Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has just sent out an open letter to Cavaliers fans about LeBron James' decision to sign with the Miami Heat, and man, is it harsh. Honestly, I'm speechless. You can read the whole thing over at SB Nation's Cavaliers blog Fear the Sword, but here are some choice excerpts.
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.
Later:
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.
And finally:
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.
For some, this will all be seen as sour grapes. That's fair. But at the same time, I think it's admirable that Gilbert has mirrored the passion of his fanbase here. Let's face it: LeBron did turn their back on them in brutal fashion. I'm happy to see someone from the Cavaliers call him out for it.