You've seen the open letter that Dan Gilbert wrote to Cavaliers fans regarding LeBron James' defection to the Miami Heat. Gilbert went on to speak to the AP in a phone interview and said much, much more. Gilbert used the 'Q' word to describe LeBron's playoff performances, and I don't mean Quicken Loans, Gilbert's company.
"He quit," Gilbert said. "Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar."
Gilbert continued, saying LeBron quit against Orlando in 2009 as well.
"Go back and look at the tape," he said. "How many shots did he take?"
Gilbert didn't stop there. Gilbert discussed his displeasure with LeBron's behavior since the season ended, saying James did not return a phone call or text message from Gilbert, nor did he inform the Cavaliers of his decision until he was already on the air tonight.Gilbert explained that is was Rich Paul, one of LeBron's inner circle that called with the news.
"LeBron James needs to go to another team with two superstars already so he can win a championship," Gilbert said. "We will win a championship before (the Heat) do."
It appears that Gilbert and James didn't have the cozy relationship that many thought during the 5 years that Gilbert has owned the Cavaliers with James on the roster.
"It's not about him leaving," Gilbert said. "It's the disrespect. It's time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions. Is this the way you raise your children? I've been holding this all in for a long time."
While LeBron has yet to respond to Gilbert's comments, Dwyane Wade was a bit surprised by Gilbert's attack.
"I think I'm happy that I have the owner that I have here in Miami," Wade told The Associated Press late Thursday night. "I'm happy Micky Arison is my owner. I couldn't believe it. I'm speechless. It's very unfortunate and I think it makes LeBron that much better about his decision.
"We knew 'Bron would take some backlash," Wade added in his interview with AP. "I told him he's a strong man for it."
Get ready, Cavs fans. This is just the beginning.