Cleveland Fans React To LeBron James Leaving Photos/Videos

[Gundress]

Posting the pics or the videos you find.

http://media.cleveland.com/photogallery/photo/cac781c200a05ac813a5e96c3845ca34_custom_665xauto.j pg

http://media.cleveland.com/photogallery/photo/ea54d84153acb620854a513e0ff05f5d_custom_665xauto.j pg


[/B]http://media.cleveland.com/photogallery/photo/21fd299d4429fbbb3c4404b6b7502f4a_custom_665xauto.j pg

http://media.cleveland.com/photogallery/photo/b82ffdd7a2be495a93d6c488f0431bb3_custom_665xauto.j pg

http://media.cleveland.com/photogallery/photo/dcf8cd6cdf29ba1f6ef26d95bc8dba37_custom_665xauto.j pg

http://media.cleveland.com/photogallery/photo/lbj-jersey-burning-8d08d5bacd9527cd.jpg

They replace the pic already

http://media.cleveland.com/startingblocks/photo/josh-cribbs-twitpicjpg-fb8aef423df94074_large.jpg

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/07/09/sports/CAVS/CAVS-popup.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMvNmjKNp3Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3CNIjC99A0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHx5S_zS9dw

http://i29.tinypic.com/16i79l1.jpg

[Gundress]

I don't think I've ever seen a single sports figure(!!!) crush a city so thoroughly as Lebron did.:oldlol:


Me too.

Edit: I thought you're going to say "Reported".


Mike Brown.....Danny Ferry

http://c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000rDMFu3HMhZw/s

http://www.sbnonline.com/Content/Site051/Articles/11_01_2008/clesfferry0908j_00000007598.jpg
Hey Dan.....F*ck You!!

[-playmaker-]

I don't think I've ever seen a single sports figure(!!!) crush a city so thoroughly as Lebron did.:oldlol:
I was just trying to think of someone else and I can't...

that pic of the grandmothers...wow

poor ladies...lol

[InspiredLebowski]

At least none of the guys taping themselves bitched about Lebron's ego

[Posterize246]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHx5S_zS9dw


:roll:

[Mr Clutch Melo]

Is that punjabi kid PleezeBelive ? :roll:

[Big One]

Is that punjabi kid PleezeBelive ? :roll:

pb is punjabi? lol

i thought i was the only punjabi on here

[RedBlackAttack]

I have so much to say on this topic and I've been chatting with friends and family all day long in Northeast Ohio, trying to get a grasp on what happened last night. Please allow me to use this forum as a bit of an outlet, because what you witnessed on live television last night was an individual crushing, not a city, not just a region, but an entire state.

This is being felt from Cincinnati to East Liverpool and everything in between... You can be sure of that.



This will be long and I don't expect everyone to read it, but I feel like I have to put my emotions down in writing while the wound is still fresh.





A couple of months ago, LeBron was the beloved son of Ohio trying to secure us a championship that our city and state could rally around in tough times. Make no mistake... If you are feeling the tough economic times during this current recession, it is nothing that we -- in the Steel Belt -- haven't been dealing with for decades.

Basically echoing the frustrations and struggles of the population of Ohio are our sports teams in Cleveland.... The real Browns have relocated and flourished in Baltimore only to 'come back' as a horrid expansion team that is the laughing stock of the league.

The Indians had a movie made about them in the late-80s (Major League) they were such a pathetic franchise for so long. We did have a nice run in the mid-90s, but that was immediately followed by the team being disbanded and all of its parts heading to greener pastures in New York or Baltimore.

The Cavaliers' only really great teams in my lifetime prior to LeBron were the Price/Daugherty teams of the late-80s and early-90s and those hopes were routinely dashed in the most brutal fashion by one guy (Jordan).




When I began hearing about LeBron, he was in 7th grade in Youngstown. Everyone said, "You have to see this kid to believe it."

I couldn't believe my eyes when the day finally did come that I saw him play at Akron SVSM. THIS guy came out of NE Ohio? Hard to imagine...

The hype began to build over the course of his high school years while the Cavs staggered through season-after-season. The stage seemed to be setting up perfectly during his senior season with the Cavs sporting the worst record in the league.

The ping-pong balls fell our way and our native son stood to tear down all of those horrible memories of 'The Shot' and 'The Drive' and 'The Move' and Jose Mesa...

This is a city and a state that needed something and someone to believe in. During the cold winters in Cleveland, LeBron was a beacon of hope to help take the community's mind off of some of the struggles that we have been experiencing for generations.

He seemed to understand this heavy burden that was placed upon him -- maybe unfairly... But all of his actions and statements seemed to indicate he 'got it.' He got how much he meant to this city and state.




Now, fast-forward to the Bulls series... LeBron seemed semi-disinterested all series long, but that was almost to be expected. Here was a 60-win team against the No. 8 seed. They had no chance even with LeBron only giving a half-hearted effort. His statline at the end of each game was always superb, but I and many others noted that something just wasn't right.

Then, in the waning seconds of the close-out game, LeBron inexplicably shot a left-handed free throw immediately after swishing the first with his right in a close game.

So began one of the most bizarre and unfathomable turn-of-events in sports history.




The Boston series was dismaying, not because they beat us, but because LeBron just didn't 'look' right. He didn't even seem to care. All of his swagger that is usually bounding out of him was sapped... Gone... Right from the start.

The last two games were a joke. LeBron barely showed up and his performance seemed foreboding, the likes of which I can only compare to an on-coming freight train. Walking around Cleveland immediately after Game 6, one thing was on everyone's mind, but no one would say it... "He's leaving."

Deep down, I tried to tell myself that he is a loyal guy and he would ultimately go with his heart. At the very least, this decision would pull at his heart-strings and he would understand how delicate this situation was for those of us that had invested so much hope in our hometown boy.

The last three weeks was done with the delicate touch of a pit bull. He bludgeoned us for three weeks, putting on a charade of parading GMs into our city for everyone to see and callously refusing to even hint of his coming 'decision.'

Rumors abounded... The city, region, and state braced itself for the worst, but even our most demented scenarios couldn't have prepared us for the absolutely crushing spectacle that LeBron and his 'team' of yes-men had in store.

With his self-centered, smug, cold announcement last night, LeBron went from an icon in this city, region, and state to perhaps surpassing the much maligned Art Modell (who moved the original Browns in 1995) in the annals of sports villains for Northeast Ohio.

...and, trust me... Being a sports villain here is unlike almost any other place in the country. This is a sports town... There are no transplants here. The fans are undying in their loyalty and can be just as obsessive when someone does us wrong. The fact that he is going to Miami -- a horrible sports town filled with transplants -- just makes it worse.



It is jarring. I don't even know how to react, at the moment. I spent so many hours on here, other forums, and in real-life defending this guy only to find out that everything that his detractors claimed about the self-appointed King came to light in the most callous way possible.

He never cared about us. He never understood us.




Now more than ever, I really do believe that he put in the least possible effort in these past playoffs so that he would have an easier route out of town. This Wade/Bosh/LeBron thing has been in the works for years. He didn't want to ruin it by going and winning a title in Cleveland and then being pressured to stay, did he?

I'm not saying that he definitely 'tanked,' but I do think free agency was on his mind beginning with that Bulls' series and, dare I say, was in the front of his mind, while the games at hand and the hopes of a city were almost completely out-of-sight for him.

There have been some "f#ck you" moments by players to cities, but this drama beats them all. He ripped out our hearts, stomped on them, and showed not a modicum of genuine emotion.



The only moment where I saw LeBron possibly question what he had just done was when Wilbon showed him people burning their LeBron jerseys in Cleveland and Akron. For a split second, LeBron's face changed from stone to realization of what he may have done.

This wasn't JUST about a player bolting on his hometown and leaving promises unfulfilled and forever making me cynical of professional athletes' true motives, it is the WAY he did it.

LeBron James will never be welcome in Cleveland or Akron again and I say that with absolute certainty. He carved out his place in the Mt. Rushmore of sports villains with that display last night.

These pictures and videos represent literally EVERYONE I have talked to in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Massillon, Steubenville, etc. today. LeBron just became a pariah to the people who have spent an incredible amount of time, money, and invested an unmeasurable amount of hope in him.


What a stunning turn-of-events. I will forever be scarred by this experience and so will the entire state.

Surreal.

[Gundress]

I was just trying to think of someone else and I can't...

that pic of the grandmothers...wow

poor ladies...lol


Yeah...:lol Lebron got the old ladies about to have strokes and some shit.

SMH @ LeBron, what a bi!tch move.

[v-unit]

"Feel like my girlfriend just broke up with me" :roll:

RBA- I certainly understand but the only thing I'm wondering is if you guys truly think what you're giving him as blacklash is deserved? Maybe he really didn't like the city? Maybe he really didn't like the organization/team? Maybe he was fed up and wanted to try something new?

It's not fair that all these previous superstars like Magic, Bird, Jordan, Kobe , etc were all in great cities and all of a sudden LeBron HAS to stay in Cleveland. He played 7 years and did all he could, I honestly can't believe everybody was so emotionally devastated by this move.

To me it seems like Cleveland as a city is mad because he was their one chance for a while to get them some championships and break this "curse" and yet you guys kind of bestowed this responsibility on him against his will. It's just funny to me that you guys wish you could have decided for him how to live his life. I hate that he went to Miami but damn, burning his jersey?

People burned the Beatles' albums when Lennon said they were bigger than Jesus, are we really putting LeBron on that level too?

[I am that I am]

So RBA if you "Knew in your heart since the end of game 6" that Lebron was leaving Cleveland, how come every time I said Lebron was as good as gone, you called me an insufferable troll and posted that you were pretty sure Lebron was going to stay?

Why did you call me a troll for saying Lebron quit against the Celtics? Why did you call me a troll for years everytime I said Lebron doesn't have what it takes to lead his team to a title because he is too mentally weak and doesn't have a champions attitude? I was just speaking the truth broseph. Hopefully you learned your lesson, don't put your faith into false idol golden cows.

[RedBlackAttack]

"Feel like my girlfriend just broke up with me" :roll:

RBA- I certainly understand but the only thing I'm wondering is if you guys truly think what you're giving him as blacklash is deserved? Maybe he really didn't like the city? Maybe he really didn't like the organization/team? Maybe he was fed up and wanted to try something new?

It's not fair that all these previous superstars like Magic, Bird, Jordan, Kobe , etc were all in great cities and all of a sudden LeBron HAS to stay in Cleveland. He played 7 years and did all he could, I honestly can't believe everybody was so emotionally devastated by this move.

To me it seems like Cleveland as a city is mad because he was their one chance for a while to get them some championships and break this "curse" and yet you guys kind of bestowed this responsibility on him against his will. It's just funny to me that you guys wish you could have decided for him how to live his life. I hate that he went to Miami but damn, burning his jersey?

People burned the Beatles' albums when Lennon said they were bigger than Jesus, are we really putting LeBron on that level too?

Frankly, v-unit (and no offense intended), you don't understand... You will never understand, because you aren't from here.

That was the thing about LeBron that gave people so much hope... He always seemed to 'get' how much sports mean to us and how emotionally invested we all are in our teams. Note how many times he talked about growing up in and loving Akron and Cleveland.

But, the fact that he left isn't the lone reason for such backlash. Had he made a press release explaining his decision and then done an interview locally to give us his reasons for the move, we would have been heartbroken and it still would have hurt, but there wouldn't have been such a visceral reaction and he WOULD NOT be the villain that he is today.

The way that he played in his final two series of his career in Cleveland, the way he dragged this thing out, the parading of GMs into the heart of Cleveland, and, finally, the unacceptable way in which he dropped the bomb on us last night...

It was completely uncalled for and how anyone could be surprised at the reaction is beyond me. He showed no genuine emotion last night.... None. It was cold, heartless, and embarrassing.

He made as big a spectacle as humanly possible and used the opportunity to spit in our collective faces.

[RedBlackAttack]

So RBA if you "Knew in your heart since the end of game 6" that Lebron was leaving Cleveland, how come every time I said Lebron was as good as gone, you called me an insufferable troll and posted that you were pretty sure Lebron was going to stay?

Why did you call me a troll for saying Lebron quit against the Celtics? Why did you call me a troll for years everytime I said Lebron doesn't have what it takes to lead his team to a title because he is too mentally weak and doesn't have a champions attitude? I was just speaking the truth broseph. Hopefully you learned your lesson, don't put your faith into false idol golden cows.

Well... You can be an unsufferable troll. That is pretty much indisputable.

As for putting on a good face and staying optimistic, that is just in my nature. A lot of my friends had given up hope weeks ago, but I tried to fool myself into believing that LeBron wasn't the self-cenetered ego-maniac that he turned out to be.

I was completely wrong about him and I freely admit it. What he did to our city last night was the lowest blow in sports history.

[knickballer]

Wow, I kinda feel bad for Cleveland now.. It seems like every team they have is cursed, Indians, Browns are awful and now the Cavs


With that move Lebron became the Gospel of Judas of that whole region. Once loved now hated..

[v-unit]

Gotcha.

At least your team isn't known as the training camp of the NBA. Raptors draft players and let them leave only to watch them explode on other teams since like 98

[I am that I am]

Well... You can be an unsufferable troll. That is pretty much indisputable.

As for putting on a good face and staying optimistic, that is just in my nature. A lot of my friends had given up hope weeks ago, but I tried to fool myself into believing that LeBron wasn't the self-cenetered ego-maniac that he turned out to be.

I was completely wrong about him and I freely admit it. What he did to our city last night was the lowest blow in sports history.
You only call me a troll because you disagreed so vehemently with all of my Lebron opinions over the years. Now we share the exact same opinions about Lebron. This is called I am that I am vindication. Next time don't be so quick to call posters trolls simply because you dislike their opinion sir. Thank you.

I grieve for your loss, but you have a millionairre owner, if you guys get Al Jefferson you guys can still be a top team in the east, Al Jefferson with Anderson Varejao protecting the paint as well as Jamison and Mo Williams is actually decent.

[Miller Time]

Not to be an a$$, RBA, but it seems like your life sucks if LeBron played such a big part of your life. You had the best player in the league for 7 years, he gave his best and tried to give you a championship, but it failed. Now he wants to move on and try something new and so should you. Cavs fans have no right to force a player to stay with their team. It seems like every team fan understands that except Cavs'. NBA is a business not a fairytale... :/

Its not like I burned my Ron Artest jersey after the Malice @ the Palace... I still have my Artest jersey in the wardrobe. I do not love Ron, but I am still grateful for his services... He ruined Pacers chances of winning the championship that year but he was also a big reason why the Pacers were contenders.

[RedBlackAttack]

You only call me a troll because you disagreed so vehemently with all of my Lebron opinions over the years. Now we share the exact same opinions about Lebron. This is called I am that I am vindication. Next time don't be so quick to call posters trolls simply because you dislike their opinion sir. Thank you.

I grieve for your loss, but you have a millionairre owner, if you guys get Al Jefferson you guys can still be a top team in the east, Al Jefferson with Anderson Varejao protecting the paint as well as Jamison and Mo Williams is actually decent.

Really not the time to attempt to rub my nose in the dirt and seek some kind of vindication.

I never called you a troll because we disagreed about LeBron or the Cavs. I called you a troll because you have spent a considerable amount of time on this forum... trolling.

