Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert Takes LeBron James To The Woodshed

I didn't watch "The Decision".  I fully admit that I was not interested in anything that LeBron James had to say about his future. Shame on ESPN for helping him to make this spectacle what it was and shame on us for allowing it to become important enough to warrant the coverage.

That said, the backlash from the spurned Cleveland Cavaliers organization, specifically that of Dan Gilbert, goes beyond sour grapes and straight into "tell em' why you mad, son" territory.

This guy must have been waiting patiently for the announcement to take place because, as soon as it did, he unleashed hell on LeBron James, his dedication to the Cavs, and his character as a man. Just look at some of the things he's said:

"People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is."

Is that a fact, Mr. Gilbert? I would offer that we already knew who he was three years ago—and so did you. After all, any player who brands himself "The King" isn't hurting in the ego department.

And what exactly has been "covered up for" about James?

I'm no fan of his but, for my money, no one would give two licks about the Cavaliers or you if James had not led your organization back from its abyss of nothingness.

And weren't you the same guy who spent the last two years squashing any rumors of him leaving Cleveland? You defended him vehemently while placing blame on the media for the persistent rumors and, as I recall, LeBron did nada to dispel the speculation.

Don't be mad because the spade turned out to be a spade.

"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." (from post announcement letter to fans)

Ummmm...okay.

Let me get this straight (now that I've stopped laughing), prior to LeBron's arrival in 2003 your team had not made a playoff appearance since 1991. A losing effort as they were ousted by the Bulls and Jordan in round one.

With LeBron, you not only went to the playoffs the last five seasons but went deep into them and were FAVORED to win the title on multiple occasions—MULTIPLE. Now, you are trying to sell your fans on the idea that you are better off without him?...

Oh my goodness—stop. Just stop... (excuses self to go laugh again).

"LeBron James needs to go to another team with two superstars already so he can win a championship," (AP, 7/8/10)

Can I go ahead and say this?....Okay, thank you—DUHHHHHHH!!!!

Of course he left to find better players to help him win. In the seven-years he was with Cleveland, you gave him a bunch of "has-been", "never-were", and "never gonna be" players to square up alongside him. He needed better than that if you wanted him to bring home the title—you dropped the ball.

LeBron is not Jordan. Jordan elevated the play of those around him—that's not LeBron's thing. He wants the glory minus the responsibility. You should have given him more than the salvation army of nobodies that you did and maybe he would have stayed.

"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." (from post announcement letter).

What the heck is this, "The Color Purple"? Give me a break, Mr. Gilbert. The curse was lifted when LeBron arrived and it returns with his departure. For all you know, his leaving was part of Cleveland's existing curse.

Wow, Dan, you're a funny guy.

Listen, "The Decision" spectacle was as pointless and unnecessary as the responses that it will generate in the days to come, but the fact is, LeBron James is now a member of the Miami Heat.

Debate all you like about his arrogance, lack of class, and disrespect of the Cleveland fans loyalty—none of that matters now. The deed is done and it's time to see what he's really made of now that he has no excuses.

Will the real LeBron James please stand up?