Cavaliers' owner lays the wood to LeJerk!
RonBurgundy
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WOW:
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
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
Ron Burgundy
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Buying Woody Hayes, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, and Jesse Owens autographed items
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You can take it to the bank.
yeah he probably should have left that part out. I couldn't care less about the NBA (after being spoiled by the 90s Bulls) and I have no interest in watching the glorified And One games today, but I'm amazed that Cav fans are floored by this. We're talking about the guy that "grew up" in the 90s rooting for the Yankees, Cowboys, and Bulls. So not only is he the league's foremost sore loser, he's also the biggest front-runner. This is the dude who rolled to the Jake, Progressive er or whatever they're calling it now, in Yankee gear. Why would you want to be an Indians fan in the 90s, not like they had a lengthy run with a very good team in a new yard or anything. But hey, there's still one star in Ohio during the winter. Go watch Rick Nash play in Columbus. Someone has to.
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Cavs Insider:
"Trust me from as who's dealt with Gilbert, I can only imagine what the first draft looked like. This was probably PR team's compromise."
I agree totally with this statement. What a three ring circus.
And since when does the fact that you grew up in an area require you to play there the rest of your days?
I think Lebron really knew he was leaving the Cavs a couple of years ago and really never gave them a chance to build more for next season.
That being said, I think Lebron and the Cavs ownership should take share of the blame for no championship. The Cavs were really just one more star away from winning a championship and it would have been Lebron's team. The Cavs should have made something happen to show Lebron they are committed, and Lebron should have given the Cavs the opportunity.
Its great Lebron was able to generate more money for his charity, but he handled the situation really bad in my opinion.
Maybe the Cavs can still get a super star or 2 and take the Heat to the woodshed.
brian
<< <i>JMHO, but one thing that's overlooked is that LBJ sort of acted in a malicious way and held the franchise hostage while the best free agents all inked deals somewhere else. >>
EXACTLY...
<< <i>No matter how he left it was going to look bad upon leaving Cleveland. Don't get me wrong, the way he did it made it look even worse. But, I can't blame him for leaving. He has the chance now to win a couple of championships instead oh trying to do it on his own in Cleveland. >>
He could have easily softened the blow by telling CLE prior to The Decision:
Dearest Cav fans,
I love this region and it will always be home for me. However, this comes with a heavy and sad heart; I've decided to leave. Please do not take this personally. I always have and always will love the fans for their support over the past 7 years. It was the most difficult decision I've ever had to make but at the end of the day, I believe there's a better opportunity for me to accomplish my goals in MIA.
I am so sorry and hope that one day, you will find it in your heart to forgive me.
LeBron
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And since when does the fact that you grew up in an area require you to play there the rest of your days"
Uh, do you not get that it wasn't that he left, but HOW he left? Rubbing it in Ohio's face on national television? Not returning a single call or text after the season? Conspiring with RuPaul and DoucheWade for 3 years?
I don't begrudge the guy at all for leaving - that's his bargained for right - but good grief, show some class.
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How much time does the front office need?
It didnt work out, period, and he is moving on...
He accomplished what he wanted and got exactly what he wanted...
Now, will it pan out for him???
Who knows, but blasting the guy, c'mon
Good luck to him...
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<< <i>"CLE should feel lucky to have had him as long as they did.
And since when does the fact that you grew up in an area require you to play there the rest of your days"
Uh, do you not get that it wasn't that he left, but HOW he left? Rubbing it in Ohio's face on national television? Not returning a single call or text after the season? Conspiring with RuPaul and DoucheWade for 3 years?
I don't begrudge the guy at all for leaving - that's his bargained for right - but good grief, show some class. >>
Yeah I agree the way it was announced was idiotic.
I think the owner's response was even more idiotic. Childish.
As far as the Cav's owner's comments, I am kinda torn. On one hand, it could come across like the bitter wife who just found out she has been cheated on. The other is he is trying to motivate his team and the city. My gut tells me there is alot more to the Lebron story than everybody knows. He even commented that he will be releasing more information.
If nothing else, it should create excitement for this season. The Heat at Cleveland and you know Kobe is dying to beat them. I personnally don't think the Heat will win the title this year.