I don't even know why you are disputing this fact. You've been banned... What? Like 10 times? Or more?

....and usually, the bans are due to you trolling.

You are capable of engaging in intelligent debate and conversations occasionally and I don't have any kind of grudge against you. If you choose to spam the forum with threads (the way you did on the night Anton Chigurh went ape-sh!t), that is your decision... But that IS trolling, is it not?

Anyway, this really isn't about our past disagreements. This is about every person in Ohio getting kicked in the teeth last night.

[knickballer]

You only call me a troll because you disagreed so vehemently with all of my Lebron opinions over the years. Now we share the exact same opinions about Lebron. This is called I am that I am vindication. Next time don't be so quick to call posters trolls simply because you dislike their opinion sir. Thank you.

I grieve for your loss, but you have a millionairre owner, if you guys get Al Jefferson you guys can still be a top team in the east, Al Jefferson with Anderson Varejao protecting the paint as well as Jamison and Mo Williams is actually decent.

Not really. Jamison is a loser, fits the city of Cleveland quite well. Mo Williams chokes, Varejao is just a hustle/role player, etc. How would they get Jefferson?

Current cavs team is something like this:
PG:Mo
SG:Parker/West
SF:Jamison/Moon
PF:Hickson/Powe
C:Varejao

Mo is a #3option at best, Jamison shouldn't be your #1option and Parker and Varejao can't shot a bball in a lake..

That team needs a #1option.. They should just tank this whole season and try to get a stud in the draft but that will show Lebron that they are LeHopeless without him.

[Jailblazers7]

"True to My Word" -joshcribbs.com

:roll:

That's hilarious.

[Hawker]

I don't fault him for leaving either. Free market...he can do what he wants.

[knickballer]

I don't fault him for leaving either. Free market...he can do what he wants.

But he took a big giant shit on Cleveland in the process.

[RedBlackAttack]

Not to be an a$$, RBA, but it seems like your life sucks if LeBron played such a big part of your life. You had the best player in the league for 7 years, he gave his best and tried to give you a championship, but it failed. Now he wants to move on and try something new and so should you. Cavs fans have no right to force a player to stay with their team. It seems like every team fan understands that except Cavs'. NBA is a business not a fairytale... :/

Its not like I burned my Ron Artest jersey after the Malice @ the Palace... I still have my Artest jersey in the wardrobe. I do not love Ron, but I am still grateful for his services... He ruined Pacers chances of winning the championship that year but he was also a big reason why the Pacers were contenders.

Once again, this is a unique situation in that he was a native Ohioan, so any comparisons to Ron Artest in Indiana or anyone else is really unjustified. Also, I will repeat... It isn't the fact that he left... It was the way in which he left.

Saying that "my life just sucks" is beyond ridiculous. Everyone on this forum takes sports incredibly seriously or they wouldn't be here. The day I -- as a fan -- start viewing athletes as simply businessmen and not at least try to have some sort of emotional attachment is the day that I stop watching them.

My life will go on and I will continue with all future plans... Things are fine for me. But, sports are a big part of my life, as they are for the majority of the people who post here, I would imagine.

[Gundress]

I don't fault him for leaving either. Free market...he can do what he wants.


But I don't like the fact that he joined with two superstars Wade and Chris Bosh, that's a ***** move.

I would like to see him join NY against Heat (LeBron + Amare) vs (Wade + Bosh), it would be a great game and good rivalry or with Bulls.

[Gundress]

But he took a big giant shit on Cleveland in the process.


Right, and with his stupid ass attention whore a one hour special show, wtf is that?

[DonDadda59]

I wonder how Nike feels about this move? I would imagine their brass is pissed off, they just lost their golden goose.

Who the hell was advising Lebron about this move besides Ms. Delonte West?

[RedBlackAttack]

I dunno, with the way their delusional owner has acted, and the way the fans have acted, I don't fault him too much for leaving. It's like the wife being vindicated by the husband who perpetually stalks her after she divorces him.

Of course, I understand why you feel so stung. Lebron certainly could have conducted himself with more tact. They most likely were planning this since the Olympics, and with Lebron staying mum the Cavs unnecessarily fired their good coach, and their good GM. And, since the Cavs were waiting for him to make his decision, holding out hope that he'd stay, they missed out on all the other good free agents. So he set them back even further than just him leaving.
You know... I literally shuttered when I read Gilbert's comments last night. I knew that he had at least partially taken the spotlight off of the callous way in which LeBron treated Cleveland yesterday and he would become the butt of jokes while everyone began using it as justification for LeBron's decision.

It was an absolutely horrible move by Gilbert to react in such a ridiculously over-the-top way... Unprofessional. He should have slept on it and made a statement in the morning.

But, Gilbert's ill-fated decision does not take away from the fact that he did literally everything LeBron asked during his tenure as owner. He made concessions for LeBron that no owner has ever made for any athlete, probably. That is the main reason he felt so strongly... And it may have fed into LeBron's egotistical attitude and arrogance, so he is partly to blame.

Hell... The Cavs' practice facility, which cost hundreds of millions of dollars and is considered the nicest in the league, was built by Gilbert right down the block from LeBron's house in Bath Township. Gilbert spent more money than any owner in the NBA in luxury taxes over the past four years, on LeBron's insistence that we always make moves for teams trying to salary dump at the trade deadlines.

He treated LeBron like a true King, so this idea that, just because of this letter, he has always been a raving maniac is absolutely false. He made a huge mistake last night, but he was good to LeBron and so were the fans.

[Gundress]

I understand how you feel RBA. What I don't understand why Cavs didn't make any moves, try to sign some free agents or trade instead waiting on LeBron's decision? Now, CAVS are fked.

[Hawker]

But he took a big giant shit on Cleveland in the process.

Why? Because he chose not to stay with them.

He just left. That's it.

[DeuceWallaces]

As a Pistons fan I can't get enough of it.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'm sure you're right. That was probably the first time I ever read or heard any sort of excerpts from the owner(that I can remember), but he just came off as a lunatic. And then I started thinking "Hmmm, maybe Lebron was justified after all..."
Also keep in mind that, reportedly, Gilbert had spent all of the time after the loss to the Celtics trying to reach out to LeBron. He just wanted to discuss LeBron's off-season agenda and gauge how James was feeling.

LeBron refused to answer any of his calls or texts for a month. He cut off all contact with Gilbert, the guy who has poured millions upon millions of dollars into that organization. Sure, LeBron was also responsible for the team earning millions, as well, but you could have the decency to respond to a guy that has shown he would do whatever it took to make you happy.

LeBron finally agreed to meet with Gilbert just before the FA period started and, I've heard, it was brief upon LeBron's insistence.

Gilbert went way over-the-top on LeBron in that letter and I hated that decision, but James had done everything in his power to unleash an emotional reaction from him.

James could have at least had the decency to call Gilbert the day of 'The Decision' and tell him that he isn't coming back. He made Dan sit and watch just like the rest of us.

[RedBlackAttack]

As a Pistons fan I can't get enough of it.
That is hard for me to imagine. I realize that we are rivals and all, but this goes beyond all of that, does it not? You think that the way LeBron handled this thing was justified and that Cleveland fans deserved that spectacle and kick in the nuts in front of the world?

On some level, you have to be able to relate to us... Especially since sports in Michigan are about as big as they are in Ohio.

[-playmaker-]

Kobe is better...:D

seriously though, Kobe IS better...

I don't blame RBA or anyone else for thinking Bron pulled a b*tch move here...f*ck Bron, and f*ck the HEAT...f*ck Wade...f*ck Bosh...f*ck that state...everyone smells like dog shit their cause it is so humid and sweaty...the economy is so bad that is like a mad max movie...their beaches are made out of f*ckin oil now...

F*CK THAT CITY...most overrated city in the world...

[I am that I am]

Applying the psychology I learned in rehab:

Gilbert was like Lebron's father figure giving Lebron everything he wanted and trying to be there for him.

Lebron never had a father and had no idea what to do when he had someone who was looking out for him and treating him like that. So what does he do? He sabotages the one father figure relationship he has.

[I am that I am]

Kobe is better...:D

seriously though, Kobe IS better...

I don't blame RBA or anyone else for thinking Bron pulled a b*tch move here...f*ck Bron, and f*ck the HEAT...f*ck Wade...f*ck Bosh...f*ck that state...everyone smells like dog shit their cause it is so humid and sweaty...the economy is so bad that is like a mad max movie...their beaches are made out of f*ckin oil now...

F*CK THAT CITY...most overrated city in the world...
http://www.bobrosato.com/content/photos/ROSA2286-01.jpg

http://dunkcontest.free.fr/public/blowup-images/Dwayne-Wade-Dunk-vs-Pistons-2009.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/vf883q.jpg

lol y u mad tho? :lol:

[Gundress]

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9449/retardfatbaby.gif



WTF :oldlol: :oldlol:

[-playmaker-]

http://www.sportsgrindent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/donaghy.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j141/ECKoolAid/lolsports/bad_ref.jpg

[DeuceWallaces]

That is hard for me to imagine. I realize that we are rivals and all, but this goes beyond all of that, does it not? You think that the way LeBron handled this thing was justified and that Cleveland fans deserved that spectacle and kick in the nuts in front of the world?

On some level, you have to be able to relate to us... Especially since sports in Michigan are about as big as they are in Ohio.

No because you could tell since high school that he was full of himself and totally conceded. You could see with the Cavs that he has no heart. You could see his front running sports fandom at least with the clothes he sports. I just don't see why everyone is so shocked.

I've also seen Jack Morris and Fedorov suit up for another team. It hurts, you get over it.

[Gundress]

Kobe is better...:D

seriously though, Kobe IS better...

I don't blame RBA or anyone else for thinking Bron pulled a b*tch move here...f*ck Bron, and f*ck the HEAT...f*ck Wade...f*ck Bosh...f*ck that state...everyone smells like dog shit their cause it is so humid and sweaty...the economy is so bad that is like a mad max movie...their beaches are made out of f*ckin oil now...

F*CK THAT CITY...most overrated city in the world...


Why couldn't you say "Dirk is better than LeBron"?

[Gundress]

That is hard for me to imagine. I realize that we are rivals and all, but this goes beyond all of that, does it not? You think that the way LeBron handled this thing was justified and that Cleveland fans deserved that spectacle and kick in the nuts in front of the world?

On some level, you have to be able to relate to us... Especially since sports in Michigan are about as big as they are in Ohio.


Even Charles Barkley said it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3FFmb1V8Ns

This year, BULLS>>>>>HEAT!

[-playmaker-]

Why couldn't you say "Dirk is better than LeBron"?
cause he isn't...

at least Dirk isn't a sell out though

If Dirk would have went to the Heat then omg...

I'd burn his house down...

[I am that I am]

http://www.sportsgrindent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/donaghy.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j141/ECKoolAid/lolsports/bad_ref.jpg
http://i27.tinypic.com/vf883q.jpg

Donoghy put Wade in the lane against 3 Dallas guys? Wow he has more magic than harry potter

[Gundress]

As a Pistons fan I can't get enough of it.


Speak of Pistons..... When is the hell Joe going to show up?

[-playmaker-]

http://i27.tinypic.com/vf883q.jpg

Donoghy put Wade in the lane against 3 Dallas guys? Wow he has more magic than harry potter
no but he did blow the whistle for damp's shoulder there...LMAO

Wade SHATTERED the NBA record for whistles in a series then...

I believe he had more fouls than the entire Mav's team did...

[I am that I am]

no but he did blow the whistle for damp's shoulder there...LMAO

Wade SHATTERED the NBA record for whistles in a series then...

I believe he had more fouls than the entire Mav's team did...
You mean Damp's shoulder that is pushing Wade from behind in what is clearly a foul?

Wade didn't get any more freethrows than Lebron averages in a normal playoff series.

[-playmaker-]

phantom foul 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lX_qMS9bRY&feature=related
phantom foul 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuukM40T974&feature=related
phantom foul 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fydhtOSlfW0&feature=related
phantom foul 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZKGlHfukc4&feature=related
phantom foul 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y8nI1PPYOk&feature=related


go refs!

[-playmaker-]

You mean Damp's shoulder that is pushing Wade from behind in what is clearly a foul?

Wade didn't get any more freethrows than Lebron averages in a normal playoff series.
are you kidding me?

Wade broke the record for fouls in a 7 game series against the mavs...

I think he CRUSHED the record...need to look that up again I guess

[I am that I am]

phantom foul 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lX_qMS9bRY&feature=related
phantom foul 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuukM40T974&feature=related
phantom foul 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fydhtOSlfW0&feature=related
phantom foul 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZKGlHfukc4&feature=related
phantom foul 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y8nI1PPYOk&feature=related


go refs!
lol maybe if the Mavs did more than shoot fadeaway jumpers and had someone who could attack the rim they would have gotten some phantom fouls too XD

Those fouls dont look any worse than stuff Lebron gets regular season

[Gundress]

Hey Primetime and RBA ...I don't know if I am late but did you just hear what Mark Cuban said on Dan?

Mark Cuban - "Good for Dan for standing up for his fans and his team. The whole process left the in a difficult position. Free agency had run its course and the Cavs had to sit and wait. I would be mad too if I was kept in the dark like that. I like what Dan did. He showed the emotion that comes with owing a team. He showed the fans that he just getting started. Good for Dan."

[-playmaker-]

FUN SERIES FACT: Dwyane Wade shattered the free throw record in a 6 game NBA Finals with 97 attempts and 75 makes. He averaged over 16 free throw attempts a game.

http://www.topix.com/forum/nba/T3F0SUUJSO9ES7PEJ

75 points were Wade free throws...\


75 POINTS IS AN ENTIRE GAME'S WORTH OF SCORING!!!

[-playmaker-]

lol maybe if the Mavs did more than shoot fadeaway jumpers and had someone who could attack the rim they would have gotten some phantom fouls too XD

Those fouls dont look any worse than stuff Lebron gets regular season
maybe if the refs ALLOWED THEM to be agressive at all they would have

WATCH #5 AGAIN!!!

that IS DIRK DRIVING!!!!

he got WHISTLED FOR IT!!!

[I am that I am]

http://www.topix.com/forum/nba/T3F0SUUJSO9ES7PEJ

75 points were Wade free throws...\


75 POINTS IS AN ENTIRE GAME'S WORTH OF SCORING!!!
Lol Lebron averages like 20 freethrows a game in the playoffs and even gets game tying freethrows for tripping over his own feet, 16 is not so major. Wade was just on another level that series taking punishment in the lane like no other. Maybe if Dirk decided to not shoot 15 foot fades all day he would have gotten more calls

[-playmaker-]

Then blame the refs, not the team that benefited from the refs' poor officiating.
true, and I do blame the league for that mostly...

however, like others have said including some old great (I forget)...Wade doesn't play the game it was intended to be played...you are not supposed to go for fouls...you aren't supposed to go for whistles...you are supposed to go for the basket...

[-playmaker-]

Lol Lebron averages like 20 freethrows a game in the playoffs and even gets game tying freethrows for tripping over his own feet, 16 is not so major. Wade was just on another level that series taking punishment in the lane like no other. Maybe if Dirk decided to not shoot 15 foot fades all day he would have gotten more calls
it is the RECORD...:hammerhead:

[-playmaker-]

Maybe if Dirk decided to not shoot 15 foot fades all day he would have gotten more calls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y8nI1PPYOk&feature=related

^^^ watch that dip shit...AGAIN, they didn't let him drive that series!!!

beside the fact that Dirk IS AN OUTSIDE SHOOTER...

