Cavaliers Owner Gilbert Rips LeBron
When LeBron James announced his intent to join the Miami Heat, many questions were posed: How will this work? Where will they get the other players from? And most importantly, how will his now former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers react?
It did not take long.
First Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant gave a very PR friendly response, this from the Cavaliers blog on Yahoo!, Fear the Sword:
"We believe in this team, this organization, this community, and what we will do to compete at the highest level. We believe in the new coach and leader we have in Byron Scott, and the world class basketball organization and positive and strong culture we've established. Dan Gilbert and our ownership group are firmly committed to reaching our goals and succeeding on the court and in the community, at the highest level."
"Our fans stepped up and showed their support, to a degree unlike anywhere else. We are fortunate to have the support of the best fans in the NBA. That passion and dedication will be rewarded. We will work relentlessly to continue to build a team that will contend. A team that will win championships. We are all competitors and our one goal is to win, that and Dan Gilbert and our ownership team's commitment and investment in this organization and community are constants that will not change."
Sounds very classy, and it seemed like the there was no animosity at all, just a lot of disappointment.
But moments later, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert issued an open letter to the City of Cleveland and Cavaliers fans (what's left of them), and literally laced it with scripted ether. Here are some 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."
And he was just getting started...
"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."
Continued on the next page
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