Dan Gilbert is the majority owner the National Basketball Association (NBA) team Cleveland Cavaliers. As most of the basketball aficionados know, the Cavs (Cleveland Cavaliers team nickname) are in the spotlight now as their (previous) star player Lebron James is moving out to Miami Heats. Below is Dan Gilbert’s open letter to Cleveland Cavaliers Fans posted in the NBA.com site. I twitted this article this morning and I was surprised that there are many hits to the bit.ly links in tweetdeck.
I understand that tensions are high and the issue is filled emotions and King Lebron sensationalizing his move to Miami seems to add insult to injury. I am not 100% aware of all the back-story of Dan Gilbert and Lebron James, but I am I find the reference to “curse” and karma thing done in poor taste. Why? Read the full text below:
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
Letter taken from NBA.com
http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html
I wish the Cavs and Lebron all the best this coming NBA Season. Hope I can catch the 1st Cavs versus Heats game in live TV, that will really be exciting.
What’s your thought on this Lebron James move to Miami and this open letter by Dan Gilbert? Feel free to leave comments here in my blog.