[I am that I am]

true, and I do blame the league for that mostly...

however, like others have said including some old great (I forget)...Wade doesn't play the game it was intended to be played...you are not supposed to go for fouls...you aren't supposed to go for whistles...you are supposed to go for the basket...
Well Dirk doesn't play the game the way basketball is supposed played either, if you're a 7 foot tall power forward you are supposed to play down low, be strong on the boards, go up strong protect the paint and play tough D. Why should Dirk be rewarded for doing stupid things like shooting 15 foot fadeaways over Tony Parker? He doesn't play the game how it's supposed to be played

[I am that I am]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y8nI1PPYOk&feature=related

^^^ watch that dip shit...AGAIN, they didn't let him drive that series!!!

beside the fact that Dirk IS AN OUTSIDE SHOOTER...
...that is a clip of D-wade driving and Dirk impeding his progress.

[-playmaker-]

Well Dirk doesn't play the game the way basketball is supposed played either, if you're a 7 foot tall power forward you are supposed to play down low, be strong on the boards, go up strong protect the paint and play tough D. Why should Dirk be rewarded for doing stupid things like shooting 15 foot fadeaways over Tony Parker? He doesn't play the game how it's supposed to be played
says who?

wtf are you talking about?


mother f*cker if you are just trying to troll then take this shit to the main forum..."dirk doesn't play the game right"?...f@*k off kid...

[Skywalker]

"True to My Word" -joshcribbs.com

:roll:

That's hilarious.

in more than one way

[RedBlackAttack]

Hey Primetime and RBA ...I don't know if I am late but did you just hear what Mark Cuban said on Dan?

Mark Cuban - "Good for Dan for standing up for his fans and his team. The whole process left the in a difficult position. Free agency had run its course and the Cavs had to sit and wait. I would be mad too if I was kept in the dark like that. I like what Dan did. He showed the emotion that comes with owing a team. He showed the fans that he just getting started. Good for Dan."
Good for Cuban.

I actually agreed with everything that Gilbert said in his letters. I just didn't like him doing it, because I knew that it would shift the attention from the abhorrent way that LeBron had treated him, the entire organization, and the entire city while focusing it on himself.

One thing the letter did do (and I'm sure this was intended) was to rally the fans. On WKNR (Cleveland radio) last night, they read the letter over and over... Like 20 times and the reaction of the call-ins were that of people who felt like someone was standing up for them against that arrogant pr!ck.

I knew he would take a beating nationally and that some would use it to justify what LeBron did, but locally, Dan is a hero for finally calling that SOB out.

[I am that I am]

says who?

wtf are you talking about?


mother f*cker if you are just trying to troll then take this shit to the main forum..."dirk doesn't play the game right"?...f@*k off kid...
Well sport, you are the one who just said "Wade doesn't play the game the way it was meant to be played".

This is a top 3 player in the NBA right now.

It seems like you're the one who's trying to troll, stop bringing up a finals that happened 4 years ago, even Kings fans didnt ***** and moan this much.

[-playmaker-]

Well sport, you are the one who just said "Wade doesn't play the game the way it was meant to be played".

This is a top 3 player in the NBA right now.

It seems like you're the one who's trying to troll, stop bringing up a finals that happened 4 years ago, even Kings fans didnt ***** and moan this much.
you're the one that posted the pics of the Finals in here you little dip shit...in an effort to get me to moan...

seriously...F*CK OFF

[plowking]

Frankly, v-unit (and no offense intended), you don't understand... You will never understand, because you aren't from here.

That was the thing about LeBron that gave people so much hope... He always seemed to 'get' how much sports mean to us and how emotionally invested we all are in our teams. Note how many times he talked about growing up in and loving Akron and Cleveland.

But, the fact that he left isn't the lone reason for such backlash. Had he made a press release explaining his decision and then done an interview locally to give us his reasons for the move, we would have been heartbroken and it still would have hurt, but there wouldn't have been such a visceral reaction and he WOULD NOT be the villain that he is today.

The way that he played in his final two series of his career in Cleveland, the way he dragged this thing out, the parading of GMs into the heart of Cleveland, and, finally, the unacceptable way in which he dropped the bomb on us last night...

It was completely uncalled for and how anyone could be surprised at the reaction is beyond me. He showed no genuine emotion last night.... None. It was cold, heartless, and embarrassing.

He made as big a spectacle as humanly possible and used the opportunity to spit in our collective faces.


This is where most of the complaining is coming from.

"He always said he loved the city and how he grew up here"... He also went quiet a lot of the time when specifically asked about free agency, and the whole time during free agency he never said a word. How did you want him to handle it the whole time between the end of the season for him and eventually his decision?

In terms of picking teams and the way Lebron went through things up until the point of going onto national air, he handled it perfectly. What more could he have done honestly?

I feel bad for Cleveland fans that it was on national air, though like someone said, he could have sent everyone a hand-written letter with $20 in it and the reaction still would have been the same, and don't tell me it wouldn't be.

[I am that I am]

you're the one that posted the pics of the Finals in here you little dip shit...in an effort to get me to moan...

seriously...F*CK OFF
Why so rude and bitter sir?

I posted the pics after you brought up the 2006 finals for no reason, and your belief that the Mavs were wronged in them.

You're the one who brought up 2006 for no reason

[-playmaker-]

Why so rude and bitter sir?

I posted the pics after you brought up the 2006 finals for no reason, and your belief that the Mavs were wronged in them.

You're the one who brought up 2006 for no reason
go back and look...it was you that brought it up...

I just said that city sucks and that Kobe is better...

[plowking]

no but he did blow the whistle for damp's shoulder there...LMAO

Wade SHATTERED the NBA record for whistles in a series then...

I believe he had more fouls than the entire Mav's team did...

No, stop lying.

It was a record for a finals series, over 6 games. So it's quite a specific stat.

Records are there to be broken eventually anyway.

[SALFORD-RED]

Cant knock Lebron leaving but the manner in which he did it showed no respect to the people who have made him a millionaire over the past 7 years.

Sort of vindicates all the hate he was getting for wearing the Yankees hat to the Indians game a couple of years ago.

[-playmaker-]

No, stop lying.

It was a record for a finals series, over 6 games. So it's quite a specific stat.

Records are there to be broken eventually anyway.
that is true...I wasn't trying to lie

it is a Finals record...75 free throws

I do wonder where that sits including the playoffs though...I bet it is top-5

[RedBlackAttack]

This is where most of the complaining is coming from.

"He always said he loved the city and how he grew up here"... He also went quiet a lot of the time when specifically asked about free agency, and the whole time during free agency he never said a word. How did you want him to handle it the whole time between the end of the season for him and eventually his decision?

In terms of picking teams and the way Lebron went through things up until the point of going onto national air, he handled it perfectly. What more could he have done honestly?

I feel bad for Cleveland fans that it was on national air, though like someone said, he could have sent everyone a hand-written letter with $20 in it and the reaction still would have been the same, and don't tell me it wouldn't be.

Handled perfectly? Keep everyone guessing (including every owner that had pitched him) until a ridiculous, grandiose, egotistical, narcissistic one-hour spectacle that was for the sole purpose of attention-wh0ring and getting as big a spotlight as humanly possible?

Refusing to answer calls or texts from an owner whom has treated you well and done everything in his power to make you happy for seven years until you decide, after over a month of making yourself completely unavailable, you will have a short meeting in which you tell the guy to get in line during 'LeBron-fest' 2010?

That is handling a free agency decision perfectly?

Kevin Durant handled it perfectly... Quietly announced that he was signing an extension. No over-the-top promotional nonsense. Hosting a week-long parade into a city which you know you are going to leave.

Durant could have teams fawning over him and he could put the spotlight on himself if he wanted to... Fortunately, not everyone is an egotistical, self-important, coddled man-child.

No, LeBron didn't have to stay in Cleveland. I recognize that there may have been better situations out there for him, although I do believe that leaving hurt his legacy and how he will be remembered. He is completely free to make his decision if he thinks that moving on is the best thing for him at 25.

I told my brother during the season that, even though I will obviously be heartbroken if he left, I would have a hard time rooting against LeBron and disliking him even if he chose to leave.

That has been my position for virtually his entire career. I didn't want to dislike LeBron. I wanted to be able to root for him to get a title even if it wasn't in Cleveland.

Unfortunately, any good-will that I had toward the man completely disappeared with this charade that he put everyone through in the last three weeks and after looking completely disinterested in the 2010 playoffs.

[thesighter]

Good for Cuban.

I actually agreed with everything that Gilbert said in his letters. I just didn't like him doing it, because I knew that it would shift the attention from the abhorrent way that LeBron had treated him, the entire organization, and the entire city while focusing it on himself.

One thing the letter did do (and I'm sure this was intended) was to rally the fans. On WKNR (Cleveland radio) last night, they read the letter over and over... Like 20 times and the reaction of the call-ins were that of people who felt like someone was standing up for them against that arrogant pr!ck.

I knew he would take a beating nationally and that some would use it to justify what LeBron did, but locally, Dan is a hero for finally calling that SOB out.

You cavs fans are delusional and naive. Dan Gilbert is NOT a hero. He is a callous businessman who made his fortune selling predatory mortgages. He is an evil bastard to put it bluntly.

Dan Gilbert is angry because he was fellating Lebron for 7 years, and got f*cked up the azz when Lebron left. He has no loyalty to Ohio, he purchased the franchise to piggyback on Lebron. Now, he's left holding the bag on a worthless franchise. His "letter" was juvenile and all but insured that no NBA star will sign with the Cavs in the future. The NBA owners support each other, the NBA players support each other.

The Cavs are done, it's over. Most of the bandwagon fanbase will stop following basketball, Gilbert will be looking to sell at the first good opportunity. He's playing the Ohio fanbase for fools.

[RedBlackAttack]

You cavs fans are delusional and naive. Dan Gilbert is NOT a hero.

Now... If you could point me toward the part of my post wherein I noted that Gilbert was a hero, I would appreciate it.

Was it the part where I said that I disagreed with his decision to release the letter?

It is easy to kick a franchise and a city when they are down. Nice job.

[DeuceWallaces]

I don't know much about Gilbert but I kinda dislike him for ripping everything he could off of the Pistons.

[thesighter]

Now... If you could point me toward the part of my post wherein I noted that Gilbert was a hero, I would appreciate it.

Was it the part where I said that I disagreed with his decision to release the letter?

It is easy to kick a franchise and a city when they are down. Nice job.

You said Dan was a hero in this paragraph, from your post at 7:23 pm.


I knew he would take a beating nationally and that some would use it to justify what LeBron did, but locally, Dan is a hero for finally calling that SOB out.

[RedBlackAttack]

You said Dan was a hero in this paragraph, from your post at 7:23 pm.
I said that he was being portrayed as a hero locally, not that I thought he was a hero. I have clearly and plainly stated in every post about his letter that I disagreed with the decision to release it.

Reading comprehension and context are your friend.

[Jailblazers7]

Very weird to see all 3 of them in Heat jersey's together.

I just want the season to get here at this point and see them play.

[RedBlackAttack]

Are you watching this RBA?
Watching what?

[-playmaker-]

oh wow, don't turn on ESPN2...lol


just ALL Mexicans too...

[-playmaker-]

they sold out the stadium for a welcome party?

it looks like a Championship parade...

[RedBlackAttack]

they sold out the stadium for a welcome party?

it looks like a Championship parade...
Thanks for the heads up. I won't be turning on ESPN for quite some time.

[Gundress]

:oldlol: :oldlol: LeBron looks mad uncomfortable and look so sad unlike Wade and Bosh.

Shaking my damn @ the Heat fans shout "BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA"

Don't worry I am sure Kobe will take care of it.

Did you guys see what LeBron said about getting rings more than 7 rings?:rolleyes:

[Gundress]

Thanks for the heads up. I won't be turning on ESPN for quite some time.


I feel your pain but I never like Cavs.

[bada bing]

yes. lebron didnt' look happy being there. its almost as if he is doubting his decision now. i feel he was somehow forced into it by his entourage and now he is regretting sharing the limelight with 2 stars.

man, i soooo wanna see a lakers vs heat matchup now in the playoffs. seeing kobe beat this team is going to elevate kobe's status to heights never seen before. Kobe is seriously going to elevate his legacy if the lakers are able to beat this heat team in the playoffs. I really wanna see this.

Seeing the newer generation of NBA stars behave is really creating a lot of respect for kobe. Guy was an ass in his days but no one can doubt his desire to form his own legacy and his own history where he is compared to best there ever were. Now thats something i respect in someone.

**** lebron and i hope he realizes his mistake soon and fires his entre entourage and throws his slut mom on the curb.

[RedBlackAttack]

^^^Are you a Cavs fan? If not, why the **** do you care what he did? So many people seem personally offended that he's sacrificing his own legacy, but if he's OK with it, why not you?
There is something to be said for loyalty, living up to your promises (or trying your hardest), and having competitive drive. LeBron disappointed a lot of people yesterday... Not just Cavaliers' fans.

This idea that people shouldn't be allowed to criticize his head-scratching decision because he is 'free' to do whatever he wants and for whatever reason he wants is ridiculous. This is what we do with athletes... We discuss their reasons for making certain choices and we evaluate how it will help/hurt their careers and how they will be remembered.

LeBron is not above said criticism.

[pete's montreux]

If you were a Cleveland fan, your stance on this would be much different. I feel bad for the city of Cleveland. LBJ has been throwing around BS for years about sticking with Cleveland and wanting to win a championship then takes off the first chance he gets. It's sickening to watch as a sports fan in general.

[Gundress]

yes. lebron didnt' look happy being there. its almost as if he is doubting his decision now. i feel he was somehow forced into it by his entourage and now he is regretting sharing the limelight with 2 stars.

man, i soooo wanna see a lakers vs heat matchup now in the playoffs. seeing kobe beat this team is going to elevate kobe's status to heights never seen before. Kobe is seriously going to elevate his legacy if the lakers are able to beat this heat team in the playoffs. I really wanna see this.

Seeing the newer generation of NBA stars behave is really creating a lot of respect for kobe. Guy was an ass in his days but no one can doubt his desire to form his own legacy and his own history where he is compared to best there ever were. Now thats something i respect in someone.

**** lebron and i hope he realizes his mistake soon and fires his entre entourage and throws his slut mom on the curb.

What are you talking about it? @ bold?

No, I don't want Heat in final series because I believe Bulls and Celtics can whip Heat.

[Gundress]

:roll: :roll: :roll: at this pic

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t39/Bladerskb/lead.png

from NBA Section.

[pete's montreux]

He did sign an extension I believe, but It's a championship caliber team. You don't bolt from that. Some of the right pieces are there. A move here and there to tweak, but It's a 60+ win team right now.

He left for the money and the exposure. He's already said he wants to be sports' first billion dollar man.

[tian820]

He signed an extension so that he'd be in this situation now, an unrestricted FA. Same exact thing as what Wade and Bosh did a couple years ago. Otherwise all 3 of those guys would have been restricted FAs after their rookie contracts expired.

