what does it say about yourself if you are taking part in this schadunfreude?
Art Modell gives me a hard one
Look, your team is a major part of the story tonight. Why else would "other fans" be here?
There’s nothing “goading” about my statements. I’m giving my opinions and making it readily known that I’m an outsider.
And does it really matter about the seriousness of someone’s “intent”? Would it EVER be ok for me to wish your mother would die in a plane crash?
Even if I try not to have it come across maliciously?
There’s nothing wrong with acting like an adult at a time like this, gahnki. People don’t always have to resort to childish and unacceptable behavior.
"Remember kids......... petty and cheap shot-ish doesn't make you a true fan, it just makes you petty and cheap shot-ish."
by Themanthemyththelegend on Jul 9, 2010 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, for you and emd2k3 and the other regulars, of course I wasn’t serious.
It does raise an interesting question though, what is the level of tragedy that could befall James before you actually felt sorry for him. I know, in all seriousness, I wouldn’t feel a bit sorry if he suffered a career-ending injury.
o god
i hope i never feel as bad as you about something as insignificant as a sports star
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions
And yet, here you are posting about said sport’s star into the wee hours of the night.
Art Modell gives me a hard one
by gahnki on Jul 9, 2010 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
yes
i was talkin about him wishing death upon someone
i dont equate that to my posting about someone
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
You mean just like you? Or me?
Please.
It’s ridiculous and pathetic to wish death on anyone, even as a joke.
How is that funny?
"Remember kids......... petty and cheap shot-ish doesn't make you a true fan, it just makes you petty and cheap shot-ish."
by Themanthemyththelegend on Jul 9, 2010 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions
WOW? just Wow.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on Jul 9, 2010 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions
good night cleveland fans
good luck
thanks for answering my question.
as you can see i am a miami dolphins fan, i felt similar to the way you are feeling when jason taylor signed with hated rival new york jets… obviously its not nearly on the same level as this…
but hopefully cavs fans will have a lot to cheer for in the future
again, good luck and good night
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 12:25 AM CDT reply actions
Oh, well see guys, he understands us, because of Jason Taylor.
by Chemo on Jul 9, 2010 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
After all, Jason Taylor left the Fins as a 34 year old defensive end.
Just like a 25 year old two time MVP.
The amount of other teams/fans that think they have any idea of what this is like is mind blowing to me.
by Bernie19Kosar on Jul 9, 2010 1:30 AM CDT up reply actions
jayson taylor was also an mvp
a miami sports icon
plus i said:
obviously its not nearly on the same level as this…
"My ego is not that big. . . . I just want to win." - Dwyane Wade
Check out Mosul Dolfan's blog: An Observation on Sports
by Davone_Is_BessT on Jul 9, 2010 1:39 AM CDT up reply actions
What a TOOL
LeBron is for doing this.
Oh my gosh, but I have so much more respect for Dan Gilbert now, sweet!
Anywho, I will ALWAYS be a Big Z fan > Cleveland > Lebron.
That’s what I root for!!!
Among veterans who potentially could be added at the minimum level this offseason are Raja Bell, Larry Hughes, Flip Murray, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Devean George, Brian Skinner, Damien Wilkins, Trenton Hassell, Jarvis Hayes, Jason Williams, Keyon Dooling, Eddie House, Etan Thomas and Ime Udoka.
Ilgauskas, first the heart and then the soul? Ugh. This is just mean.
This guy is a joke. You let one player highjack the franchise and built a team around him that failed. You couldn’t get the right players around him, instead got a bunch of wing players that can’t finish at the rim and run well in the open floor. What an idiot. Peace Cleveland, this guy really screwed you.
Amazing letter.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
LeBron's been a frontrunner all his life, what's to be expected?
Y’all deserve better than LeBron, especially Dan Gilbert. Seems he’s one of the few owners who’s truly a sports fan first, businessman second.
If Kobe doesn't make his teammates better, how on Earth does Adam Morrison have two rings!?
"LeBron James does not want the pressure of greatness, only the rewards" - shaqforthree
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/ - Visit, and be loved. Troll, and die a painful death. =]]
Questions? Queries? Comments? Concerns? Expletive-filled inflammatory trolling? Contact me at saurav.a.das.1994@gmail.com
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