Gilbert Destroys LeBitch in Open Letter to Fans

[CAVSTRIBEBROWNSin07!]

Gilbert, 2 days later:

"I know I made that crazy promise, but it was more of a rallying cry to get people to rally around that message."

"I don't think their experiment is going to work. But that's just me. I just don't see Dwyane Wade and LeBron James gelling together on the court."

"People know what the truth is. Because I say it or because I don't say it, people know what it is. All players are not alike. There are players who understand what it's all about. Could there be a few guys who don't want to come, like Chris Bosh? Probably. We're looking for guys who are tough and want to compete. I absolutely believe we can bring a championship to Cleveland, and that will be a very happy day and a day of redemption."

"We really believed until the end that he was staying," Gilbert said. "We were pretty shocked, to be honest with you.

"When [LeBron and his advisers] announced they were going to do [the team presentations] in Cleveland and not go on their tour, for us that was another sign that this guy and these guys can't muster enough energy to go on the road -- how is he going to move? Going through the process, we felt really good. We felt our meeting went good, and we had another meeting at his house 10 days or two weeks before that.

"The last few days when it got set up in Connecticut [to broadcast his announcement], we couldn't figure it out. It was just very bizarre. Why is he going to the Boys & Girls Club in Greenwich, Conn.? We started thinking to ourselves, It doesn't make sense. We can't think he's going to go on national TV and build it up and humiliate and disgrace Cleveland, Ohio, by saying he's leaving. The only way he comes out of this positive is if he announces he's staying, because otherwise he's going to destroy himself. That was our thought process.

"We knew it was more than a 50-70 percent chance he was going to stay."

Other juicy tidbits here:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/w ... itter_feed

[CAVSTRIBEBROWNSin07!]

He also denies that the team really gave him LeBron so many perks, and alludes to the fact that LeBron just couldnt handle the pressure of leading his own team, instead going to the non-basketball city of Miami.

[Larvell Blanks]

Could there be a few guys who don't want to come, like Chris Bosh? Probably. We're looking for guys who are tough and want to compete

Best quote of the article

[Prosecutor]

The first Miami/Cavs game next year is going to be amazing. After being called a coward and a betrayer, you can bet LeBron is going to want to hang at least 50 points on the Cavs and win by 30 or more, especially if it's in Cleveland with Gilbert in the house. And who's going to stop him? Antwan? AV? Moon?

As for the Amick column, now I'm wondering if that's what Dan was thinking about when he guaranteed the Cavs will win a Championship before the Heat, and added, "You can take it to the bank." Maybe he already knows the owners are going to draw a hard line in the sand, one that will force the Heat to break up the Big Three. He figures they won't win next year because Riles won't have the time or cap space to fill the roster with anything more than CBA players, and after that the new cap will break them up. He must know something to hang out an iron-clad take-it-to-the-bank guarantee like that.

[peeker643]

The guarantee was blind rage. Only part of that letter I regretted immediately.

And yes, If LBJ doesn't put up 60 here I'll be shocked.

If he ain't quitting he's pretty fucking good.

I know that gets lost in the heat and the hate but it'll probably be demonstrated if he has the balls not to be 'hurt' when the day comes.

[hermanfontenot]

LeBron is not coming back here the first time the Heat play in Cleveland. Book that.

[Hikohadon]

The first Miami/Cavs game next year is going to be amazing. After being called a coward and a betrayer, you can bet LeBron is going to want to hang at least 50 points on the Cavs and win by 30 or more, especially if it's in Cleveland with Gilbert in the house.

Why? Did LeCoward suddenly grow a sack?

He never cared what people said about him before. His motiviation has always been for self-glorification, not revenge. If he cared about debunking criticism, he would've played a lot harder in Game 6 vs. Celtics.

My guess is that someone pelts him with stuff, he reacts like he's just been shot, his teammates surround and protect him like the Secret Service, a couple more people pelt stuff, and every Heat player runs up the tunnel, leaving it to ESPN to discuss Cleveland's "disgraceful display".