It was selfish of Lebron to kill all his Cleveland fans the way he did on national TV being an attention grabbing whore, but you can't say he left for the money. He could have made more money in NYC, Chicago and even moreso staying with the Cavs. What we've got here is a misguided 25 year old kid. Hard to make sense of it, but if he's human, he'll realize before long that he definitely made some mistakes getting to where he is today. Not saying he didn't have the right to leave, he has the right to be where he wants and play for who he wants, but the way he went about it was downright shameful.

Can't say I know how the diehard Cavs fans feel because I don't, but definitely don't blame them

[-playmaker-]

So why didn't he go to NYC? More money and more exposure.
I wish he would have went to NY...I would have really like to see him and Amare together...

or Chicago...or the Nets...or ANYWHERE but with Wade and Bosh in Miami...

so ridiculous...



Bron is amazingly narcissistic too, the owner is right...I just don't even like him as a person anymore...f*ck him

http://www.quadratix.org/wp-content/gallery/tats/lebron-james-tattoo-001-back-chosen-one-small.jpg

^^^ chosen "ONE"...not chosen "THREE"

imagine if MJ had that shit on his back?


I think this is why alot of people that aren't Cav's fans are upset here or feel offended too...we want another MJ...he was supposed to be the next great one...but he isn't MJ, he will never be MJ...if the Heat win 7 rings he still won't be half of MJ...

[pete's montreux]

New York doesn't mean more exposure. NYC hasn't been a relevant basketball city in 15 years. He would've been in a worse situation putting up empty stats.

[Hawker]

I thought his best fit would be with the Bulls. Rose, Bron, Boozer, Noah...sounds like a team that would fit nicely.

[Gundress]

So why didn't he go to NYC? More money and more exposure.


That's what I don't understand about LeBron

Knicks (Bron and Amare) vs Heat (Wade and Bosh) would be fun to watch.

[Gundress]

I wish he would have went to NY...I would have really like to see him and Amare together...

or Chicago...or the Nets...or ANYWHERE but with Wade and Bosh in Miami...

so ridiculous...



Bron is amazingly narcissistic too, the owner is right...I just don't even like him as a person anymore...f*ck him

http://www.quadratix.org/wp-content/gallery/tats/lebron-james-tattoo-001-back-chosen-one-small.jpg

^^^ chosen "ONE"...not chosen "THREE"

imagine if MJ had that shit on his back?


I think this is why alot of people that aren't Cav's fans are upset here or feel offended too...we want another MJ...he was supposed to be the next great one...but he isn't MJ, he will never be MJ...if the Heat win 7 rings he still won't be half of MJ...


Even you have some legend players didn't like this idea like Reggie Miller, Larry Bird, Kevin Mchale, Charles Barkley said.... I am sure there are more.

[-playmaker-]

if they all talked about this together before hand, then how come Bron didn't get Wade and Bosh to come to the Cavs?

how is it that Wade got the say here of the 3?


they just don't want to live in Cleveland?

if that is true that could hurt even worse for Cav's fans...

[Gundress]

if they all talked about this together before hand, then how come Bron didn't get Wade and Bosh to come to the Cavs?

how is it that Wade got the say here of the 3?


they just don't want to live in Cleveland?

if that is true that could hurt even worse for Cav's fans...

Chris Bosh was the one said he didn't want to live in Cleveland. Raptors GM said he would do the S&T so Chris can go to Cavs but he refused and joined with Wade.

Which one would you rather to live in Cleveland or Miami?

[Gundress]

:oldlol: :oldlol:

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6473/198620127f564984b03.jpg

[RainierBeachPoet]

With his self-centered, smug, cold announcement last night, LeBron went from an icon in this city, region, and state to perhaps surpassing the much maligned Art Modell (who moved the original Browns in 1995) in the annals of sports villains for Northeast Ohio.



LeBron James will never be welcome in Cleveland or Akron again and I say that with absolute certainty. He carved out his place in the Mt. Rushmore of sports villains with that display last night.



What a stunning turn-of-events. I will forever be scarred by this experience and so will the entire state.

Surreal.

RBA-- my heart goes out to you and all cavs fans. lbj did you all wrong and i dont think he realizes how much this will affect his "hometown" image. he is just a stupid 25 year old millionaire who has no real accountability to anyone but himself.

other sports fans would forget all of this if he wins a ring. but to me, lbj will always be now an anti-hero because how how he screwed ohio.

lebron's future "legacy" will always be tarnished because of what he did. like kobe because of the rape in colorado in 2003, i will never have much respect for lebron no matter how many rings (if any) he wins

i didnt think that ANYONE would be more hated by cleveland fans than modell-- but i can understand the strong emotions against lbj right now and into the future

[RedBlackAttack]

RBA-- my heart goes out to you and all cavs fans. lbj did you all wrong and i dont think he realizes how much this will affect his "hometown" image. he is just a stupid 25 year old millionaire who has no real accountability to anyone but himself.

other sports fans would forget all of this if he wins a ring. but to me, lbj will always be now an anti-hero because how how he screwed ohio.

lebron's future "legacy" will always be tarnished because of what he did. like kobe because of the rape in colorado in 2003, i will never have much respect for lebron no matter how many rings (if any) he wins

i didnt think that ANYONE would be more hated by cleveland fans than modell-- but i can understand the strong emotions against lbj right now and into the future

I didn't see James, Wade, and Bosh's little formal circle jerk tonight, but I am told that James had the beginnings of a realization of what he has done written all over his face.

This guy was/is so self-absorbed and surrounded by so many yes-men, I really don't think he believed there would be much backlash to his public execution of our beloved franchise and city.

Maybe this guy will finally get the wake-up call that he needs after realizing that he is unwelcome in this state from this point forward? Something needs to slap the hubris out of him. Maybe this is it?

With his decision and grandiose b!tch slap of Cleveland and Ohio last night, he went from coddled man-child to despised villain with no chance of regaining back that respect from Ohioans. This is where LeBron, for the first time in his life, has to pony up to his arrogance and self-absorbed personality and actually pay a price for being such a smug @sshole.

He lost his hometown and home-state last night... And forever.

Good luck selling that mansion in Bath Twp.

[Mikaiel]

I didn't see James, Wade, and Bosh's little formal circle jerk tonight, but I am told that James had the beginnings of a realization of what he has done written all over his face.

I don't think he ever cared about Cleveland.

Did you see what wine and gold said ?


Seven years and not one time did Lebron ever offer even a "hello" to Joe Tait

Unbelievable ...

[Reef]

RBA,

I was praying LeDiva would stay in Cleveland. I totally agree with everything you said. It sucks for us Raps fans that Chrissy left too but it was his choice. I just didn't like his twitter crap and the fact that he wanted to film the meetings. But the loss of Christina is nothing compared to LeDiva.

You might want to pick up one of these in the meantime:

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/9407/100709211617.png

http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/25531322/300.jpg

[RedBlackAttack]

I don't think he ever cared about Cleveland.

Did you see what wine and gold said ?



Unbelievable ...
Maybe not... But he is now persona non grata in Akron, which seems to be a pretty important place to him.

I'm embarrassed for having rooted for and defended this guy for so many years. It is all so clear to me now. My blind loyalty to the Cavaliers clouded what should have been evident...

He is/was an ungrateful, egotistical drama queen.

He will regret this decision, if not now, somewhere down the road. If one thing is clear to those who have crossed us in the past (Art Modell is the only one on this level), it is that we don't forget.

Modell is 85 years old and he says that not a day goes by that he doesn't think about what he did to Cleveland. He still cannot and will not step foot in Cleveland.

That is the place LeBron has entered. Unfortunately for him, he has to come here twice a year... And it is going to be ugly. Yes... They will absolutely smash us on the court, but he is going to find out just how much he is reviled first-hand.

[PowerGlove]

Only a jackass would wear one of those shirts.

[RedBlackAttack]

RBA,

I was praying LeDiva would stay in Cleveland. I totally agree with everything you said. It sucks for us Raps fans that Chrissy left too but it was his choice. I just didn't like his twitter crap and the fact that he wanted to film the meetings. But the loss of Christina is nothing compared to LeDiva.

You might want to pick up one of these in the meantime:

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/9407/100709211617.png

http://cache1.bigcartel.com/product_images/25531322/300.jpg
That is pretty much right on the money.

This part:

Delonte: Gloria
LeBron: Cleveland

[InspiredLebowski]

Who is Joe Tait and why does he matter?

[pete's montreux]

Who is Joe Tait and why does he matter?

I'm assuming he was in the inspiration for the movie Little Man Tate

[InspiredLebowski]

I'm assuming he was in the inspiration for the movie Little Man Tate
That's a good movie. Prime Jodie Foster, before the coming out and we all had a shot.

[pete's montreux]

It's the same deal as Vince Carter leaving Toronto. Cleveland fans have every right to be angry.

[pete's montreux]

That's a good movie. Prime Jodie Foster, before the coming out and we all had a shot.

She was nude in a recent movie. I'd still give it to her now.

[InspiredLebowski]

She was nude in a recent movie. I'd still give it to her now.
It's weird because my sister is named after her.

[pete's montreux]

It's weird because my sister is named after her.

What, really? Why? :oldlol:

[InspiredLebowski]

What, really? Why? :oldlol:
F*ck if I know, but that's the story. Not in like a "in tribute to Jodie Foster" kinda way, just that my mom liked the name because of Taxi Driver.

[pete's montreux]

If you can't sympathize with Cleveland fans being angry that he left, then I just don't know what to say. You're being an ass about it.

[Styles p]

hmmm i wonder what team everybody is gonna pick in 2k11?

[pete's montreux]

F*ck if I know, but that's the story. Not in like a "in tribute to Jodie Foster" kinda way, just that my mom liked the name because of Taxi Driver.

Taxi Driver? So your mom likened your sister to an underraged prostitute? :oldlol:

[InspiredLebowski]

Taxi Driver? So your mom likened your sister to an underraged prostitute? :oldlol:
The name man, the name! Not the actress/character. My twin brother and I got our names because the nurse suggested them. My mom didn't put a lot of thought into these things.

[pete's montreux]

http://digilander.libero.it/guido_1953/pics/hotpants-2/hotpants-1976-taxi-driver.jpg

Do you wanna make it, InspiredLebowski?

[InspiredLebowski]

My ***** is confused.

WTF, I can't say p.enis?

[pete's montreux]

She took some pretty provocative pictures when she was underraged. Google them. They're hot.

[InspiredLebowski]

No!

[pete's montreux]

Well, I did. And they're hot. :roll:

Suit yourself. :ohwell:

[RedBlackAttack]

It's the same deal as Vince Carter leaving Toronto.
Actually, it was that x1,000,000 when you factor in the circumstances surrounding James and the way in which he chose to do it.

Joe Tait is the voice of the Cavs on the radio. He is a legend in Cleveland and, really, a legend in radio. He is widely considered the greatest play-by-play man in the NBA and has been for generations.

[pete's montreux]

I wholeheartedly agree.

[nolebball]

chosen "ONE"...not chosen "THREE"

imagine if MJ had that shit on his back?

MJ is incredibly narcissitic and I thought that was pretty widely known....



When I watched The Decision, I thought LeBron was pretty emotional whenever he talked about Cleveland. Maybe I'm crazy?

Regardless, James spent 7 years trying with all his might to win a championship for Cleveland. Whether or not he gave up in last few games as a Cavalier (not that it's ok), the ship had already sailed for their hopes. The rest of the Cavalier players quit on LeBron way before he ever quit on them. Whatever, that's not what I care about.

He gave you 7 great, not good, years. He gave you a team to actually root and care for. He entertained you, he amazed you, he played FOR you. He always represented Cleveland in the best way, he defended it when Noah attacked it. He never dogged teammates or his coach in public (unlike Kobe, MJ, more), he was appreciative of the efforts Ferry made. He played to make his teammates and his team as a whole better. Didn't he ask Bosh to come to Cleveland with him in a S&T? Bosh denied him. The plan wasn't to abandon Cleveland, it was to play with Wade and Bosh, wherever possible. He made it clear from the end of the playoffs that Cleveland was the favorite. What else did he need to say? The agency period went, and his mind changed. For the 7 years he was Cleveland Cavalier, he was everything you could ask for as a fan.

As far as being all up in arms of his national announcement, did you expect anything less? After watching this guy night in and night out and following all of his moves, you know how extravagant and egotistical he can be and really is. He knows how great he is, and he wants to take advantage of it. His high school coach acknowledged that he's an entertainer as much as he is a basketball player. Was there really any point, as a Cavalier fan, that you DIDN'T LOVE him for it? Even for all of his incredible egotism, when did he ever put himself before the team?

He's moving on. He's actually making a decision, for the first time in 7 years, that wasn't for the benefit for the Cleveland Cavaliers. I seriously can't fathom how incredibly ungrateful and disgustingly bitter all Cleveland fans (especially Gilbert) are acting.

Edit: I understand being upset, sad, and angry. I would be to. That's what happens when things don't go your way. It is a natural reaction. But instead of spending your time burning jerseys, whining, and hating LeBron, appreciate what you had and everything he did for you as a fan and for the Cavalier franchise. If I was a Cavalier fan, I'd be the first person decrying Gilbert's immature actions. I'd honestly be completely embarassed by him.

[InspiredLebowski]

Actually, it was that x1,000,000 when you factor in the circumstances surrounding James and the way in which he chose to do it.

Joe Tait is the voice of the Cavs on the radio. He is a legend in Cleveland and, really, a legend in radio. He is widely considered the greatest play-by-play man in the NBA and has been for generations.
Yeah well, if he has a beef with radio guys don't worry, Slick Leonard and Mark Boyle'll set his ass straight. Don't bring that chalk cloud shit to the Pacers media row, Slick'll light his ass up.

[Showtime]

To the OP, I don't think winning a title would have made it harder to leave. If anything, I think it would have made it easier. He could have left the city and given it it's greatest gift: the championship he promised. If you think this was a big plan, then I don't see how throwing the boston series put him in a better situation.

[-playmaker-]

MJ may also be incredibly narcissitic, but at least he tries to hide his...

Bron is more of a prima dona...more of a modern day attention whore...

MJ does have an ass load of ego but at the same time he is soft spoken...much more reserved...in no way does he crave attention...

[InspiredLebowski]

MJ may also be incredibly narcissitic, but at least he tries to hide his...

Bron is more of a prima dona...more of a modern day attention whore...

MJ does have an ass load of ego but at the same time he is soft spoken...much more reserved...in no way does he crave attention...
WHAT?! You see that dude's HOF speech?

[-playmaker-]

WHAT?! You see that dude's HOF speech?
I am sure I have but I don't remember it...

youtubing now...

[HighFlyer23]

MJ is incredibly narcissitic and I thought that was pretty widely known....



When I watched The Decision, I thought LeBron was pretty emotional whenever he talked about Cleveland. Maybe I'm crazy?

Regardless, James spent 7 years trying with all his might to win a championship for Cleveland. Whether or not he gave up in last few games as a Cavalier (not that it's ok), the ship had already sailed for their hopes. The rest of the Cavalier players quit on LeBron way before he ever quit on them. Whatever, that's not what I care about.