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<< <i>Who knows, but blasting the guy, c'mon >>
Had he informed the fans like I mentioned earlier, the "blasting" would have been minimal, mostly coming from Cavs fans.
But the way he dragged out this manufactured drama, getting hopes up, and only to drop a turd, has changed his image forever.
Any "blasting" is not only understandable but also well deserved.
<< <i>But the way he dragged out this manufactured drama, getting hopes up, and only to drop a turd, has changed his image forever. >>
and ESPN played into his hand beautifully
That all being said, this was handled like a bit of a circus. The media is truly at fault, but Lebron certainly played along. Players typically sign contacts for one of two reasons. Money or for an opportunity to win championships. Leaving Cleveland wasn't about the money. Especially since he's signing with Miami where it's anticipated that he'll be taking a cut. So it really comes down to championships and he obviously believed he had a better chance in Miami. Does anybody else doubt that he has a better chance playing alongside Wade and Bosh? I imagine not. So in the end, he certainly could have handled this with a little more respect to his team, city and fans. But let's blame the media for the circus it turned into as they are truly the ones that squeezed this for everything it was worth.
Oh... and "King" James still hasn't won a ring yet.
<< <i>
<< <i>But the way he dragged out this manufactured drama, getting hopes up, and only to drop a turd, has changed his image forever. >>
and ESPN played into his hand beautifully >>
You're absolutely correct but I don't place any blame onto ESPN. They provide sports news/entertainment and Team LeBron pitched the idea. Had they passed, I'm willing to bet Versus would have done just about anything to take their place.
To ESPN's credit, they didn't sugar coat the public backlash. Could have easily ignored the grumblings and only reported MIA fan reaction.
<< <i>To claim he could have told Cleveland much earlier that he intended not to re-sign may have not been possible >>
He said his mind was made up yesterday morning. He could have at least told CLE, rather than keep them in the dark.
<< <i>But let's blame the media for the circus it turned into as they are truly the ones that squeezed this for everything it was worth. >>
That's chicken and the egg but could have been easily avoided. After he woke up yesterday with a decision made, he posts his intentions on his website or a tweet.
No drama, no speculation, no circus.
But that would have been way too easy for an ego like that.
<< <i>just giving him the benefit of the doubt. >>
That was my biggest mistake...
<< <i>What do Benedict Arnold and LeBron James have in common?
Posted by A. Isaac 0 comments
So Dan Gilbert is just a tad angry….So angry in fact that he’s resorted to using his company Fathead.com to stick the knife in LeBron even more.
That is, unless, this is just one strange coincidence.
Posters of LeBron on Fathead have been reduced from $99.99 and $49.99 to $17.41. Certainly a very good deal and one that makes sense given the current situation.
But $17.41 seems almost too odd right? Well, one astute observer on a message board noted that 1741 is also the birth year of Benedict Arnold.
Hmm.
Given Gilbert’s proclivity to be more than a bit childish, would you put it past him? Yea, neither would I.
A historic, subliminal message for the win!! >>
As a side note, I checked and they're sold out (Fathead Link)
Edited to add: This one is still in stock, if anyone is interested linkypoo
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
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Dave
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Dave
I agree with Dave completely...the guy was a FA and wanted to move on...that is his right and he exercised it. Was it handled gracefully? No, but tell me how many superstar athletes act gracefully these days? Most of these guys are narcissistic and completely self-absorbed so why should anyone feel outraged when they act selfishly? I find it rather amusing how a guy all these Cleveland fans ostensibly adored is now being disparaged and insulted, along even with his mother, in many cases. As Bosh stated in the media the other day, if LeBron had any doubt about leaving Cleveland, those doubts have been dismissed in light of this backlash.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
<< <i>I dont fault LBJ one bit. He gave them 7 yrs. Last I checked he was a free agent?? If they didnt want that to happen they would have taken care of the supporting cast and coaching staff before he was able to talk to other teams. It was clear he wasnt coming back if they didnt bring in a big name and CLE didnt do that. Bottom line he finished out his contract and then left. Good for Miami.
