Just moments after Lebron James announced his desire at ESPN’s “The Decision” to be part of the Miami Heat to be reunited with his 2008 Olympic gold medal team mates, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert posted to the Cavaliers’ web site an open letter for Cleveland citizens regarding his feelings for Lebron’s decision.

It was a letter of disappointment, of frustration, of betrayal, almost of hatred for the man he now considers “our former hero”.

Read it in its entirety below:

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 (signed)
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

(original source)

Wade immediately came to Lebron’s defense saying,

“I think I’m happy that I have the owner that I have here in Miami. I’m happy Micky Arison is my owner. I couldn’t believe it. I’m speechless. It’s very unfortunate and I think it makes LeBron that much better about his decision.”

I think we can’t blame Gilbert for feeling that way.

After all, his organization did what he could to surround Lebron with the talent he needed to win a championship.

He did brought Shaquille O’Neal, Antawn Jamison and even resigned Zydrunas Ilgauskas last season right?

You can’t say that it’s not enough because the team had an NBA-best record 61-21 after the previous season’s 66-16 record which was the winningest season in the franchise’s history.

I can’t blame Lebron either. He wants a championship ring bad. And he will do everything just to get one.

Even if it means sacrificing his loyalty not just to an organization, but to an entire city.

Please read my related posts:

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5. 2010 NBA Free-Agent Signings | “Z” Joins Former Cavs Teammate Lebron in Miami Seems like “Z” wants a championship ring so bad too. Less than a week after Lebron James announced his decision...

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Tags: 2010 nba free agency, 2011 NBA season, cleveland cavaliers, dan gilbert, lebron james, miami heat