King Gilbert Ruler of Cleveland!!!!

I did not want to get wrapped up in this hyped up media BS, that is Lebron James. I am not really a fan of the NBA, nor do I pretend to be. I was interested in what was going to happen, not because I wanted to see who he would sign with, but instead to see what the fans reaction would be. Would people respond positively to where he signed or how annoyed would they be about the production he made of it? Well I got my answers, it’s funny there was not much shock about where Lebron ended up, since this is something that has been in the works for 2 years. No one seemed to care that he is with the Heat or that he joined fellow All-Stars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Instead everyone was outraged that he stopped the world and made himself the biggest news of the day. For a guy who claims to be a team player and selfless person, he proved to be a hypocrite by creating a media circus to promote himself. This press conference was not about the league, it was not about Miami, it was about Lebron James. ESPN is as much to blame as anyone. They have been feeding the machine for 10 years. The guy was a Sophmore in high school when ESPN started to make a big deal about him. They were showing his games on their channel long before he was in the NBA. They were so desperate to create a new Jordan that they went out of their way to do so. Well the one thing that is certain is Lebron James is no Michael Jordan. He is no Magic Johnson and not even a Shaq. For as talented as he is, he is the most self absorbed athlete in recent memory. Now I know that is a bold statement, but I challenge anyone to find someone else who put together a press conference of this magnitude to announce something that was pretty much a forgone conclusion a few weeks ago.

I feel bad for the fans of Cleveland who had their collective hearts ripped out as the biggest star ever to put on a uniform in that city abandoned them. Instead of saying from the begining he had no intention of returning to the Cavs, Lebron James led them on. He was like a cheap prom date that didn’t finish the job. Now I am no expert on how the business side of things works in sports. I sit back an observe and then comment on what I see. From what I saw here, Lebron did not finish what he set out to do in Cleveland. He was a native son of the region that turned his back on it. It hits hard for me as well, although I am not a basketball fan I live in a Rustbelt Town similar to Cleveland. I know what it feels like to be kicked when you are down, to be misled and given false hope. So to the fans of Cleveland I am rooting for you from now on. Not because James is no longer part of the organization, but because of how the true King Of Cleveland Dan Gilbert owner of the Cavs responded.

“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”

Truly a masterpiece, a work of art. Dan Gilbert just said to fans what every owner should during a time of adversity. I wish the owners of the franchises here and Buffalo would say things like this. There is a good chance the Cavs will be terrible next year, that doesn’t matter to me.  No matter how bad they are, how poor of a record they have I will be in their corner.  Dan Gilbert recruited a new fan to his team today. Go Cavs!!!!

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