[motherscratcher]

LeBron is not coming back here the first time the Heat play in Cleveland. Book that.

No way. Can you imagine the amount of shit he'll take nationally if he bitches out? He'll be here. He has to be.

[Ziner]

LeBron is not coming back here the first time the Heat play in Cleveland. Book that.

No way. Can you imagine the amount of shit he'll take nationally if he bitches out? He'll be here. He has to be.

For sure, just like there was no chance he would punk Cleveland on national TV because of the backlash.

[hermanfontenot]

LeBron is not coming back here the first time the Heat play in Cleveland. Book that.

No way. Can you imagine the amount of shit he'll take nationally if he bitches out? He'll be here. He has to be.

For sure, just like there was no chance he would punk Cleveland on national TV because of the backlash.

Exactly. If LeBron had any self-awareness whatsoever he wouldn't have staged that farce last Thursday.

He'll stay in Miami. Either the elbow will have a "flare-up" or, more likely, he'll claim he got a credible threat on his life, the better to make Cleveland fans look bad.

[Gradysmanldy]

He'll be here. It's more about saving face and not looking like a bitch than anything. Also, the media will be making a HUGE deal out of his return, and it's not like he's capable of NOT being a national shit show.

I expect he'll do his thing, cool and efficient, 22/12/10, play tough D, and hug/shake hands with everyone beforehand.

I wouldn't be sad for a moment if he got his dick face broken with a battery, though.

[Ziner]

If he has the sack to show up the entire team should have the balls to give him a cold shoulder. He screwed all of them as well. They wont, but I can dream. I am not even that old and I wish we could go back to the days were everyone wasnt buddy buddy.

[Cease]

If he has the sack to show up the entire team should have the balls to give him a cold shoulder. He screwed all of them as well. They wont, but I can dream. I am not even that old and I wish we could go back to the days were everyone wasnt buddy buddy.

I would love for the crowd to give him a collective yawn upon his return- but that ain't gonna happen.

[Gradysmanldy]

There's lots of things we'd "love" to see as fans in Lebron's return to cleveland. Here's the list of shit we'd like that wont happen.

1) old team mates ignoring him or giving him hell.
2) the cavs winning
3) the fans making a publicly acceptable scene
4) the national media not making a big scene about cleveland getting embarassed, again

[RedDawg53]

I would laugh if its a Christmas Day matchup when LeBitch returns

[motherscratcher]

LeBron is not coming back here the first time the Heat play in Cleveland. Book that.

No way. Can you imagine the amount of shit he'll take nationally if he bitches out? He'll be here. He has to be.

For sure, just like there was no chance he would punk Cleveland on national TV because of the backlash.

Exactly. See? Now we're making sense.

Wait...

[fundamentals]

I would laugh if its a Christmas Day matchup when LeBitch returns

Unless the Cavaliers pick up some people, they are going to be on national television about as m uch as the Sacramento Kings. Without LBJ, none ratings. Get back in gear for seeing the Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Bulls, and maybe Thunder each time on a Sunday afternoo/evening. Would be shocked to see anything other than a Lakers vs. Heat game on Christmas.

With regard to someone asking me about Plan B, Gilbert always gives the impression he is one step ahead of everyone and has a contingency plan in place such as what he was talking about with the beginnings of the casino in Cleveland, hard to fathom he put all the eggs in the LBJ basket and thought of nothing else to consider. He seems like he is a very egotistical man and LBJ hurt him and hurt his pocketbook deeply. Stands to reason he's going to craft something up or should have working to do so, only time will tell I guess. He's not a multi-millionaire by accident, at least I don't think so. Will be very engaging to see if he can keep bball relevant in NE Ohio post MeBron era.

[bucknutz94]

LeBron is not coming back here the first time the Heat play in Cleveland. Book that.

