By: Tyler Ward
Apparently, Dan Gilbert isn't done sharing his opinions about LeBron James with the world. And the city LeBron left behind isn't done either.
Gilbert's most recent statement was sent to Cavaliers fans, thanking them for offering to pay the $100,000 fine Donald Stern imposed a few days ago. This comes in light of Gilbert's statements criticizing James and in my opinion, hitting below the belt.
This is the letter that Dan Gilbert wrote:
"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"
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers"
These statements are utterly ridiculous. LeBron did so much for the Cleveland franchise and they are already forgetting that. It isn't LeBron's fault that Gilbert and the rest of the Cavaliers organization didn't put good enough players around him to win the championship that had long been waiting for. So, LeBron did the smart thing and went somewhere that he could win a championship. How can you blame him? Gilbert's comments were absolutely absurd and uncalled for. But, that's a vent for another day.
Gilbert announced today that he will decline the fans' offer and pay it out of his own pocket.
He sent a letter to fans today, saying:
"I would like to say thanks for the incredible outpouring of support by the numerous loyal and passionate Cavaliers fans who have offered to contribute to paying the recent fine I was assessed by the NBA.
The humbling offer by so many is another reflection of the strength of Cavs fans and the people who live and work in this region and are always the first to step up and have each other's back.
I will pay this fine myself, but would be grateful and highly appreciative for any fan who redirects the dollars they kindly offered to contribute towards this fine to the Cavaliers Youth Fund, which will positively impact our region's kids through the numerous local charitable groups the Cavaliers Youth Fund supports."
The humbling offer by so many is another reflection of the strength of Cavs fans and the people who live and work in this region and are always the first to step up and have each other's back.
I will pay this fine myself, but would be grateful and highly appreciative for any fan who redirects the dollars they kindly offered to contribute towards this fine to the Cavaliers Youth Fund, which will positively impact our region's kids through the numerous local charitable groups the Cavaliers Youth Fund supports."
Somehow, Gilbert's comments makes him even more popular in Cleveland. I do not know how someone so bitter can receive so much praise when he has done nothing for the organization. Cavaliers fans should not even be mad at LeBron; they should be mad at Gilbert. But, as the old saying goes, "whatever floats your boat."