He gave you 7 great, not good, years. He gave you a team to actually root and care for. He entertained you, he amazed you, he played FOR you. He always represented Cleveland in the best way, he defended it when Noah attacked it. He never dogged teammates or his coach in public (unlike Kobe, MJ, more), he was appreciative of the efforts Ferry made. He played to make his teammates and his team as a whole better. Didn't he ask Bosh to come to Cleveland with him in a S&T? Bosh denied him. The plan wasn't to abandon Cleveland, it was to play with Wade and Bosh, wherever possible. He made it clear from the end of the playoffs that Cleveland was the favorite. What else did he need to say? The agency period went, and his mind changed. For the 7 years he was Cleveland Cavalier, he was everything you could ask for as a fan.

As far as being all up in arms of his national announcement, did you expect anything less? After watching this guy night in and night out and following all of his moves, you know how extravagant and egotistical he can be and really is. He knows how great he is, and he wants to take advantage of it. His high school coach acknowledged that he's an entertainer as much as he is a basketball player. Was there really any point, as a Cavalier fan, that you DIDN'T LOVE him for it? Even for all of his incredible egotism, when did he ever put himself before the team?

He's moving on. He's actually making a decision, for the first time in 7 years, that wasn't for the benefit for the Cleveland Cavaliers. I seriously can't fathom how incredibly ungrateful and disgustingly bitter all Cleveland fans (especially Gilbert) are acting.

Edit: I understand being upset, sad, and angry. I would be to. That's what happens when things don't go your way. It is a natural reaction. But instead of spending your time burning jerseys, whining, and hating LeBron, appreciate what you had and everything he did for you as a fan and for the Cavalier franchise. If I was a Cavalier fan, I'd be the first person decrying Gilbert's immature actions. I'd honestly be completely embarassed by him.

Exactly. I don't see how the rupaul of big men, christina bosh hasn't recieved any hate for this at all ...

[tian820]

I am sure I have but I don't remember it...

youtubing now...

:roll: You probably haven't seen it. That speech is not one you forget seeing, especially considering it didn't happen all that long ago

[-playmaker-]

:roll: You probably haven't seen it. That speech is not one you forget seeing, especially considering it didn't happen all that long ago
I don't think I have seen it...

however I am about 13 minutes deep right now and I have yet to see the big deal...

[Reef]

WHAT?! You see that dude's HOF speech?

Still MJ is considered the possible GOAT. He's earned the right to gloat (plus a lot of it was tongue-in-cheek). LeBron hasn't won shit yet. MJ made a speech like every other HOF inductee. He didn't have his own prime-time special about it.

[-playmaker-]

Still MJ is considered the possible GOAT. He's earned the right to gloat (plus a lot of it was tongue-in-cheek). LeBron hasn't won shit yet. MJ made a speech like every other HOF inductee. He didn't have his own prime-time special about it.
it is HIS HOF speech...

he is gloating a little, and I know he has ridiculous ego...I still don't think he is the same type of diva-prima-donna-attention-whore that Bron is...

he has to talk about himself...

[tian820]

I don't think I have seen it...

however I am about 13 minutes deep right now and I have yet to see the big deal...

I'd be a bit surprised if you don't remember the backlash when it happened too. Media ripped him a little for it, while peers who knew him better just called it as it was: Michael being Michael

[Reef]

it is HIS HOF speech...

he is gloating a little, and I know he has ridiculous ego...I still don't think he is the same type of diva-prima-donna-attention-whore that Bron is...

he has to talk about himself...

Totally agree.

[InspiredLebowski]

it is HIS HOF speech...

he is gloating a little, and I know he has ridiculous ego...I still don't think he is the same type of diva-prima-donna-attention-whore that Bron is...

he has to talk about himself...
I didn't say he didn't have the right to gloat. Shit if I were the consensus GOAT I'd be talking EXTREME shit. Just that he's not some mild mannered dude like you seemed to portray him as. Bird's got the same problem, he just doesn't understand how guys don't have the same drive and determination as he did. It's not so much ego as just a massive difference in approach, the legends are born with it, 99.9%, including Lebron, aren't.

[-playmaker-]

okay I can see how it is getting bad now...

"there is no 'I' in team but there is an 'I' in win!"..."I am gonna win one way or another"

and yeah, he is gloating a ton...some of it is funny though...



I am not arguing that he has a ton of ego...MJ does have a shit load of ego...but he still stays camera hidden for the most part...obviously he couldn't do on his HOF night, he was kinda forced to let his ego show...

[-playmaker-]

idk, there are different kinds of egos...

primetime and playmaker were ALL ego...lol

Ali...

Wilt...

Shaq has super ego but he is funny about it...

Jim Brown is kinda like MJ in that he kinda knows that he is the best but doesn't speak out about it much if at all...



Bron's ego just seems much shittier to me than everyone else's...he isn't funny about it like Shaq or Deion...Ali told every he was the greatest and people loved him for it...

maybe the difference is just that he hasn't won shit yet...

[tian820]

Like, I'm as big an MJ fan as anyone, but when it comes to being honored or receiving an award, something of that ilk, you're generally going to be thankful in your acceptance speech. Obviously you can say whatever the **** you want the way MJ did, but it just shows he is wired differently. He's always out find something, however insignificant, that defies him and his greatness. His speech basically summed up the type of player and person he was and is. A guy who looks for anything to motivate him. On a night in which he was being honored and most people would have been thankful and happy, he was a bit bitter and had to show up those opponents who tried to beat him one last time and remind even his partners/teammates who helped him get where he got that he was the greatest and carried them, not the other way around.

[-playmaker-]

Like, I'm as big an MJ fan as anyone, but when it comes to being honored or receiving an award, something of that ilk, you're generally going to be thankful in your acceptance speech. Obviously you can say whatever the **** you want the way MJ did, but it just shows he is wired differently. He's always out find something, however insignificant, that defies him and his greatness. His speech basically summed up the type of player and person he was and is. A guy who looks for anything to motivate him. On a night in which he was being honored and most people would have been thankful and happy, he was a bit bitter and had to show up those opponents who tried to beat him one last time and remind even his partners/teammates who helped him get where he got that he was the greatest and carried them, not the other way around.
he did start out by saying "all those pictures of me you just showed, I wasn't alone in any of those pictures, Pippen was right next to me"

but then after that yeah...pretty much what you just said...

[RedBlackAttack]

MJ is incredibly narcissitic and I thought that was pretty widely known....

Oh, no doubt. The difference between Jordan and LeBron, though (one of many), is that Jordan didn't let his narcissism sneak into his interviews and he certainly would have never pulled a stunt like the one James did for the last three weeks and last night. I was honestly embarrassed to be a fan of one of the teams that was 'vying' for LeBron's love.

MJ was a narcissist in that he was the best player who has ever lived and he knew it. I think LeBron is more of a self-absorbed, self-serving, tone-deaf person with narcissistic tendencies, but down deep, I'm not sure he really believes that he is as great as others think he is.

This move -- to join two of the best players in the NBA and a guy that is arguably better than him -- is indicative of a guy that is unsure whether or not he could win a title as the indisputable 'man.'

I think he doubts himself in big moments, something which separated Jordan from any other player that has ever lived. MJ's complete and total narcissism is possibly responsible for making him as great as he was. He didn't think there was anyone even close to him. He didn't think that anyone else deserved to even be on the same court as him.

Guess what? He was right.


When I watched The Decision, I thought LeBron was pretty emotional whenever he talked about Cleveland. Maybe I'm crazy?

I would love for you to re-watch the replay of it and point out exactly when he showed any genuine emotion... At all. He was completely and totally stone-faced throughout and he barely even touched on what he was leaving behind. It seemed like it was an afterthought for him.

I'm serious... I'm not calling you out or anything. I'd like you to watch it and get back to me, because maybe I missed something. His responses came off incredibly callous and self-serving, to me.


Regardless, James spent 7 years trying with all his might to win a championship for Cleveland. Whether or not he gave up in last few games as a Cavalier (not that it's ok), the ship had already sailed for their hopes. The rest of the Cavalier players quit on LeBron way before he ever quit on them. Whatever, that's not what I care about.

He gave you 7 great, not good, years. He gave you a team to actually root and care for. He entertained you, he amazed you, he played FOR you. He always represented Cleveland in the best way, he defended it when Noah attacked it. He never dogged teammates or his coach in public (unlike Kobe, MJ, more), he was appreciative of the efforts Ferry made. He played to make his teammates and his team as a whole better. Didn't he ask Bosh to come to Cleveland with him in a S&T? Bosh denied him. The plan wasn't to abandon Cleveland, it was to play with Wade and Bosh, wherever possible. He made it clear from the end of the playoffs that Cleveland was the favorite. What else did he need to say? The agency period went, and his mind changed. For the 7 years he was Cleveland Cavalier, he was everything you could ask for as a fan.

Regarding the Bosh to Cleveland thing, I don't believe that was ever real. This was LeBron, Bosh, and Wade's plan all along. In retrospect, the Bosh-to-Cleveland thing seems like a massive smokescreen to make it look like LeBron 'tried.'

Bosh wouldn't even return Gilbert's calls. He refused to even discuss it. I'm sorry, but I don't care how badly you hate a city (for reasons unknown, btw), when an extra $30 million is on the line and you would have a chance to play with LeBron, you at least listen to the pitch.

By that point, they already knew what the game-plan was and LeBron thought that he would save some face when he found out that Toronto would do a S&T if Bosh agreed.

As for the other part of your post, I treasured having LeBron here. I'm sure it is quite jarring for those that have been on this board for a long time like I have, because I was one of LeBron's biggest supporters on here. Obviously, the Cavs always came first for me, but I would spend countless days and nights arguing for LeBron in terms of legacy, his place in the game (I believe he has been the best player in the league since 2006) and personality.

I was a completely loyal fan of the guy, so much so that I did my best to try and ignore some of the signs that his ego was getting out-of-control.

I thoroughly enjoyed those seven years and LeBron gave me a lot of thrills over those seasons.

BUT, the way that this whole thing ended, not just with this free agency debacle, but his performance and attitude in the playoffs and some of the things that have come to light from reliable sources about what the 'real' LeBron is like have tarnished what were some of the funnest years as a fan in my life.

And, at the end of the day, he didn't provide Cleveland with anything that they hadn't experienced before he came, save for one Finals appearance in which we were embarrassed by SA and an ECF appearance. That isn't exactly the kind of legacy that should lead to us ignoring the way he ended it and just kissing his feet like everyone has done for his entire life.


As far as being all up in arms of his national announcement, did you expect anything less? After watching this guy night in and night out and following all of his moves, you know how extravagant and egotistical he can be and really is. He knows how great he is, and he wants to take advantage of it. His high school coach acknowledged that he's an entertainer as much as he is a basketball player. Was there really any point, as a Cavalier fan, that you DIDN'T LOVE him for it? Even for all of his incredible egotism, when did he ever put himself before the team?

I expected better... Yes. I knew he was arrogant, but the level of self-importance that he has displayed recently has to have broken some kind of narcissism records. From parading in GMs of potential suitors to Cleveland to refusing to have the decency to even answer calls and/or texts from the guy who has been paying the bills, which included building a $100 million practice facility a block from LeBron's house to not even alerting the GM before going on that farce of a show last night...

And I'm still trying to figure out why he had that thing in Greenwich, CT. Reports were that he was attending a wedding there on Saturday, but what in the world does one thing have to do with the other? He left the Boys & Girls Club and went directly to Miami that very night.

If he chose that location to keep people guessing and to drag out the agony for all parties involved (but especially Cleveland), that makes it even worse. And yet it is the only conceivable explanation I can come up with.


He's moving on. He's actually making a decision, for the first time in 7 years, that wasn't for the benefit for the Cleveland Cavaliers. I seriously can't fathom how incredibly ungrateful and disgustingly bitter all Cleveland fans (especially Gilbert) are acting.

Well... That wasn't the first decision he has made in the last seven years that has hurt the Cavs. That is for an absolute certainty.

He chose to sign a contract with an opt-out four years ago. That absolutely, positively had a negative impact on our ability to recruit other top players, because it kept the questions going whether or not LeBron was committed to building his legacy here.

Had he signed the maximum six-year deal, we would have been MUCH more likely to draw in bigger names and have a better roster.

But, I get your point and, look... My outrage isn't just as a Cleveland fan. Obviously, that is the crux of it, but I am also a basketball fan and a historian of the game.

LeBron James is an all-time great talent. I wanted to see him realize that talent by creating an all-time great legacy. He could have done that in Cleveland, New York, New Jersey, or Chicago by leading one of those teams to a title and proving to the world that he has what it takes to win the big one when the pressure is kicked up and the playoffs hit high gear.

He opted for the easy way out by joining Wade and Bosh. I'm sorry, but that was incredibly disappointing, strictly as a basketball fan. He is trying to take a short-cut to championships and it took out of play what I really, truly wanted LeBron to be... The greatest player to ever play the game.

It can't happen now... Not possible... Unless Wade and Bosh both have career-ending injuries and LeBron leads the team to multiple titles on his own, there will always be questions now about whether or not he could win on his own.

It is a shame. This decision impacted so many things... I'm as sad for the game as I am disappointed as a Cavs fan.

[RedBlackAttack]

Edit: I understand being upset, sad, and angry. I would be to. That's what happens when things don't go your way. It is a natural reaction. But instead of spending your time burning jerseys, whining, and hating LeBron, appreciate what you had and everything he did for you as a fan and for the Cavalier franchise. If I was a Cavalier fan, I'd be the first person decrying Gilbert's immature actions. I'd honestly be completely embarassed by him.

What Gilbert did was stupid. I've said that from the moment I read the thing. I actually agree with a good deal of it, but we can't have our owner calling out players in such a way... Not if we ever want to attract a major, big-time talent again. He hurt us in ways that he hasn't even seen yet.

Also, he did the impossible by turning James into a sympathetic figure to some and giving people a reason to say that LeBron was 'justified' in what he did to us.

All of that said, the man simply reached his breaking point and beyond. James has treated him like an absolute dog since the moment the Cavs were eliminated in the playoffs and we are talking about a guy that went out of his way time and again to make LeBron as comfortable as possible.

That includes allowing LeBron to bring his entourage with him (which is about 30 people deep) where ever he went and flipping the bill. That includes James' entourage going on team flights and an insistence by James that they have front-row seats to every home AND AWAY game.

He built the nicest, most expensive practice facility in the NBA just down the road from James' house after LeBron claimed that their previous one wasn't nice enough. He went to bat time and again for LeBron's mother when Gloria got into legal problems (something that very few people know about).

He did his best to serve as a father figure to a guy that never had a dad. How was he re-paid? LeBron cut off all communication with him for over a month after the season ended and then, when he finally did decide to give Dan some face time, it was very brief upon LeBron's insistence.

At that meeting, from what is being reported now, LeBron basically told him, "Get in line."

Then, Gilbert had no clue what LeBron's announcement was going to be and he found out that the King was "taking his talents to South Beach" just right with the rest of us... Dan had to watch it on television before he knew James' plan.

When you really delve deep into what exactly happened over the years and how things went down in the last few months, you would probably be a little less harsh on Gilbert.... Although, I agree that the letter(s) was/were a mistake.

[InspiredLebowski]

When Wilbon mentioned the burning jerseys in Cleveland I saw a tinge of, I don't know, regret's not the right word, uneasiness I guess. I honestly believe he knows what he did to Cleveland and all of Ohio but his posse of yes men convinced him, "Go get that ring! Get that legacy!" The whole scenario's challenged my thoughts on what an NBA player should be. In a vacuum you go for the ring. But when you're Lebron's caliber it's different, you don't team up with what should be an enemy (meaning Wade, Bosh is whatever). Maybe I'm just naive or old school about it, but this trio teaming up just floors me.