No way. Can you imagine the amount of shit he'll take nationally if he bitches out? He'll be here. He has to be.

For sure, just like there was no chance he would punk Cleveland on national TV because of the backlash.

Exactly. If LeBron had any self-awareness whatsoever he wouldn't have staged that farce last Thursday.

He'll stay in Miami. Either the elbow will have a "flare-up" or, more likely, he'll claim he got a credible threat on his life, the better to make Cleveland fans look bad.

I'm going with the death threat claim. I just don't see him coming here. Hell, he probably will get death threats. The Q could be the first NBA arena to look like a soccer stadium with fences and razor wire.

[motherscratcher]

Here's what I want. I don't want anyone to boo him. I want dead silence when they announce him. No music. no announcer. And nobody makes a peep.

Except for one little 6 year old boy in a Cavs Lebron Jersey in the front row who's crying and wailing really loud. "Why? Why Daddy? Why isn't Lebron wearing his Cavs Shirt? Waaaaa."

He just happens to be sitting right up front next to a guy who's miced up for some reason so everyone can hear it clearly.

Yeah, I know how cheesy that is. I know it's totally gay. Fuck you guys for judging me.

[fundamentals]

Mr. Scratcher,

I can't fathom the crowd at the Quicken Loans Arena to go silent when this guy is introduced:



I am thinking lots of these

[peeker643]

Mr. Scratcher,

I can't fathom the crowd at the Quicken Loans Arena to go silent when this guy is introduced:

Hey- "Mr. Scratcher" is his father.

You call him....Mother...

[motherscratcher]

Mr. Scratcher,

I can't fathom the crowd at the Quicken Loans Arena to go silent when this guy is introduced:

Hey- "Mr. Scratcher" is his father.

You call him....Mother...

You know, that or, uh, His Scratchness, or uh, Scratcher, or El Scratcherino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.

[fundamentals]

No disrespect intended Your Scratchiness, Scratchetarian, Scratcharama, Scratchizinsky, etc.....

LBJ's day is coming.

[pup]

Know how the Cavs give away t-shirts to every home playoff game?

Give out shirts for her return, have everyone turn their back on the floor while the Heat are being announced and have the back of the shirt have a knife sticking into the back.

[Gradysmanldy]

Know how the Cavs give away t-shirts to every home playoff game?

Give out shirts for her return, have everyone turn their back on the floor while the Heat are being announced and have the back of the shirt have a knife sticking into the back.

This, a million times. Needs. To. Happen.

[e0y2e3]

Sports Media World is claiming that Gilbert has enlisted PR Execs to plan his public apology to LBJ this week.

If this goes through I will expect full recants from all those who claimed this "letter" was a calculated move to keep his fan base and not just him being a petulant bitch.

[e0y2e3]

Gilbert is on Twitter now and should be verified soon:

http://twitter.com/cavsdan

(that said, DanGilbertCavs is absolutely hilarious and should also be followed.

[Ziner]

(that said, DanGilbertCavs is absolutely hilarious and should also be followed.

+1

UNBELIEVABLE. Stern fined me $100K for speaking the TRUTH. I AM OUTRAGED. This is like fining Anne Frank for writing her diary.

I gotta hand it to the Make A Wish Foundation. When Mario Chalmers asked to be a starter on a title favorite, I thought it was over the top.

ANNOUNCEMENT: November 19 will be Maverick Carter night. No vehicles allowed in the parking lot. All fans must arrive riding coattails.

[peeker643]

Sports Media World is claiming that Gilbert has enlisted PR Execs to plan his public apology to LBJ this week.

If this goes through I will expect full recants from all those who claimed this "letter" was a calculated move to keep his fan base and not just him being a petulant bitch.

Peeker's PR Firm suggests-

"I meant every single fucking syllable but it would have been more prudent not to say a thing and just let the nature of the press take its course. The pathetic nature of the event and the incredible ignorance and arrogance of the individual who created it really spoke well enough for itself. That said, I apologize for bringing myself and this organization to the same level as the event and its creators/facilitators and I will hereby focus all future attention on building a franchise the city and fans can be proud of."