Dave
I agree with Dave completely...the guy was a FA and wanted to move on...that is his right and he exercised it. Was it handled gracefully? No, but tell me how many superstar athletes act gracefully these days? Most of these guys are narcissistic and completely self-absorbed so why should anyone feel outraged when they act selfishly? I find it rather amusing how a guy all these Cleveland fans ostensibly adored is now being disparaged and insulted, along with his mother, in many cases. As Bosh stated in the media the other day, if there LeBron had any doubt about leaving Cleveland, those doubts have been dismissed by this backlash. >>
Cleveland fans are looking very low-class. Talk about conditional love: 'Yes, we think you're the greatest, but only if you either a) stay here, or b) announce your departure in a way that pleases us. Otherwise we're going to burn your jersey and say horrible stuff about your mother'.
The TV show was a bad idea. Most of us knew that at the time, and judging by the way LeBron handled himself on the show he realized it was a bad idea at about the 12 minute mark. Big deal-- people make mistakes. The show was a bust, LeBron would probably like a do-over on that, and the world moves on. Or, at least the world SHOULD move on. This isn't Sherman burning Atlanta, guys. This is a basketball player leaving a sports franchise. Nobody's 'ripping the heart out of Cleveland', or 'betraying his hometown' here. Step back and get some perspective.
Edit to add: Or, if you just feel incapable of stepping back, then quit talking about it. The more Cleveland fans open their yaps the more they recall Alex from Fatal Attraction.
Had he done the same as Durant, putting out a simple tweet, the only ill will would come from CLE.
Simply put: It's not WHAT he did but HOW he did it.
<< <i>Step back and get some perspective. >>
Boo, you're absolutely correct.
The reaction is just as over the top as the build up. I agree and admit that I'm part of the "problem".
IMO - If he comes out and apologizes for handling it poorly; think he'll regain most, if not all, respect lost.
Personally, I'll forgive but not forget.
Now, if Andre Johnson bolted for Tampa Bay or something like that...
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Neither one of them will last 6 month in "South Beach". I also love it how he said South Beach instead of Miami... shows you why he truly picked that crap-hole...
Neither one of them will last 6 month in "South Beach". I also love it how he said South Beach instead of Miami... shows you why he truly picked that crap-hole...
Whether or not that is the truly the case, it's a bit low to insult the guy's mother like that just because you feel betrayed that he didn't feel like sticking around in Cleveland for another decade or so...do we really have to bring the level of discourse down to that level, really?
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
The other thing to keep in mind that the jersey burners and destructors are a very small percentage of people, but the few are being used to characterize the norm because it becomes a much more interesting story.
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<< <i>I don't disagree with those who say that people are being too harsh on him and the burining of jerseys etc is crazy.....but they must understand the hurt that many of us have right now. If you understand psychology at all, one of the first emotions involved in this type of "break-up" is anger. Its natural and normal. I was just in a video game store with my son and the worker at the counter who was a late teens.. early 20-ish male looked noticeably down...his co-worker says "whats wrong?" He replies..."you know....my soul hurts right now" which led to talk about Lebron leaving. Over dramatic...probably but I know exactly what he is feeling...as I said before I am almost 40 and I have not felt like this...especially over sports in a long. long time. You can tell the Cavs fan to think logically..he was a free agent...it was his right etc etc. but when you are a die hard fan and you get burned like this it becomes much more emotional more than logical. As the PR slogan said, Lebron was truly "More than a player" to the area.
The other thing to keep in mind that the jersey burners and destructors are a very small percentage of people, but the few are being used to characterize the norm because it becomes a much more interesting story. >>
You're right-- the first emotion in a 'break up' is anger. But a genuine break-up happens between two people who know each other very well, who have spent a lot of private time together, and who (in most cases) had made significant sacrifices to remain with each other. This is not a break-up-- this is a pro athlete with whom nobody here has a personal relationship leaving to play basketball in another city. Anyone who feels betrayed by LeBron James shouldn't be mad at LeBron; they should be mad at themselves for allowing something as cynical and calculated as professional athletics to become this important to them.
<< <i>Personally, I'll forgive but not forget.
Now, if Andre Johnson bolted for Tampa Bay or something like that...
Heaven forbid but if AJ left, he would do it with class; give the franchise plenty of notice, thank the fans, and act humble. It would sting and I would be disappointed. However, I would wish him the best and hope he wins a ring.
In fact it is a business, and Miami is now the favorite in the Eastern conference.
Anyone have any tickets for the first Miami at Cleveland game? - should be quite a spectacle.