I really don't know how to explain it, it seems like the reason for this trio is to create a legacy, but for just significantly wrong and selfish "legacy" reasons. I think it's obvious to everyone if Lebron had gotten a ring in Cleveland it vaults his status dramatically. He seems to see it as just, "Get a ring. Period. Then I'm an all time great." I know how nuts it sounds, but it seems like such a self serving move.

[RedBlackAttack]

When Wilbon mentioned the burning jerseys in Cleveland I saw a tinge of, I don't know, regret's not the right word, uneasiness I guess. I honestly believe he knows what he did to Cleveland and all of Ohio but his posse of yes men convinced him, "Go get that ring! Get that legacy!" The whole scenario's challenged my thoughts on what an NBA player should be. In a vacuum you go for the ring. But when you're Lebron's caliber it's different, you don't team up with what should be an enemy (meaning Wade, Bosh is whatever). Maybe I'm just naive or old school about it, but this trio teaming up just floors me.

I really don't know how to explain it, it seems like the reason for this trio is to create a legacy, but for just significantly wrong and selfish "legacy" reasons. I think it's obvious to everyone if Lebron had gotten a ring in Cleveland it vaults his status dramatically. He seems to see it as just, "Get a ring. Period. Then I'm an all time great." I know how nuts it sounds, but it seems like such a self serving move.

Spot on.

LeBron believes that a ring... Any ring... Will automatically vault him into the stratosphere of the greatest of the great. It just doesn't work like that.

The journey is part of what makes a great player great. Jordan would not be considered the GOAT if, after getting destroyed yet again by Detroit in 1989, he said, "f*ck it" and joined Hakeem or Ewing somewhere else.

The fact that he battled for so long, faced so many questions, and eventually rose above all of that to become immortal in the place where all of the previous failures happened made it infinitely more special. Same with Kareem and the Bucks, Magic and the Lakers, Bird and the Celtics, Dream with the Rockets....

And, you know what... Some players prove that they aren't on that absolute best of the best level by not winning a title as the man in their prime. It is a risk, but a mandatory one. If there weren't guys that didn't succeed, it wouldn't make the guys who do ultimately win so special.

LeBron just took away the threat of not living up to his potential and virtually guaranteed himself multiple rings. That is not the way it is supposed to be done and his legacy will forever be tarnished because of it.

What LeBron did makes me really, honestly respect guys like Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Gary Payton, and Patrick Ewing for their fortitude and will to keep trying, even when there were better teams out there, in an attempt to build their own legacies. The risk that they took ended up leaving them with no titles, but at least they can stand tall and know that they gave it everything they had and just weren't quite great enough.

LeBron looked that challenge square in the eye and opted to go around it... At 25 years old.

Unprecedented for a player of his caliber.

[nolebball]

Appreciate the response. As far as emotion in the announcement, it seemed that whenever he talked about Cleveland, he paused a lot, took his time, and show he was grateful. All those pauses really give me the impression of a guy holding back his emotion/tears. And if he really did cry, would you have even believed they were honest? I probably wouldn't have lol.

I don't see the benefit of lying about trying to bring Bosh to Cleveland. He has always said Cleveland was the favorite, was in his heart. Why wouldn't he try and stay? Obviously his efforts still aren't making a positive effect on the recent opinion of him.

I understand you treasured him while you were here, but I'm asking that you find it in yourself to treasure the past. To treasure him after the fact. It's like grieving the loss of a loved one. You don't sit and wallow and think about how sad and angry their death makes you, you remember the good things about them.

As far as not bringing Cleveland anything, how about multiple playoff appearances for the first time in many moons, national media attention, A LOT OF MONEY, and so on. And it's not only about the Finals and ECF. It's about, like I said in my previous post, having something to cheer for and hope for again. There's nothing like the apathy of following a perennial loser, much like there's nothing like the sheer excitement of following a perennial contender/winner.

Yeah it sucks that we'll never see LeBron carry a team to a championship and see him fight and claw for a championship. But it's not like we don't already know what he's capable by himself. We've seen it for 7 years. And whose to say he's done amazing us? I'm sure there will be plenty incredible feats next season, beyond those of the high-flying nature.

On justifying Gilbert's response, no offense, but you don't work with the Cavalier organization. You don't know the inner-workings of the franchise. You don't know what "benefits" LeBron was given. All you have are reports from a pretty upset Cleveland media base that really, REALLY wants to bash LeBron right now. Edit: You can speculate to the ends of the universe, but when you're really there and see it happen and witness how things are working, you'll be a little surprised and find out many things are not what they seemed. I know I've found that with working for FSU's team.

Also, no way do you agree that Cleveland wins championship before LeBron lol =P

I'm going to bed, good discussion, hope your wounds heal.

[InspiredLebowski]

What LeBron did makes me really, honestly respect guys like Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Gary Payton, and Patrick Ewing for their fortitude and will to keep trying, even when there were better teams out there, in an attempt to build their own legacies.
How you gonna quote me and not mention the guy with a poster over my bed to this day, Reggie?!

[RedBlackAttack]

How you gonna quote me and not mention the guy with a poster over my bed to this day, Reggie?!
There you go. :oldlol:

The list of great players who don't succeed is a lot longer than the list of guys who do (on their own, without another Top 2 player), but that is what makes it so damn prestigious.

I really don't see how anyone can argue against this. What are we missing? :confusedshrug:

[chungerball]

There you go. :oldlol:

The list of great players who don't succeed is a lot longer than the list of guys who do (on their own, without another Top 2 player), but that is what makes it so damn prestigious.

I really don't see how anyone can argue against this. What are we missing? :confusedshrug:

Kinda off topic, but I have two questions for you:

1. Do you have a Lebron jersey?
2. If so, will you or are you going to burn it?

[pete's montreux]

You bet your ass he does. It became worn after a while he says so he made it into a pillow cover.

[RedBlackAttack]

Kinda off topic, but I have two questions for you:

1. Do you have a Lebron jersey?
2. If so, will you or are you going to burn it?
1. I have five authentic LeBron jerseys -- wine, navy, white (throwback), orange (throwback), Team USA blue

2. No.

3. Do you want to buy them?

[chungerball]

1. I have five authentic LeBron jerseys -- wine, navy, white (throwback), orange (throwback), Team USA blue

2. No.

3. Do you want to buy them?

Damn....I feel for you man. No, I don't want to buy them because they are competely useless now. I really thought that you would consider burning them because you are such a diehard fan who had his heart torn to pieces.

[pete's montreux]

I'll trade you my St. Patrick's Day edition Paul Pierce away jersey with an ice cream stain on it for your LeBron collection.

[chungerball]

I'll trade you my St. Patrick's Day edition Paul Pierce away jersey with an ice cream stain on it for your LeBron collection.

LOL. I'm sure he will trade it without a blink.

[pete's montreux]

It was chocolate ice cream if you're wondering.

[RedBlackAttack]

Damn....I feel for you man. No, I don't want to buy them because they are competely useless now. I really thought that you would consider burning them because you are such a diehard fan who had his heart torn to pieces.

Actually, we had a jersey thread a couple of years ago and I posted pics of some of my LeBron collection. Check it out...

http://207.58.151.151/forum/showthread.php?t=96688&page=7 (last post of the page)

...that was before I acquired my white throwback.

And, yes.... This should help illustrate just how badly I've been wounded in the past 24 hours.


I'll trade you my St. Patrick's Day edition Paul Pierce away jersey with an ice cream stain on it for your LeBron collection.

Ice cream stain, eh? Is that what the kids are calling them these days? Most people just use an old sock, Pete.

[pete's montreux]

You think if I could c*m chocolate ice cream I'd be on a message board hawking Paul Pierce jersey's? :roll:

[RedBlackAttack]

You think if I could c*m chocolate ice cream I'd be on a message board hawking Paul Pierce jersey's? :roll:
"Chocolate" stain, eh? This is worse than I thought. :oldlol:

[chungerball]

Actually, we had a jersey thread a couple of years ago and I posted pics of some of my LeBron collection. Check it out...

http://207.58.151.151/forum/showthread.php?t=96688&page=7 (last post of the page)

...that was before I acquired my white throwback.

And, yes.... This should help illustrate just how badly I've been wounded in the past 24 hours.



Ice cream stain, eh? Is that what the kids are calling them these days? Most people just use an old sock, Pete.

Wow. You have a great collection of jerseys man. I'm sure getting rid of the Bron tainted jerseys will alleviate some of your anger for sure. I think that in time you will heal, but the next season will be a bitter pill to swallow without him on the team. I would gladly take some of your MJ jerseys from your hands if you like.:D

[-playmaker-]

I can't imagine anyone buying those jerseys for any $$$ kind of money...

I suppose maybe like 15 years from now or something they could be some cool ass retro jerseys maybe...

I'd burn them...

BURN THEM RBA!!!

[I am that I am]

Actually, we had a jersey thread a couple of years ago and I posted pics of some of my LeBron collection. Check it out...

http://207.58.151.151/forum/showthread.php?t=96688&page=7 (last post of the page)

...that was before I acquired my white throwback.

And, yes.... This should help illustrate just how badly I've been wounded in the past 24 hours.



Ice cream stain, eh? Is that what the kids are calling them these days? Most people just use an old sock, Pete.

RBA are you ever going to touch those bron bron jerseys at all? Just burn them all infront of Quickenloans arena, film yourself, put it on youtube and become a legend.

[RedBlackAttack]

I've thought about burning them, but... I don't know. I'm not the type of guy that likes drawing an immense amount of attention to myself, unlike the person whom those jerseys represent.

I really don't know what to do with them. I've had several of my buddies inquire me about them. When we would go to Cavs games together, I would actually choose a LeBron jersey for myself and supply the rest of my crew with the others, so the collection became pretty legendary within my circle of friends.

I don't know... I might just give them away. Maybe put them on Ebay... They have to be worth SOMETHING. Those are high quality, game-issue authentics, there.

[-playmaker-]

put them in a box...throw the box in your closet

maybe they will be worth something 20 years from now...

[RedBlackAttack]

put them in a box...throw the box in your closet

maybe they will be worth something 20 years from now...
That's probably what I'll do. I definitely don't want to have to look at them in my closet from this point forward. They don't deserve to be on the same clothing rack as the Jordan jerseys.

I was so close to springing $150 for an old-school gold one during the season, too. Thank goodness I didn't waste any more of my hard-earned money on more of those things. I would really only wear them to games, anyway.

[chungerball]

I'm just going to say it. If you, as a grown man, are bitching and whining about a sports figure leaving one city for another to play sports, you are a gigantic p*ssy.

I know I will draw criticism for this. But some of you guys need to step back and take a look at life.

Edit - I mean, to me, it just doesn't make sense to get mad over a god damn game. Maybe I'm a lunatic.

I mean, think about it, RBA. You, as a logical person, are considering setting a CLOTHING ITEM on fire. Think about that.

:lol I pretty much feel what you feel, but I think that it's different for everybody. He has so much passion and emotional attachment with the team, it's pretty hard to just let go at first. Time will mend a broken heart, but even logical people can let some emotions out when it's something that that hits home like it did. The Cavs were just one of a handful of positive things that cleveland had, and now there will be a cloud looming over everybody's head.

[DeuceWallaces]

I'm just going to say it. If you, as a grown man, are bitching and whining about a sports figure leaving one city for another to play sports, you are a gigantic p*ssy.

I know I will draw criticism for this. But some of you guys need to step back and take a look at life.

Edit - I mean, to me, it just doesn't make sense to get mad over a god damn game. Maybe I'm a lunatic.

I mean, think about it, RBA. You, as a logical person, are considering setting a CLOTHING ITEM on fire. Think about that. It's preposterous.

I agree. It's a major overreaction on part of everyone. We kinda already knew LeBron was like this, I don't know why it came as such a shock.

[SALFORD-RED]

Well it will sort out the Lebron nut huggers from the real Cavs fans thats for sure.

I wonder how much attendances will fall next season in Cleveland? If its substantial it just goes to show a core of their fanbase were just Lebron fanboys and not real Cavs fans. So for them to complain about loyalty is pretty much hypocrisy.

[browntown]

pb is punjabi? lol

i thought i was the only punjabi on here

Trust me there a lot of punjabi people here, including me.

[-playmaker-]

Shannon,

sports are a big part of some people's life, some of us invest a ton of time and money and passion into our teams.

this particular example is the most extreme we have ever seen, like you said in the start of this thread. Lebron leaving actually affects the freakin economy of that city.

RBA burning some jerseys is NOT the same as him slitting his wrists, people can be really upset without actually being "REALLY upset"...if you know what I mean...people will be fine

no one here is being a giant p*ssy....we are posting on a sports forum...

[momo]

You think if I could c*m chocolate ice cream I'd be on a message board hawking Paul Pierce jersey's? :roll:

:roll:

[-playmaker-]

I wonder how many people have tried to have sex on the beach only to have that sex completely ruined by some sand...

sex in water in general is overrated...sex in a shower...the water washes away the good slippery fluids and actually makes the entire experence less lubricated...

[-playmaker-]

Cleveland should just be renamed to the "Sandy V*ginas."
come on dude...now you're just tryin to start some shit...

it is more than "a game"...just spend a few hours watching sports history channel or something...

see what happened to Brooklyn when the Dodgers moved to LA...

[-playmaker-]

shit if the Cowboys left Dallas I would be pretty devastated...seriously that would f*ckin hurt, I have put too much of my time/life into that team...since I was a child...

for alot of us these teams are a big part of our childhood...

[Meticode]

I wish the NBA schedule will come out. I cannot wait for the first game Miami @ Cleveland. I hope they sellout and the crowd is nuts. I can't imagine the things LeBron are going to hear. I wonder if people will throw stuff on the floor? I can't wait to see the signs people make.

[RainierBeachPoet]

I know I will draw criticism for this. But some of you guys need to step back and take a look at life.

Edit - I mean, to me, it just doesn't make sense to get mad over a god damn game. Maybe I'm a lunatic.

I mean, think about it, RBA. You, as a logical person, are considering setting a CLOTHING ITEM on fire. Think about that. It's preposterous.

i dont see it that way...

the two are mutually exclusive. one can be mature and logical AND have emotional moments over sports teams.

we can put our hearts into all sorts of things that to others seem inconsequential: cars, houses, stamp collections. it is very right to say that these are just things and that there are more IMPORTANT things in life.

but to that person who has put his HEART into it. the things represent something much bigger-- it is a part of ourselves. we who post here have a passion for nba hoops. i can truly understand the feelings of hurt and betrayal that cavs fans feel because of lbj. they stem not from logic but from passion and the heart that fans put into our teams. there is much more to life than logic...

for some, setting a piece of clothing on fire in this setting is a symbol of letting go. it can have therapeutic value and be one way to deal with anger/hurt. if it helps them, go for it.

[DeuceWallaces]

I wish the NBA schedule will come out. I cannot wait for the first game Miami @ Cleveland. I hope they sellout and the crowd is nuts. I can't imagine the things LeBron are going to hear. I wonder if people will throw stuff on the floor? I can't wait to see the signs people make.

Yeah, that crowd will go nuts until the nWo goes up by 23 with 6 left in the first.

