Dan Gilbert's (Cleveland Cavs majority owner) Open Letter "says" what needed to be "said"

I can't not include this in my blog.  I commend Dan Gilbert for having the guts to say something (i.e. even though it's too late).  Someone needs to say something.  To have LeBron not contact the Cleveland Cavaliers and not inform them of his decision after 7 years and all that the organization has done for him, his friends, and family is utterly DESPICABLE.

I heard LeBron mention something about the Cavaliers getting rid of him.  Give me a break.  The city cried when he was drafted and welcomed him with open arms and were willing to fight for him with both arms also.  All it takes is a look at oft-injured, veteran center who NEVER gave up and always believed to see that loyalty is rewarded.  Rome wasn't built in a day, and I doubt sincerely that the Heat earn the championships they expect to win with the Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James trio...  If anything LeBron has placed himself among a different peer group in his attempt to chase titles.  He's now a "Pippen" (i.e. SORRY, SCOTTIE), but not even ~ because Pippen actually WON.  ****  Scottie Pippen is actually a trending topic on Twitter right now, so obviously great minds think alike!

Below is the full-text of Dan Gilbert's open letter and the link for you to click on if you prefer:  http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html


THE WIRK
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Cavaliers: Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert


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