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Photo Credit: PHIL MASTURZO/MCT
Lebron James announced in a one hour TV special which team he would be signing on with. A basketball player that started out in the NBA playing for his home team the Cleveland Cavaliers and became known there as “The King”. He had many fans in his city and played his heart and soul for the team. But, when his contract expired and his chances of winning the championship in the NBA seem best fitted with another team he went for it.

Here’s what his former boss Dan Gilbert had to say about his decision:
 

“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

HE IS A BASKETBALL PLAYER! A PROFESSIONAL! 

As long as I can remember the Western ideology is me first. Whatever you do; do it for you. We are taught to make our own decisions. Heck when choosing a career our career counsellors told us to do what we want and not what our parents wanted. Our parents that raised us, fed us, and spent an infinite amount of time with us and we are told forget that; because life is about you. So, then why does one basketball player that has never met you; owe you anything? Why is Dan Gilbert not wishing him well?

Perhaps because loyalty is important. But in the end it’s a job. Would you not leave your job for another that has a promotion and higher rank? Chances are you will. It’s what we are taught to do. 

I like sports, I really do. Love playing them and sometimes even watching them. Sports are an excellent way to stay fit and are great way to make small talk. But, there is a limit to everything. Players are players, not soldiers, not your brother and heck not even your friend. They don’t know who you are and that’s fine. 

The issue isn’t about Lebron James, basketball, but sports in general. Realize that sometimes being a fan starts bordering on insanity. Love your friends and family before you start loving a stranger that doesn’t know who you are. 
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Comments

Sara
07/17/2010 4:20am

I agree man, sports tend to bring out the worst in people. If you're gonna play, watch, whatever -don't forget that you're still a Muslim while you do it. *hides under a rock for shelter from angry world cup fans*

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rafia
07/20/2010 12:39pm

Everyone was all for Leborne to get the MVP. If I was him I would have done the same thing walk out. Dan Gilbert knows that their team has no chance without him thats why he reacted that way. Best of luck James. :D

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