I'm really going to miss Chris Bosh. He was the backbone of my team. I wish them luck though. They are going to need it and if they don't win the championship - look out!! There will be hell to pay.

TonyVanDam said:

Mephiles said:

must see tv right?

I personally think he will go to Miami.. the smart move would be to go to Chicago though. But it also seems like everyone wants him to stay in that dump of Cleveland Ohio.... He'll never win a ring there. Ever..

With Shaq going to Atlanta, I don't think LeBron is going back to Cleveland neither.

Shaq wasn't a factor in Bron's decision.

Cleveland's owner is sounding like a backstabbing, bitter lil bitch. Him coming out so quickly talking shit about Lebron tells me there were probably other reasons that Lebron left. Yet, Lebron has said nothing but positive things about Cleveland and the organization. Funny how people's real colors show when they realize they can't control someone.

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...-ownerreax

Angered and betrayed by LeBron James’(notes) decision to leave for Miami, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accused the NBA’s MVP of quitting during the playoffs.

Gilbert, who posted a letter to Cavs fans on the team’s website shortly after James announced his plans to sign with the Heat, told The Associated Press late Thursday night that it’s “accountability time” for James.

“He has gotten a free pass,” Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. “People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”

Gilbert feels James quit on the Cavs during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Cleveland.

“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.”

“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.” (Yeah, right)

Gilbert said he now wishes he had done some things differently with James, who spent seven seasons with the Cavs.

“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.”

I was waiting for the owner to call Lebron an uppity negro.

[Edited 7/9/10 7:48am]

SCNDLS said:

Cleveland's owner is sounding like a backstabbing, bitter lil bitch. Him coming out so quickly talking shit about Lebron tells me there were probably other reasons that Lebron left. Yet, Lebron has said nothing but positive things about Cleveland and the organization. Funny how people's real colors show when they realize they can't control someone.

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...-ownerreax

Angered and betrayed by LeBron James’(notes) decision to leave for Miami, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accused the NBA’s MVP of quitting during the playoffs.

Gilbert, who posted a letter to Cavs fans on the team’s website shortly after James announced his plans to sign with the Heat, told The Associated Press late Thursday night that it’s “accountability time” for James.

“He has gotten a free pass,” Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. “People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”

Gilbert feels James quit on the Cavs during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Cleveland.

“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.”

“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.” (Yeah, right)

Gilbert said he now wishes he had done some things differently with James, who spent seven seasons with the Cavs.

“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.”

I was waiting for the owner to call Lebron an uppity negro.

[Edited 7/9/10 7:48am]

This guy sounds like a bitter asshole. He's the one who's going to look like an idiot with all the crap he's talking already. I'm glad James left seeing as the owner is such a wanker.

RebirthOfCool said:

TonyVanDam said:

With Shaq going to Atlanta, I don't think LeBron is going back to Cleveland neither.

Shaq wasn't a factor in Bron's decision.

I know that. But I bet Shaq knew before anyone else that LeBron was definitely leaving Cleveland regardless if they won a championship or not.

SCNDLS said:

Cleveland's owner is sounding like a backstabbing, bitter lil bitch. Him coming out so quickly talking shit about Lebron tells me there were probably other reasons that Lebron left. Yet, Lebron has said nothing but positive things about Cleveland and the organization. Funny how people's real colors show when they realize they can't control someone.

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...-ownerreax

Angered and betrayed by LeBron James’(notes) decision to leave for Miami, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accused the NBA’s MVP of quitting during the playoffs.

Gilbert, who posted a letter to Cavs fans on the team’s website shortly after James announced his plans to sign with the Heat, told The Associated Press late Thursday night that it’s “accountability time” for James.

“He has gotten a free pass,” Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. “People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”

Gilbert feels James quit on the Cavs during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Cleveland.

“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.”

“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.” (Yeah, right)

Gilbert said he now wishes he had done some things differently with James, who spent seven seasons with the Cavs.

“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.”

I was waiting for the owner to call Lebron an uppity negro.