[Meticode]

Yeah, that crowd will go nuts until the nWo goes up by 23 with 6 left in the first.
Yea I can't wait to see.

[MK2V1GP]

Seriously guys? 13 pages of bickering in a thread entitled "photos/videos" with only like 6 total photos? Lol. I wanna see more fan hate on LeBron.

[DeuceWallaces]

Man the Cavs are gonna be absolutely terrible next year.

[Meticode]

Man the Cavs are gonna be absolutely terrible next year.
Do you think Detroit gets better this year or does worse than last season?

[DaniloGallinari]

I've thought about burning them, but... I don't know. I'm not the type of guy that likes drawing an immense amount of attention to myself, unlike the person whom those jerseys represent.

I really don't know what to do with them. I've had several of my buddies inquire me about them. When we would go to Cavs games together, I would actually choose a LeBron jersey for myself and supply the rest of my crew with the others, so the collection became pretty legendary within my circle of friends.

I don't know... I might just give them away. Maybe put them on Ebay... They have to be worth SOMETHING. Those are high quality, game-issue authentics, there.

Keep them. 10 years from now, when the world is without a lot of LeBron jerseys (as a lot of them are being burned as we speak), they will be worth a lot more.

[SALFORD-RED]

Keep them. 10 years from now, when the world is without a lot of LeBron jerseys (as a lot of them are being burned as we speak), they will be worth a lot more.

Very astute thinking there. Lebron Cav jerseys may become highly collectible once he's won 10 rings and this betrayal thing has blown over.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'm just going to say it. If you, as a grown man, are bitching and whining about a sports figure leaving one city for another to play sports, you are a gigantic p*ssy.

I know I will draw criticism for this. But some of you guys need to step back and take a look at life.

Edit - I mean, to me, it just doesn't make sense to get mad over a god damn game. Maybe I'm a lunatic.

I mean, think about it, RBA. You, as a logical person, are considering setting a CLOTHING ITEM on fire. Think about that. It's preposterous.
First, I plainly said that I WILL NOT be setting fire to anything. I'm not sure where the idea emanated that I will be burning jerseys... I won't. I said that I will probably stick them in a box and tuck them away somewhere.

Second, "logic" and "reason" aren't the only things in life. Human beings are supposed to be passionate and sometimes, that passion can lead to an emotional attachment to something like sports or music or movies. There is no REAL life and death bond between any of those things and what we need to survive.

I believe I've heard you comment that you would have a hard time surviving without music. Why? If you think about it logically, it is only radio waves coming out of a little box that consist of recordings of humans banging and plucking pieces of wood and string.

Why do you have such an emotional attachment to something like that? Because it is the spice of life. Because you have an emotional attachment to it. Because it alleviates stress.

Whatever your reason, it is legitimate... Just as it is legitimate for those of us that use sports as an outlet and are emotional attached to certain teams/players. There may not be any 'logic' involved, but it would be a sad world if every choice on every matter was 'logical.'

[RedBlackAttack]

Well it will sort out the Lebron nut huggers from the real Cavs fans thats for sure.

I wonder how much attendances will fall next season in Cleveland? If its substantial it just goes to show a core of their fanbase were just Lebron fanboys and not real Cavs fans. So for them to complain about loyalty is pretty much hypocrisy.
That is just ridiculous. Every team in every sport has a more excited fanbase when they are winning. Are the crowds in Detroit as large and passionate now as they were in the Bad Boys Pistons days?

No... Because it costs a lot of money to go to an NBA game and, if you aren't optimistic and/or excited about the team, you are less likely to splurge for hundreds of dollars and a night out on it. That doesn't mean people care any less.

Further, Cleveland is a football town... Always has been, always will be. When LeBron was here, it was a football town first. When the Indians went the to the World Series in the 90s, it was a football town.

The Browns have been absolutely horrible every year since they came back from purgatory after the move. Cleveland fans still come out in droves every week. Hell.... tens of thousands come out for training camp.

There is nothing 'fair-weather' about a Cleveland fan.

[1manfastbreak]

seeing lame ass cavs fans piss and moan about lebron leaving is so god damn funny.

[RedBlackAttack]

seeing lame ass cavs fans piss and moan about lebron leaving is so god damn funny.
I bet it isn't funny to LeBron. In fact, I pretty much guarantee it isn't.

[SALFORD-RED]

Further, Cleveland is a football town

Of course, America is a Football country and in most markets/cities the team that fans support more than any other is their Gridiron team. Basketball, Ice Hockey and Baseball are peripheral interests by comparison.

My point still stands though, if the Cavs fans bail out on the team they can have no sympathy from me as they are guilty of doing a Lebron. If they werent Cavs fans before Lebron, arent Cavs fans after Lebron then they obviously werent Cavs fans in the first place.

[SALFORD-RED]

seeing lame ass cavs fans piss and moan about lebron leaving is so god damn funny.

I will reserve judgement till the season starts but I am trending that way too.

If attendances are way, way down from last season I don't wanna hear a single Cavs fan ***** about loyalty.

[RedBlackAttack]

I will reserve judgement till the season starts but I am trending that way too.

If attendances are way, way down from last season I don't wanna hear a single Cavs fan ***** about loyalty.
I have to say... I am shocked that any fan of any team in any sport isn't sympathizing with Cleveland right now. I've said this time and again for the past two days, but it isn't just that he left, it was the way he chose to do it.

Classless, self-absorbed and with the delicate touch of a pit bull. If he would have just announced his decision via press release and then done an interview to discuss his decision-making process and what he is leaving behind, the city would have still been heartbroken beyond belief, but they wouldn't despise the man like they do today.

It was the biggest "f#ck you" to any city/region/state in sports history and pretty much everyone agrees on that. The fact that he was born here only made that decision more infuriating.

I did not want to dislike James. I told my brother during the season that, even if he left, I would have a hard time rooting against him. The way he handled this whole process was so atrocious that he turned his biggest supporters into his biggest detractors.

That was some feat.

[SALFORD-RED]

RBA I am sympathizing with your REAL fans but the people who wont go to Cavs games now due to the fact that GOAT Judas has gone will have no sympathy from me, thats all im saying.

[1manfastbreak]

I will reserve judgement till the season starts but I am trending that way too.

If attendances are way, way down from last season I don't wanna hear a single Cavs fan ***** about loyalty.

thats the thing, you know that building is going to look like this..

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2010/02/11/alg_nets_bucks.jpg

i just get the notion that these fans feel like they are entitled to lebron. they might as well change their jerseys to these again..

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/images/08/27/p1_kemp.jpg

[RedBlackAttack]

Seriously guys? 13 pages of bickering in a thread entitled "photos/videos" with only like 6 total photos? Lol. I wanna see more fan hate on LeBron.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7175/burningwitnessbc8d083c3.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6389/8ef862ac8b963b40abe1250.jpg

[SALFORD-RED]

thats the thing, you know that building is going to look like this..

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2010/02/11/alg_nets_bucks.jpg


Pretty much, your either a fan of a team or a player, end of story.

If you are a fan of the team you dont start bailing out just because the team is playing bad, that is a ***** move. If you could afford the money to go when the team played well, you can afford it when they are crap.

If there arena is a ghost town come November I never want a Cavs fan to bring loyalty into any conversation about Lebron. EVER.

[RedBlackAttack]

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/9216/b48bb235322bd50585bedac.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1401/f880b64af365091e5101910.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/1285/66a0c2aaeb35812152c2555.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/3689/46a506fd6f19947c055ef18.jpg

[RedBlackAttack]

Pretty much, your either a fan of a team or a player, end of story.

If you are a fan of the team you dont start bailing out just because the team is playing bad, that is a ***** move. If you could afford the money to go when the team played well, you can afford it when they are crap.

If there arena is a ghost town come November I never want a Cavs fan to bring loyalty into any conversation about Lebron. EVER.
Let's get something straight, here... If you are a fan of the player and not the team, you FOLLOW LeBron to Miami, which would account for all of the new pro-Miami accounts we have had set up on here in the last 48 hours.

The fact that LeBron is so despised in the state of Ohio right now shows that they weren't just fans of LeBron... It was a Cavs thing, not a LeBron thing.

Yeah... If the Cavs are terrible (which they probably will be), the crowds will not be as large or as excited. That is only natural. It costs a lot of money to go to an NBA game. If you don't feel like that evening is likely to end with you feeling good about your team, you aren't likely spend hundreds of dollars on a ticket, parking, food, etc.

That doesn't mean that people don't care and they only liked LeBron. Clearly we DIDN'T only like LeBron. He is still going to be playing next year, you know?

[Fatal9]

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/9216/b48bb235322bd50585bedac.jpg
:roll:

saving this.

[1manfastbreak]

lol i love how lebron is now a "quitter" and a "traitor" because he was in a black hole of a franchise for the last 7 years, and once he saw the light at the end of the tunnel he went for it. not one of those teams would of won 25+ games without lebron.

and BRA i know how the cavs fans feel.. i have been a life long a's fan, and ive seen 2 MVP's and a Cy Young all bolt for the money AND the rings. (Jason Giambi to the yankees, Miguel Tejada to the O's, Barry Zito to the Giants) yea it sucked.. but damn, get the **** over it.

[RedBlackAttack]

Lebronfire:
http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/7997/36245368eada52829bda504.jpg

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9410/3ca7ed2401dd17068c5f0db.jpg

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/2643/0bd1102d262a64c1da85eaa.jpg

[kentatm]

I have to say... I am shocked that any fan of any team in any sport isn't sympathizing with Cleveland right now. I've said this time and again for the past two days, but it isn't just that he left, it was the way he chose to do it.

Classless, self-absorbed and with the delicate touch of a pit bull. If he would have just announced his decision via press release and then done an interview to discuss his decision-making process and what he is leaving behind, the city would have still been heartbroken beyond belief, but they wouldn't despise the man like they do today.

It was the biggest "f#ck you" to any city/region/state in sports history and pretty much everyone agrees on that. The fact that he was born here only made that decision more infuriating.

I did not want to dislike James. I told my brother during the season that, even if he left, I would have a hard time rooting against him. The way he handled this whole process was so atrocious that he turned his biggest supporters into his biggest detractors.

That was some feat.

QFT

I dont understand how some people are not getting this.

Its just not that the left. Its that he pissed all over the city and franchise after years them of bending over backwards for him. He was from Akron. He should have known better. But instead we simply got proof positive that he is a narcissistic dick head.

[SALFORD-RED]

RBA is he hated on in Akron too? Even his old homies from the A feel sold out? Is this statewide or mostly concentrated in Cleveland? Tell us more of the demographics since your on ground zero.

[MetaMan]

classic hahah

[v-unit]

Can we go through a list of things that the city has done for him?

[RedBlackAttack]

RBA is he hated on in Akron too? Even his old homies from the A feel sold out? Is this statewide or mostly concentrated in Cleveland? Tell us more of the demographics since your on ground zero.

He is despised in Akron as much as he is despised in Cleveland... Yes. Akron and Youngstown -- where LeBron grew up -- are a quick 20 minute ride down I-80. They are literally extensions of Cleveland.

And, yes... This is a state-wide thing, not just Northeast Ohio. I've talked to friends around the state... From Akron to Youngstown to East Liverpool to Steubenville to Columbus to Cincinnati. There is nowhere in Ohio where James would be welcome. He is a pariah and I suspect that, not only is he going to have to sell his mansion in Bath Township (between Cleveland and Akron), but his entire family would be wise to relocate to Miami.

It isn't because some physical trauma might befall them, but the James name is now mud here and I can't imagine them living in this kind of environment.

It is so bad, in fact, that if the season were to start tomorrow and Miami was scheduled to visit Cleveland, I think they would either have to move the game out-of-state or LeBron would have be a scratch and stay in Miami.

It is bad... Really bad.

Also, I've talked to friends around the country (Portland, LA, New York) and they were as outraged by this debacle as I was. LeBron's "brand" took such a massive hit the other night, I can only laugh.

I was around, of course, when Art Modell announced that he was moving the Browns. The city and state went nuts, but not like this. The reason is because there were rumors that it was going to happen and it was all but confirmed prior to Modell making it official.

This came as such a massive shock after all of the stringing along James and his camp have done for the past three months, the outrage is tangible.

[thesighter]

He is despised in Akron as much as he is despised in Cleveland... Yes. Akron and Youngstown -- where LeBron grew up -- are a quick 20 minute ride down I-80. They are literally extensions of Cleveland.

And, yes... This is a state-wide thing, not just Northeast Ohio. I've talked to friends around the state... From Akron to Youngstown to East Liverpool to Steubenville to Columbus to Cincinnati. There is nowhere in Ohio where James would be welcome. He is a pariah and I suspect that, not only is he going to have to sell his mansion in Bath Township (between Cleveland and Akron), but his entire family would be wise to relocate to Miami.

It isn't because some physical trauma might befall them, but the James name is now mud here and I can't imagine them living in this kind of environment.

It is so bad, in fact, that if the season were to start tomorrow and Miami was scheduled to visit Cleveland, I think they would either have to move the game out-of-state or LeBron would have be a scratch and stay in Miami.

It is bad... Really bad.

Also, I've talked to friends around the country (Portland, LA, New York) and they were as outraged by this debacle as I was. LeBron's "brand" took such a massive hit the other night, I can only laugh.

I was around, of course, when Art Modell announced that he was moving the Browns. The city and state went nuts, but not like this. The reason is because there were rumors that it was going to happen and it was all but confirmed prior to Modell making it official.

This came as such a massive shock after all of the stringing along James and his camp have done for the past three months, the outrage is tangible.

You're crazy, the whole state is too invested into this. Lebron didn't kill your dog. Cavs fans are full of hate now.

[RedBlackAttack]

You're crazy, the whole state is too invested into this. Lebron didn't kill your dog. Cavs fans are full of hate now.
He asked me to gauge the mood of the entire state outside of Cleveland. I did that. I can't lie and tell him, "No one in Akron or Youngstown cared about his decision... They still love him."

Half of these pictures of people burning jerseys and putting up signs were taken in Akron, not Cleveland. In some ways, people in Akron feel far more strongly than people in Cleveland.

It was a direct question with a direct answer. You don't see me burning my jerseys or putting on some kind of spectacle.

I am massively disappointed in the guy and I think I've made that pretty clear. But, I don't see how answering a direct question about the mood of the state makes me crazy.

[SALFORD-RED]

Thanks for the candour RBA.


:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:
^
What do you know the Buckeyes are playing Miami on September 11th.

Edit - Browns are playing the Dolphins week 14 too. LMFAO.

[brooks_thompson]

five dollars says he is "injured" a game or two before the first heat game in cleveland and stays in miami for "treatment"

[nolebball]

The reason is because there were rumors that it was going to happen and it was all but confirmed prior to Modell making it official.

This came as such a massive shock after all of the stringing along James and his camp have done for the past three months, the outrage is tangible.

There were plenty of rumors and warnings the day he signed the contract with the ETO for 2010.

[RedBlackAttack]

There were plenty of rumors and warnings the day he signed the contract with the ETO for 2010.
Rumors? Sure. There were also 'rumors' that he was going to stay. He kept it purposely vague to try and f#ck with our heads and so that he could drop the bombshell for maximum devastation.

Why did he choose Greenwich, CT again as the sight for the announcement? I'm still scratching my head over that one.