"Also, I'd like to offer the Rev. Jesse Jackson an unpaid internship with Quicken Loans. With him not ever having had an actual job I believe it would be in his best interests to gain some work experience so that he might one day benefit society as opposed to sucking off it."

[e0y2e3]

Methinks Peeker PR doesn't understand the definition of "apology to LBJ"

[rebelwithoutaclue]

Sports Media World is claiming that Gilbert has enlisted PR Execs to plan his public apology to LBJ this week.

If this goes through I will expect full recants from all those who claimed this "letter" was a calculated move to keep his fan base and not just him being a petulant bitch.

Peeker's PR Firm suggests-

"I meant every single fucking syllable but it would have been more prudent not to say a thing and just let the nature of the press take its course. The pathetic nature of the event and the incredible ignorance and arrogance of the individual who created it really spoke well enough for itself. That said, I apologize for bringing myself and this organization to the same level as the event and its creators/facilitators and I will hereby focus all future attention on building a franchise the city and fans can be proud of."

"Also, I'd like to offer the Rev. Jesse Jackson an unpaid internship with Quicken Loans. With him not ever having had an actual job I believe it would be in his best interests to gain some work experience so that he might one day benefit society as opposed to sucking off it."

Maybe something like this, with Dan Gilbert playing the role of Mel Gibson:

[peeker643]

Methinks Peeker PR doesn't understand the definition of "apology to LBJ"

"I'd like to apologize to LeBron for dropping that letter. Being raised by a tweeker/half-a-crackwhore/she wolf with no idea who or where your daddy was had to be difficult. It had to create ignorance. And then to be blown by anyone and everyone includng me for the next decade had to lead to the overwhelming and vile arrogance.

I am sorry you are ignorant and arrogant LeBron and I'm sorry I pointed it out in letter form."

Ship it.

Time to take the PR guy to Mortons.

[Larvell Blanks]

PDcavsinsider According to a source, Zydrunas Ilgauskas is close to accepting a contract from the Miami Heat. The Cavs had an offer for Z on the table.
9 minutes ago via web

Get ready for Gilbert blast # 2!

Is there a Lithuanian Jesse Jackson Gilbert needs to worry about?

[Fire Marshall Bill]

Fuck that 'it takes a man to apologize' tripe

It would take a real coward to recant and apologize for saying what he thought...

If you can't stand behind your words, S-T-F-U

If Gilbert apologizes to LeJizzGulper my pity goes out to CavFan for you are then truly abondoned

My suggestion is to become Laker fans....

[Gradysmanldy]

Honestly, I love Z, and if he feels that's a good chance to get a ring....go for it. It hurts the heat rather than helps. Dude couldn't outperform Leon Powe on one good knee.

[Ziner]

We traded Z and proved we were not super loyal to Z. I was never on the loyalty train anyway as his contract was nothing but an asset to me once he started declining. He can go where he wants and I certainly don't see him as the piece that puts them over the top, but if he goes there and fans react negatively I would not be shocked.

[peeker643]

Two other threads with Z to Miami convo. Let's keep this one to the letter and the fallout.

Thanks ya moes.

[Ziner]

Two other threads with Z to Miami convo. Let's keep this one to the letter and the fallout.

Thanks ya moes.

That new title is getting to your head

[peeker643]

Two other threads with Z to Miami convo. Let's keep this one to the letter and the fallout.

Thanks ya moes.

That new title is getting to your head

No, not really. I have no title that's worthy of heading to the head.

Just common sense. I've always had that. And this house is getting messy with all this shit floating around. I have people like SoulDawg quadruple posting the same GD post and nine threads with crying humps simultaneously talking about what Z means to them.

Seriously Patchouli, you get that right?