[Edited 7/9/10 7:48am]

Not excusing LeBron "sins", but Dan Gilbert is more at fault for LeBron leaving The Cavs. If Gilbert wasn't so damn controlling over The Cavs' front office staff members, none of this hot mess would be happening right now.

I don't see the Heat as champs next season.

I don't blame Lebron 4 choosing the sunshine and NO taxes state of Florida.

Graycap23 said:

I don't see the Heat as champs next season.

I don't blame Lebron 4 choosing the sunshine and NO taxes state of Florida.

.......and the Miami sound!

Graycap23 said:

I don't see the Heat as champs next season.

We have to wait and see how the rest of the team shapes up.

TonyVanDam said:

RebirthOfCool said:

Shaq wasn't a factor in Bron's decision.

I know that. But I bet Shaq knew before anyone else that LeBron was definitely leaving Cleveland regardless if they won a championship or not.

I don't think Shaq knew.

I really thought Lebron would go back to Cleveland, I'm a little shocked by his decision.

The Cleveland owner needs to shut the fuck up and focus on rebuilding his team.

uPtoWnNY said:

Graycap23 said:

I don't see the Heat as champs next season.

We have to wait and see how the rest of the team shapes up.

I'll stick with the Lakers barring injury.

728huey said:

Reaction to LeBron James' announcement.

Miami

Cleveland

New York/New Jersey

Chicago

Well, I listed Chicgao as the least sad, even though LeBron would have fit better there than anywhere else, the Bulls are only a couple of pieces away from being a championship caliber team, now that Derrick Rose is rising into a superstar, Joakim Noah is turning into a strong role player, and now the Bulls have post presence with the signing of Carlos Boozer.

[Edited 7/8/10 18:48pm]

Did the people in NY and NJ really believe that there was a chance that LeBron would go to either of those places? First and foremost LeBron wants to win a title, ASAP. NY and NJ are far from making that happen. He could've just stayed in Cleveland if NY/NJ were really on his radar. I think it was crazy for eastcoasters to get there hopes up. I totally agree with you on the Bulls, It would've been an easy fit for LeBron. He would've been very close to a title and he still would've been the main man with the spotlight in Chicago.

Is the Cavs owner a 14-year-old scorned girl? 'Cause that's how old he sounds in that open letter. Bottomline, this is a business, he of all people should know that. Also, he had 7 YEARS to build a championship team around LeBron and FAILED. He has nobody to blame but himself.

uPtoWnNY said:

TD3 said:

NBA is a billion dollar cooperation/industry, if it wasn't viable it wouldn't exist. If it didn't generate that amount of income they wouldn't be able to pay Mr. James, Mr. Wade or any of these other major talents, free agents are not, hundreds of millions of dollars. The league hasn't always been able to do so, they you can thank Michael Jordan for that. Perspective, it's called the free market system and having a union helps.

Pro athletes are entertainers, no different than rockstars or actors, and should be paid as such. They generate tons of revenue, have a skill 99% of us don't have and put tremendous wear and tear on their bodies. Like you said, free market system.

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

We have to wait and see how the rest of the team shapes up.

I'll stick with the Lakers barring injury.

Lakers have their own problems dealing with the rough western conference and rising teams like OKC.

Layzie said:

728huey said:

Reaction to LeBron James' announcement.

Miami

Cleveland

New York/New Jersey

Chicago

Well, I listed Chicgao as the least sad, even though LeBron would have fit better there than anywhere else, the Bulls are only a couple of pieces away from being a championship caliber team, now that Derrick Rose is rising into a superstar, Joakim Noah is turning into a strong role player, and now the Bulls have post presence with the signing of Carlos Boozer.

[Edited 7/8/10 18:48pm]

Did the people in NY and NJ really believe that there was a chance that LeBron would go to either of those places? First and foremost LeBron wants to win a title, ASAP. NY and NJ are far from making that happen. He could've just stayed in Cleveland if NY/NJ were really on his radar. I think it was crazy for eastcoasters to get there hopes up. I totally agree with you on the Bulls, It would've been an easy fit for LeBron. He would've been very close to a title and he still would've been the main man with the spotlight in Chicago.

