Nike Celebrates LeBron's First Ring - Video

I have taken "heat" for sticking up for LeBron's decision to go to Miami.  It paid off last night.  He would still be waiting for a championship (one that would never have come) had he stayed in Cleveland.  Cleveland was not willing to do what it takes to build a championship team.  They were nothing without Lebron, their record for the past two years proves that.  Basketball is a team sport. You can't win on your own.  Don't believe me, ask Jordan.  He himself will say he never would have accomplished what he did without the cast around him.  


Congrats to LeBron.  MVP, Finals MVP, and Champion.  


Yes, I am huge basketball fan, and no I am not a Heat fan.  I am a long-suffering Knicks fan.  

Jesse Jackson Weighs in on LeBron and Dan Gilbert - Updates

Jesse Jackson, never missing an opportunity to stick his nose into things, has weighed in on Dan Gilbert's reaction to LeBron James signing with the Miami Heat. 

"His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship -- between business partners -- and LeBron honored his contract"

Now, I agree with Jesse to an extent.  LeBron did indeed honor his contract.  He played out his seven years as he was required to do.  When it came time for him to make a move, he could have easily forced a sign and trade to Miami that would have given him the larger sum of money that Cleveland was offering.  He did not do that.  He took a smaller salary and went on his merry way.  While I agree that Lebron was completely wrong by not calling Gilbert himself shortly before his overblown press conference, it doesn't make how Gilbert reacted okay.  Gilbert's letter was immature, unprofessional, and seemed almost mentally unbalanced.  Gilbert has not backed down either.  He has since made comments that LeBron quit in last two games as a Cav.  Again, it did seem that way.  He was out of sorts, that can't be denied.  But, it then came out that LeBron had just recently found out that one of his teammates was sleeping with his mother.  That could have a played a part in not only his performance, but why he left Cleveland. 


Jesse, what Gilbert is so upset about his is bankbook.  This isn't about racism, it is about the almighty buck.  For the past seven years if not all, almost all games have been sold out.  LeBron's jersey is a top seller.  The Cleveland games became a big part of the nationally televised game schedule.  All of this lined his pockets.  Without LeBron, all of this gone.  Cleveland will be very lucky if they even have a winning record at the end of next season.  It is going to take years for this franchise to make up for this loss.  The biggest reason is that Gilbert didn't have a plan B.  He is a wealthy man who is used to getting what he wants and just thought he could throw some money at LeBron and he would keep his gravy train rolling down the tracks. 


Dan Gilbert is acting like a spoiled child who is not getting his way and lashing out in ways that make him look like an idiot.  That doesn't make him a racist.  But these comments coming from Jesse Jackson certainly makes him look like one. 


David Stern, NBA's commissioner:

On LeBron James: "With respect to LeBron's departure from Cleveland, a couple of things. One, he was certainly entitled to do that. I think he's both a terrific player and a very good person. Had he asked my advice in advance, I might have suggested that he advise Cleveland at an earlier time than apparently he did that he was leaving, even without announcing where he was going, so we could have eliminated that. I would have advised him not to embark on what has been come known as 'The Decision.' I think that the advice that he received on this was poor. His performance was fine. His honesty and his integrity shine through. But this decision was ill-conceived, badly produced and poorly executed. Those who were interested in it were given our opinion prior to its airing."



On Dan Gilbert: "I think that remarks by Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cavaliers, catalyzed as they may have been by hurt with respect to the manner and the fact for himself, his team, and particularly for the people of Cleveland, though understandable, were ill-advised and imprudent. I have notified Cleveland that they will be fined $100,000 for those remarks under my power as Commissioner."

Portrait of a Jack Ass - Dan Gilbert, Majority Owner Cleveland Cavaliers, Open Letter To Lebron James and Cleveland Fans

Wow, what a jerk this guy is.  If this is how this man behaves in public can you imagine what he is like in private.  If this man is this delusional and mean spirited as he seems, no wonder James left.

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

Pat Riley; The Real Winner Tonight

Lebron James made his decision tonight to leave the Cleveland Clavs and go to the Miami Heat.  I being from CT am a Knicks fan; so for me I am very disappointed that he didn't choose to play on the biggest stage in the NBA. 

I really admire what Lebron, Chris Bosh and D Wade did this week; they put money as a secondary consideration to accomplish the utlimate goal of winning a championship.  Pat Riley did an amazing job selling the team and opening up the money under the salary cap to allow all three players to sign.  Now, I can't possibly root for this team being a Knicks fan, but it will be fun to watch next season. 

Cav Fans obviously disagree with my assessment that Lebron made a decision based on what was best for his career, his future, and his family:

Now, I am a huge sports fan, but this is way over the top.  Also, since one of the Cavs was rolling around in bed with Lebron's mother, it may be best that he left it behind and continue his career in another city.  I really love the guy saying that the Cavs would win a championship without Lebron.  Good luck with that fantasy.

I find it very sad that people are not heralding the fact that it wasn't all about money for three of the top players in the NBA.  But, I guess that is just me.