It's just a humble request. I have no authority in the forums. If I did three people would have log in IDs that worked. I'm a data entry article enterer.

So pretty please with sugar on top, clean the fucking car.

[Ziner]

I agree it is messy right now, just giving you a hard time. Seems to get that way when anything big happens or SD enters a thread.

I need to get going anyway, it is tough to type while making hemp necklaces.

[aoxo1]

Sports Media World is claiming that Gilbert has enlisted PR Execs to plan his public apology to LBJ this week.

If this goes through I will expect full recants from all those who claimed this "letter" was a calculated move to keep his fan base and not just him being a petulant bitch.

That was always a dumb take.

But it's not like there's never been a successful owner with a short and very public fuse.

[peeker643]

Sports Media World is claiming that Gilbert has enlisted PR Execs to plan his public apology to LBJ this week.

If this goes through I will expect full recants from all those who claimed this "letter" was a calculated move to keep his fan base and not just him being a petulant bitch.

That was always a dumb take.

But it's not like there's never been a successful owner with a short and very public fuse.

Well, who specifically provided that exact take? I'll say it again, anyone who thinks Cavs fans, regarless of their intelligence level, didn't love that letter are either idiots or not sitting in the middle of this shit storm. But even those people, myself included, said it was not bright and that it needed to be done with.

It is possible to understand both those things. Do appreciate the ex-pats keeping a watchful eye over all of us though

[Orenthal]

^Thanks for that last line. We aren't able to peel ourselves far enough away from the situation to see things objectively, in a one-liner.

[aoxo1]

Sports Media World is claiming that Gilbert has enlisted PR Execs to plan his public apology to LBJ this week.

If this goes through I will expect full recants from all those who claimed this "letter" was a calculated move to keep his fan base and not just him being a petulant bitch.

That was always a dumb take.

But it's not like there's never been a successful owner with a short and very public fuse.

Well, who specifically provided that exact take? I'll say it again, anyone who thinks Cavs fans, regarless of their intelligence level, didn't love that letter are either idiots or not sitting in the middle of this shit storm. But even those people, myself included, said it was not bright and that it needed to be done with.

It is possible to understand both those things. Do appreciate the ex-pats keeping a watchful eye over all of us though

No, I agree. I loved the letter but realized it would not come off great. I still love that he did it.

There were a few takes (certainly not the majority) about how this was a great move by Gilbert to get the fans on his side. Do I really need to go find them in that 5000 page thread?

[peeker643]

No, I agree. I loved the letter but realized it would not come off great. I still love that he did it.

There were a few takes (certainly not the majority) about how this was a great move by Gilbert to get the fans on his side. Do I really need to go find them in that 5000 page thread?

No you don't but the lunatic/idiot fringe is always going to be a part of the thread, no? Sure it was a dumb, immature response (and it was blood lust at best for those mature enough to have enjoyed that element of it). But ain't no need to be looking for recantations from the lunatics and idiots.

Aint happening.

All you'll get from that crowd is a bad take in the next thread. And the one after that..and the one....

That's all I'm saying.

[Hi Oktane]

Method at best, unintended benefit at worst to TMLP's madness? http://es.pn/agjCDf

[OldDawg]

On national television...

I am taking my talents to South Beach,
and Cleveland's heart I rip from its chest.

LBJRipsHeart.jpg (55.44 KiB) Viewed 648 times

[Orenthal]

[Larvell Blanks]

I don't see where you can get where he quit," Wade said. "He just had one bad game. It happens. Kobe had a bad game in the Finals. They won. It didn't matter. LeBron's teammates didn't help him out that game and it made the way he played even worse. But he's not a quitter. He didn't quit."

Are the gloves coming off?

mogotti2 Come on d wade, watch your mouth. I read your article.
13 minutes ago via Echofon

Or is this more of a the truth hurts response?

[scott]

Or is this more of a the truth hurts response?

So you're saying it was Paul Pierce's defense?