Is the Cavs owner a 14-year-old scorned girl? 'Cause that's how old he sounds in that open letter. Bottomline, this is a business, he of all people should know that. Also, he had 7 YEARS to build a championship team around LeBron and FAILED. He has nobody to blame but himself.

Exactly. Dan needs to take resposibility for his bad business decisions.

Now Lebron can tell his mother to "sit her ass down" in Miami.

uPtoWnNY said:

Graycap23 said:

I'll stick with the Lakers barring injury.

Lakers have their own problems dealing with the rough western conference and rising teams like OKC.

You mean the Western Conference has their own propblem dealing with the Lakers.

SCNDLS said:

Cleveland's owner is sounding like a backstabbing, bitter lil bitch. Him coming out so quickly talking shit about Lebron tells me there were probably other reasons that Lebron left. Yet, Lebron has said nothing but positive things about Cleveland and the organization. Funny how people's real colors show when they realize they can't control someone.

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...-ownerreax

Angered and betrayed by LeBron James’(notes) decision to leave for Miami, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accused the NBA’s MVP of quitting during the playoffs.

Gilbert, who posted a letter to Cavs fans on the team’s website shortly after James announced his plans to sign with the Heat, told The Associated Press late Thursday night that it’s “accountability time” for James.

“He has gotten a free pass,” Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. “People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”

Gilbert feels James quit on the Cavs during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Cleveland.

“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.”

“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.” (Yeah, right)

Gilbert said he now wishes he had done some things differently with James, who spent seven seasons with the Cavs.

“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.”

I was waiting for the owner to call Lebron an uppity negro.

[Edited 7/9/10 7:48am]

Pretty much sums it up. Fuck Gilbert. Did anyone know who he was prior to last night?

I also know somewhere Mike Brown is having the last laugh.

just to let u know i am from cleveland and dan gilbert made his self look like a jackass last night...#teamlebron all the way baby thanks for proving KING JAMES made the right decision....ok i found this letter from the heat forum ..its a letter to that jackass..........................

