No sportswriter in the country could have delivered this powerful and honest shot at LeBron James the way Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert did just minutes ago on the Cavs website that should be titled ‘Cowardly Betrayal.’
Read the Full Text of Gilbert’s Below:
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
[source: nba.com]
Oh. My. God. Lebron James gave 7 years of his life to Cavaliers, you ungrateful jerks. Cleveland gave him nothing in return. This statement just makes me HATE the Cavs. I am now a proud Miami Heat fan. Lebron James WAS the cavaliers. The rest of the team is nothing without him and you know it. I guess that’s why you’re so angry. Without Lebron the Cavs are LOSERS. I can’t wait for the first Cavs vs. Miami game. Gee, wonder who will win? A bunch of crybaby losers or Miami? LOVE YOU LEBRON! As far as Cleveland, you’ve shown how pathetic you are and Gilbert’s lack of character. With your statement you racked up YOUR own bad karma, man. And next season, we’re going to see that play out. Personally, I can’t wait. Cleveland just became the most hated team, thanks to the above statement and the fans response. I mean you had to have KNOWN he wasn’t going to stay with Cleveland. This wasn’t a surprise to anyone! I’m glad he went to the HEAT instead of staying with such horrible people who would talk about Lebron like this. He gave your team and city so much. The mature thing to do was to wish him luck. Guess you weren’t man enough to do that.