Basketball:LeBron James' decision to swap Cleveland for the Miami Heat has prompted a furious reaction from Cavaliers majority shareholder Dan Gilbert.
James, the two-time NBA most valuable player, last night went on national television in the United States to announce his decision to quit his hometown team to move south after one of the most protracted free-agent scrambles in NBA history.
In an hour-long show called ‘The Decision’, screened on ESPN, James revealed he had agreed to join the Heat in a move which will see him link-up with Olympic team-mates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
“I wanted to do what was best for LeBron James,” he said. “At the end of the day, I feel awful. I feel even worse that I wasn’t able to bring an NBA championship to that city.
“I never wanted to leave Cleveland. My heart will always be around that area. But I also felt like this is the greatest challenge for me, to move on.”
Gilbert, however, was bitter. Not only regarding James’ decision to leave but also the way the switch had been conducted in the media.
In an open letter to Cavs fans, he promised fans his franchise will deliver an NBA crown before James does and also accused the 25-year-old, born and raised in Akron, Ohio of “cowardly betrayal”.
He added: “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.”
Gilbert insisted James’ decision would spur him on to ending Cleveland’s 46-year wait for a championship title.
He said: “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.”
Cavaliers fans expressed their dismay by hurling rocks at a huge billboard of James in the city while others burned shirts with James’ name on the back.
Full text of Dan Gilbert's open letter
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....