First off, to any Cleveland fan that might come across this: Less than a week ago, every Heat fan in the world was freaking out because we were all afraid that we were going to loose DWade. Regardless, we can’t begin to imagine what you guys are going through. For myself, I honestly feel sorry for you guys, and I hope that your team rebuilds quickly and wish all of you the best. That said, no Heat fan is going to, or should, apologize for wanting our team to improve. Lebron made this decision for whatever reason, and if the situations were in reverse, you would want what’s best for your team as well. When I first saw the Cavs website last night, I also thought the thing had been hacked because the rantings in that letter were so preposterous, they couldn’t possible have been from a team owner. After confirmation from ESPN that this was real, I took a better look at Gilbert’s words and had a quick observation. 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. -Source: ESPN Then wasn’t that an obvious sign that he, likely, was not going to return to Cleveland? Did the Cavs management somehow overlook the other 4-5 teams clearing up cap space for the past two years and, more recently, making appointments to give employment presentations to the guy? Did they somehow not hear all the talk of the “Union” of the big three? Did they somehow not realize James was the #1 FA bullseye for all these teams? In the biggest FA market in NBA history, shouldn’t the Cavs as an organization have had a “plan B” and a time to execute it, seeing as how James wasn’t even returning their calls? Even if it seemed James were going to leave, and even if Bosh wasn’t interested, there were still a number of other high quality free agents that might have been willing to join a team coached by Byron Scott, a team that has been to the playoffs the past number of years, and most importantly a team that now had the Money to hire them. Oh..wait..I think we found the problem. Maybe since it was obvious that Lebron wasn’t going to come back, why spend any more MONEY when you’ve been spending like a drunken sailor for the past number of years. If he decides to come back, fine, you HAVE to give him the max contract and Cleveland’s merchandise will continue to sell. But if Lebron leaves, that global sales machine is about to come crashing down, and, if that’s the case, it makes no business sense whatsoever to spend 16 million dollars in salary next season. The most perfect part about this is that Lebron is going to be the one that looks like the jerk for leaving his “home team.” Then to top it off, Gilbert writes the most ridiculous “open letter” to Cavs fans on the team’s website. He played on their grief and anger and did so perfectly to take the attention off the fact that the Cavs did absolutely nothing to make their team better in FA when they knew it was likely James was leaving. I’ll even go as far as to say hiring Byron Scott was a big charade. A coach’s contract is much easier to get rid of than a player’s, especially if the team’s failing (and it will fail). Also throw in the most empty promise in the history of civilization, these fans are going to need someone to blame when that doesn’t come to fruition. Scott, the coach (that they no longer need) will be the perfect goat. So why then did Lebron slap Ohio fans in the face by announcing he was leaving on national TV? Well, there were two things I could see on Lebron’s face last night as much as he tried to hide them. If you watch again, you will see one or two instances (one in reaction to his Jersey being burned) where he almost winced. This WAS SORROW FELT TOWARDS CLEVELAND FANS. The other emotion I saw in Lebron was what some people viewed as arrogance, but what I viewed was ANGER. Why in the world would Lebron diss his hometown fans that have loved and supported him his whole life? It makes no sense whatsoever. I believe Lebron was dissing THE CAVS ORGANIZATION. I have no idea why. It seems it may have to do with things that went on in the playoffs that only Lebron and the Cavs know about. I also find it odd that immediately after “The Decision,” Gilbert came out with the accusations of Lebron quitting in the Orlando series. One thing about the King that everyone knows to be true is that the man has an ego. Whether that ego is good or bad, I think that everyone can agree, it is not going to allow him to purposely loose a nationally televised playoff game where all the cameras are on him. For as much the show we got from Lebron last night, the show we got from Gilbert was really all the more revealing. The Cavs are freebirds now. No more having to cope with a high profile superstar’s demands. No more spending money on the roster. No more criticism in the national press. No more expectations. Best of all, Gilbert and the Cavs came out of this looking like roses. A few quiet years of mediocrity will now do the Cavs well in Gilbert’s mind. That is until they end up with the next great draft pick. With an owner like this, it might be the only way anyone great ever comes to town again.

SCNDLS said:

Cleveland's owner is sounding like a backstabbing, bitter lil bitch. Him coming out so quickly talking shit about Lebron tells me there were probably other reasons that Lebron left. Yet, Lebron has said nothing but positive things about Cleveland and the organization. Funny how people's real colors show when they realize they can't control someone.

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...-ownerreax

Angered and betrayed by LeBron James’(notes) decision to leave for Miami, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accused the NBA’s MVP of quitting during the playoffs.

Gilbert, who posted a letter to Cavs fans on the team’s website shortly after James announced his plans to sign with the Heat, told The Associated Press late Thursday night that it’s “accountability time” for James.

“He has gotten a free pass,” Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. “People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”

Gilbert feels James quit on the Cavs during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Cleveland.

“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.”

“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.” (Yeah, right)

Gilbert said he now wishes he had done some things differently with James, who spent seven seasons with the Cavs.

“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.”

I was waiting for the owner to call Lebron an uppity negro.

[Edited 7/9/10 7:48am]

u already know what he calling him in private

SavonOsco said:

Gilbert also owns Fathead...he just discounted Lebron's fathead from $99.00 to $17.41 1741 is the year Benedict Arnold was born...

What a lil punk bitch. And he's deluded if he seriously thinks the Cavs will win a ring before the Heat. And he's an idiot if he doens't realize that this behavior is going keep any good player from going there. Oh well, serves him right.

What's truly ironical is that he was trying so hard to get Lebron to stay but now has such a low opinion of him. Yet, how many millions has Lebron's skills put into his pockets??? He's just mad cuz Lebron went to another plantation.

[Edited 7/9/10 14:20pm]

Doesn't matter if LeBron wins a championship or not, his departure set Cleveland's hopes for a title back at least another 10-15 years anyway, lol. Gilbert should've held back a just a little bit with that letter.

"The Drive". "The Fumble". "The Shot". "The Shot Part II". "The Decision". Damn, Cleveland! If LeBron would've gone to Chicago, they probably would've burned that mf'er down to the ground.

phunkdaddy said:

th13182 said:

He gets paid for bringing money to his company, just like everyone does. Do you think the scientist that discovers a cure for cancer will get paid loads of money because of their contribution to mankind? Nope, they'll be paid tons of money because a drug company like Pfizer will pay them, mark up the drug and sell it to the masses. I understand people thinking that athletes and entertainers don't do anything important, but who out there really does? And you're right, he's not worth the money, truth be told, no human deserves to make that much money, but it's the way of the world.

Also if all these CEO's of banks can get ridiculous salaries for attending a few

meetings and flying all over the country in expensive ass jets, i don't have a problem

with Lebron James who actually plays 82 games a year not including playoff series

making tons of money too. He actually earns it.

Like you,I think he earns every penny of his money as well. I'm happy he decided to move on to a competetive team where he doesn't have to shoulder the burden night after night. His legacy is secure, he just needs a ring or two to cap it off. Here's something to ponder though, he gets paid more money in a year than 90 per cent of the human race makes working their whole life to play a game. Isn't life weird?

SCNDLS said:

Cleveland's owner is sounding like a backstabbing, bitter lil bitch. Him coming out so quickly talking shit about Lebron tells me there were probably other reasons that Lebron left. Yet, Lebron has said nothing but positive things about Cleveland and the organization. Funny how people's real colors show when they realize they can't control someone.

http://sports.yahoo.com/n...-ownerreax

Angered and betrayed by LeBron James’(notes) decision to leave for Miami, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accused the NBA’s MVP of quitting during the playoffs.

Gilbert, who posted a letter to Cavs fans on the team’s website shortly after James announced his plans to sign with the Heat, told The Associated Press late Thursday night that it’s “accountability time” for James.

“He has gotten a free pass,” Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. “People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”

Gilbert feels James quit on the Cavs during their second-round series against the Boston Celtics, who rallied from a 2-1 deficit to eliminate Cleveland.

“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.”

“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.” (Yeah, right)

Gilbert said he now wishes he had done some things differently with James, who spent seven seasons with the Cavs.

“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.”

I was waiting for the owner to call Lebron an uppity negro.

[Edited 7/9/10 7:48am]

It's not just him, but I've been watching(in amazement) the sports reporters of the caucasion race, bad talk LeBron for leaving as well. It seems that since they didn't have a say in his decision, or have the opportunity to pen his departing speech, that he's now some selfish egomaniac who has betrayed the trust rich white men have put in him. Him having an hour long special where he announces his decision(which they sat and watched for the entire hour) was the worst thing a human being could do. They crack me up. Michael Jordon, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kobe, Shaq and Kareem all shared their rosters with other all-stars. How the fuck can LeBron deminish his legacy by going to a team with two other all stars? I say smart move and kick ass next season LeBron. I'm a Chicago fan by the way.

SavonOsco said:

Gilbert also owns Fathead...he just discounted Lebron's fathead from $99.00 to $17.41 1741 is the year Benedict Arnold was born...

Wow! What a punk. His pussy hurts.

I was almost positive that this was all in the works when Dwayne Wade said to the media a couple of weeks that the word for the summer will be "sharing".

I took that to mean sharing the spotlight, adoration, money, and shit like that. Apparently I was right. Ah well. I still think/hope the Lakers whup their ass! lol

Actually, I give the owner props fr speaking his mind. Too many times we ask for celebs to be open, candid, and blunt, and when this dude does just that, he gets slammed for it. I appreciate dude for keeping it real, showing his anger and discontent, and then telling the fans to fuck Bron, we gonna do this without his ass. He manned-up. Now, if Bron responds the same way, then it's really all good.

zhare said:

just to let u know i am from cleveland and dan gilbert made his self look like a jackass last night...#teamlebron all the way baby thanks for proving KING JAMES made the right decision....ok i found this letter from the heat forum ..its a letter to that jackass..........................

First off, to any Cleveland fan that might come across this: Less than a week ago, every Heat fan in the world was freaking out because we were all afraid that we were going to loose DWade. Regardless, we can’t begin to imagine what you guys are going through. For myself, I honestly feel sorry for you guys, and I hope that your team rebuilds quickly and wish all of you the best. That said, no Heat fan is going to, or should, apologize for wanting our team to improve. Lebron made this decision for whatever reason, and if the situations were in reverse, you would want what’s best for your team as well. When I first saw the Cavs website last night, I also thought the thing had been hacked because the rantings in that letter were so preposterous, they couldn’t possible have been from a team owner. After confirmation from ESPN that this was real, I took a better look at Gilbert’s words and had a quick observation. 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. -Source: ESPN Then wasn’t that an obvious sign that he, likely, was not going to return to Cleveland? Did the Cavs management somehow overlook the other 4-5 teams clearing up cap space for the past two years and, more recently, making appointments to give employment presentations to the guy? Did they somehow not hear all the talk of the “Union” of the big three? Did they somehow not realize James was the #1 FA bullseye for all these teams? In the biggest FA market in NBA history, shouldn’t the Cavs as an organization have had a “plan B” and a time to execute it, seeing as how James wasn’t even returning their calls? Even if it seemed James were going to leave, and even if Bosh wasn’t interested, there were still a number of other high quality free agents that might have been willing to join a team coached by Byron Scott, a team that has been to the playoffs the past number of years, and most importantly a team that now had the Money to hire them. Oh..wait..I think we found the problem. Maybe since it was obvious that Lebron wasn’t going to come back, why spend any more MONEY when you’ve been spending like a drunken sailor for the past number of years. If he decides to come back, fine, you HAVE to give him the max contract and Cleveland’s merchandise will continue to sell. But if Lebron leaves, that global sales machine is about to come crashing down, and, if that’s the case, it makes no business sense whatsoever to spend 16 million dollars in salary next season. The most perfect part about this is that Lebron is going to be the one that looks like the jerk for leaving his “home team.” Then to top it off, Gilbert writes the most ridiculous “open letter” to Cavs fans on the team’s website. He played on their grief and anger and did so perfectly to take the attention off the fact that the Cavs did absolutely nothing to make their team better in FA when they knew it was likely James was leaving. I’ll even go as far as to say hiring Byron Scott was a big charade. A coach’s contract is much easier to get rid of than a player’s, especially if the team’s failing (and it will fail). Also throw in the most empty promise in the history of civilization, these fans are going to need someone to blame when that doesn’t come to fruition. Scott, the coach (that they no longer need) will be the perfect goat. So why then did Lebron slap Ohio fans in the face by announcing he was leaving on national TV? Well, there were two things I could see on Lebron’s face last night as much as he tried to hide them. If you watch again, you will see one or two instances (one in reaction to his Jersey being burned) where he almost winced. This WAS SORROW FELT TOWARDS CLEVELAND FANS. The other emotion I saw in Lebron was what some people viewed as arrogance, but what I viewed was ANGER. Why in the world would Lebron diss his hometown fans that have loved and supported him his whole life? It makes no sense whatsoever. I believe Lebron was dissing THE CAVS ORGANIZATION. I have no idea why. It seems it may have to do with things that went on in the playoffs that only Lebron and the Cavs know about. I also find it odd that immediately after “The Decision,” Gilbert came out with the accusations of Lebron quitting in the Orlando series. One thing about the King that everyone knows to be true is that the man has an ego. Whether that ego is good or bad, I think that everyone can agree, it is not going to allow him to purposely loose a nationally televised playoff game where all the cameras are on him. For as much the show we got from Lebron last night, the show we got from Gilbert was really all the more revealing. The Cavs are freebirds now. No more having to cope with a high profile superstar’s demands. No more spending money on the roster. No more criticism in the national press. No more expectations. Best of all, Gilbert and the Cavs came out of this looking like roses. A few quiet years of mediocrity will now do the Cavs well in Gilbert’s mind. That is until they end up with the next great draft pick. With an owner like this, it might be the only way anyone great ever comes to town again.

Whoever said THAT^ in the Miami Heat forums, tell him/her I said good job on the essay.