It is clear that he to give every team still in the running hope right until that farce of a show. He could have made his announcement in Miami and then everyone would have known his destination.

But, oh yeah... He did it so that people could watch and he could raise money for charity. :oldlol:

As if LeBron James needs a reality television show to accumulate money for charity.

It was attention-wh0ring and self-promotion at its biggest and boldest of all-time. The only problem was, he expected his hometown and home-state to take it lying down. I think a part of him may have even thought that many "LeBron fans" in Ohio would follow their loyalty to "The King" as he "took his talents to South Beach."

How dumb can you be, really? I think that everything boils down to James living in a bubble, being incredibly narcissistic, and being stupid.

Those three things came together to create the perfect storm in one of the most unnecessary PR nightmares ever in sports history. He went from one of the most beloved sports figures in the world -- not just Ohio -- to one of the most hated.

I'm sure that will help his "brand." Good thinking, guys.

[Meticode]

I'm still not sure if I'm dreading the next season or excited for it still. Maybe it's more so of my curious to see how the Cavaliers will handle this. And if they blow up the team or make some type of move to be competitive.

[DeuceWallaces]

He asked me to gauge the mood of the entire state outside of Cleveland. I did that. I can't lie and tell him, "No one in Akron or Youngstown cared about his decision... They still love him."

Half of these pictures of people burning jerseys and putting up signs were taken in Akron, not Cleveland. In some ways, people in Akron feel far more strongly than people in Cleveland.

It was a direct question with a direct answer. You don't see me burning my jerseys or putting on some kind of spectacle.

I am massively disappointed in the guy and I think I've made that pretty clear. But, I don't see how answering a direct question about the mood of the state makes me crazy.

Uh the Pistons were #8 in attendance last year and #1 two years ago. Both were lottery teams. We'll see what the Cavs look like the next two years.

[playtetris]

But, oh yeah... He did it so that people could watch and he could raise money for charity. :oldlol:

As if LeBron James needs a reality television show to accumulate money for charity.

It was attention-wh0ring and self-promotion at its biggest and boldest of all-time. The only problem was, he expected his hometown and home-state to take it lying down. I think a part of him may have even thought that many "LeBron fans" in Ohio would follow their loyalty to "The King" as he "took his talents to South Beach."

How dumb can you be, really? I think that everything boils down to James living in a bubble, being incredibly narcissistic, and being stupid.

Those three things came together to create the perfect storm in one of the most unnecessary PR nightmares ever in sports history. He went from one of the most beloved sports figures in the world -- not just Ohio -- to one of the most hated.

I'm sure that will help his "brand." Good thinking, guys.

the one thing i don't get is how you didn't expect this. i love lebron as a player, best in the league IMO, but he's always been a megalomaniac. the moment he announced that press conference, i knew he was leaving. he was always going to pull a stunt like that; he's always been an attention whore and always will be.

i give him one maybe two championships in miami until he realises he's not getting "enough" attention and bolts.

[RedBlackAttack]

You are being a ***** about it. Seriously. Multiple long-winded posts?

:cry:
Honestly, Shannon... Why are you f#cking with me? You clearly don't understand how people get emotionally attached to sports teams/players and how the debacle that has been the way James handled himself for the last three weeks was a giant slap in the face to his former fans, organization, team, and city.

I get it... You don't get into sports like that.

But, I thought there was a mutual respect between us enough for you to allow me the right to vent on something that I feel this strongly about?

All of my posts on this site are long-winded. Check virtually anything I've written on here, be it about politics, religion, music, movies, or sports. This is not something that I reserved just for this particular situation.

My feelings don't exist in a vacuum. Check virtually any article that has been written about the way in which LeBron handled this thing from any news source outside of Miami.

Respected and famous national sports journalists like Adrian Wojnarowski (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070910) and Bill Simmons (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/100709) have said virtually the same thing that I'm saying. They are skewering James worse than I have.

[playtetris]

hahaha

you just know that people who complain about post length have never touched a book in their whole life. if it's too long, don't read it. simple. no need to post about it. long posts = generally better. the people on here that post long-winded posts are quite often in the top echelon of posters: RBA, thorpe, kblaze, donks etc.etc.

[Meticode]

You are being a ***** about it. Seriously. Multiple long-winded posts?

:cry:
As he should be. He's passionate about this, obviously it feels totally disrespected when he gave his money to the player, gave his loyalty to the team, and that player that's a native of that reason that speaks of loyalty leaves the team in the manor that he did.

I don't feel exactly the same way RedBlackAttack does, but I totally understand how he and any other fan would feel about this.

[Meticode]

FYI...I am an avid reader, and have read more than one hundred books thus far.
Then why are you complaining about RBA's long-winded posts when they are coherent and solid posts?

[DeuceWallaces]

I still can't believe how blindsided everyone is. You could see how self centered this guy was from the beginning. The tattoos, the front running sports allegiances, the desire for big markets and global icons, leaving the court after playoff losses, not even suggesting he wants to stay in cleveland, post game interviews after big playoff losses, and even stuff like not working on a post game or mid range shooting...

I thought it was a total douche move, but I have no idea why people are so blindsided. Should have seen this coming from the start. He's just from Ohio and happened to get drafted, it wasn't his life long dream to be on the Cavs.

[playtetris]

I still can't believe how blindsided everyone is. You could see how self centered this guy was from the beginning. The tattoos, the front running sports allegiances, the desire for big markets and global icons, leaving the court after playoff losses, not even suggesting he wants to stay in cleveland, post game interviews after big playoff losses, and even stuff like not working on a post game or mid range shooting...

I thought it was a total douche move, but I have no idea why people are so blindsided. Should have seen this coming from the start. He's just from Ohio and happened to get drafted, it wasn't his life long dream to be on the Cavs.

exactly.

he will bolt from miami too, i bet. no way he splits media attention with wade.

[Meticode]

I still can't believe how blindsided everyone is. You could see how self centered this guy was from the beginning. The tattoos, the front running sports allegiances, the desire for big markets and global icons, leaving the court after playoff losses, not even suggesting he wants to stay in cleveland, post game interviews after big playoff losses, and even stuff like not working on a post game or mid range shooting...

I thought it was a total douche move, but I have no idea why people are so blindsided. Should have seen this coming from the start. He's just from Ohio and happened to get drafted, it wasn't his life long dream to be on the Cavs.
But everything he said, and did before this happened shows the total opposite of that. Well except the Cowboys and Yankees comments.

[Done_And_Done]

These dudes went off in S

[Jailblazers7]

That Bill Simmons article was excellent. The commentary on that Hulk Hogan video was painfully ironic. "The career of a lifetime, right down the drain, kid. I hope you like it. You've just sold you soul to the devil." Basically all the commentary can be applied directly to Lebron.

[RedBlackAttack]

I officially apologize to RBA and anyone else I've offended. You guys have always been right about everything, and I, have subsequently been wrong.

I sincerely hope you all will accept me into the LeBron James Hate Squad. If not, know that I will hate him just as much as you. Thank you. Goodbye.
It isn't even about that...

It isn't about who is 'right' and who is 'wrong.' It isn't about you disagreeing with my posts. We have disagreed in the past, but there has always been a mutual respect.

You weren't simply disagreeing and giving your opinion or responding to my posts. You were just mocking me by posting 'sandy v@gina' pics.

No hard feelings... I'm sure we will meet again on common ground of religion, politics, music, or movies. I just think that Cleveland residents and fans are justified and should be able to vent after what that egotist pulled.

[RedBlackAttack]

I still can't believe how blindsided everyone is. You could see how self centered this guy was from the beginning. The tattoos, the front running sports allegiances, the desire for big markets and global icons, leaving the court after playoff losses, not even suggesting he wants to stay in cleveland, post game interviews after big playoff losses, and even stuff like not working on a post game or mid range shooting...

I thought it was a total douche move, but I have no idea why people are so blindsided. Should have seen this coming from the start. He's just from Ohio and happened to get drafted, it wasn't his life long dream to be on the Cavs.
In retrospect, we probably shouldn't have been surprised. All of his actions since he was a junior in high school point toward the guy being a self-centered, arrogant pr!ck.

But, when he is lifting your franchise out of the doldrums, giving the city a team that they could believe in, and making basketball season fun again, it is easy to dismiss signs that warned of the oncoming betrayal and embarrassment.

Also, being arrogant is one thing... I really didn't think anyone was self-absorbed enough to pull what James pulled over the last three months. To do what he did for the desire of attention-wh0ring and exposure... I just couldn't have imagined that even the most self-centered athlete would be that clueless as to how he is coming off and what the reaction would be.

It really does make me embarrassed that I ever defended the guy.

[Done_And_Done]

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhMQ9Hr3Q79EkdnALF

[-playmaker-]

Because they are essentially just whining. My opinion. Take it for what you will. I'd probably have the same opinion if I was from the area.
if I was a citizen of Cleveland I would have wrecked this site in a much more dramatic and immature way than what RBA has done...infact I would probably be banned right now...

part of being a sports fan is whining I think...

should also add that it seems like you are whining about the whining...:D

[-playmaker-]

BREAKING NEWS

Terrell Owens has just signed with the Miami Heat so he can finally win a ring too...:lol

[RedBlackAttack]

That Bill Simmons article was excellent. The commentary on that Hulk Hogan video was painfully ironic. "The career of a lifetime, right down the drain, kid. I hope you like it. You've just sold you soul to the devil." Basically all the commentary can be applied directly to Lebron.
Crazy, isn't it? You can close your eyes and just listen to the commentary and it completely applies to this situation. LeBron just turned heel.

The only problem is, I think he was too dumb to realize it.

[Done_And_Done]

I have so much to say on this topic and I've been chatting with friends and family all day long in Northeast Ohio, trying to get a grasp on what happened last night. Please allow me to use this forum as a bit of an outlet, because what you witnessed on live television last night was an individual crushing, not a city, not just a region, but an entire state.

This is being felt from Cincinnati to East Liverpool and everything in between... You can be sure of that.



This will be long and I don't expect everyone to read it, but I feel like I have to put my emotions down in writing while the wound is still fresh.





A couple of months ago, LeBron was the beloved son of Ohio trying to secure us a championship that our city and state could rally around in tough times. Make no mistake... If you are feeling the tough economic times during this current recession, it is nothing that we -- in the Steel Belt -- haven't been dealing with for decades.

Basically echoing the frustrations and struggles of the population of Ohio are our sports teams in Cleveland.... The real Browns have relocated and flourished in Baltimore only to 'come back' as a horrid expansion team that is the laughing stock of the league.

The Indians had a movie made about them in the late-80s (Major League) they were such a pathetic franchise for so long. We did have a nice run in the mid-90s, but that was immediately followed by the team being disbanded and all of its parts heading to greener pastures in New York or Baltimore.

The Cavaliers' only really great teams in my lifetime prior to LeBron were the Price/Daugherty teams of the late-80s and early-90s and those hopes were routinely dashed in the most brutal fashion by one guy (Jordan).




When I began hearing about LeBron, he was in 7th grade in Youngstown. Everyone said, "You have to see this kid to believe it."

I couldn't believe my eyes when the day finally did come that I saw him play at Akron SVSM. THIS guy came out of NE Ohio? Hard to imagine...

The hype began to build over the course of his high school years while the Cavs staggered through season-after-season. The stage seemed to be setting up perfectly during his senior season with the Cavs sporting the worst record in the league.

The ping-pong balls fell our way and our native son stood to tear down all of those horrible memories of 'The Shot' and 'The Drive' and 'The Move' and Jose Mesa...

This is a city and a state that needed something and someone to believe in. During the cold winters in Cleveland, LeBron was a beacon of hope to help take the community's mind off of some of the struggles that we have been experiencing for generations.

He seemed to understand this heavy burden that was placed upon him -- maybe unfairly... But all of his actions and statements seemed to indicate he 'got it.' He got how much he meant to this city and state.




Now, fast-forward to the Bulls series... LeBron seemed semi-disinterested all series long, but that was almost to be expected. Here was a 60-win team against the No. 8 seed. They had no chance even with LeBron only giving a half-hearted effort. His statline at the end of each game was always superb, but I and many others noted that something just wasn't right.

Then, in the waning seconds of the close-out game, LeBron inexplicably shot a left-handed free throw immediately after swishing the first with his right in a close game.

So began one of the most bizarre and unfathomable turn-of-events in sports history.




The Boston series was dismaying, not because they beat us, but because LeBron just didn't 'look' right. He didn't even seem to care. All of his swagger that is usually bounding out of him was sapped... Gone... Right from the start.

The last two games were a joke. LeBron barely showed up and his performance seemed foreboding, the likes of which I can only compare to an on-coming freight train. Walking around Cleveland immediately after Game 6, one thing was on everyone's mind, but no one would say it... "He's leaving."

Deep down, I tried to tell myself that he is a loyal guy and he would ultimately go with his heart. At the very least, this decision would pull at his heart-strings and he would understand how delicate this situation was for those of us that had invested so much hope in our hometown boy.

The last three weeks was done with the delicate touch of a pit bull. He bludgeoned us for three weeks, putting on a charade of parading GMs into our city for everyone to see and callously refusing to even hint of his coming 'decision.'

Rumors abounded... The city, region, and state braced itself for the worst, but even our most demented scenarios couldn't have prepared us for the absolutely crushing spectacle that LeBron and his 'team' of yes-men had in store.

With his self-centered, smug, cold announcement last night, LeBron went from an icon in this city, region, and state to perhaps surpassing the much maligned Art Modell (who moved the original Browns in 1995) in the annals of sports villains for Northeast Ohio.

...and, trust me... Being a sports villain here is unlike almost any other place in the country. This is a sports town... There are no transplants here. The fans are undying in their loyalty and can be just as obsessive when someone does us wrong. The fact that he is going to Miami -- a horrible sports town filled with transplants -- just makes it worse.



It is jarring. I don't even know how to react, at the moment. I spent so many hours on here, other forums, and in real-life defending this guy only to find out that everything that his detractors claimed about the self-appointed King came to light in the most callous way possible.

He never cared about us. He never understood us.




Now more than ever, I really do believe that he put in the least possible effort in these past playoffs so that he would have an easier route out of town. This Wade/Bosh/LeBron thing has been in the works for years. He didn't want to ruin it by going and winning a title in Cleveland and then being pressured to stay, did he?

I'm not saying that he definitely 'tanked,' but I do think free agency was on his mind beginning with that Bulls' series and, dare I say, was in the front of his mind, while the games at hand and the hopes of a city were almost completely out-of-sight for him.

There have been some "f#ck you" moments by players to cities, but this drama beats them all. He ripped out our hearts, stomped on them, and showed not a modicum of genuine emotion.



The only moment where I saw LeBron possibly question what he had just done was when Wilbon showed him people burning their LeBron jerseys in Cleveland and Akron. For a split second, LeBron's face changed from stone to realization of what he may have done.

This wasn't JUST about a player bolting on his hometown and leaving promises unfulfilled and forever making me cynical of professional athletes' true motives, it is the WAY he did it.

LeBron James will never be welcome in Cleveland or Akron again and I say that with absolute certainty. He carved out his place in the Mt. Rushmore of sports villains with that display last night.

These pictures and videos represent literally EVERYONE I have talked to in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Massillon, Steubenville, etc. today. LeBron just became a pariah to the people who have spent an incredible amount of time, money, and invested an unmeasurable amount of hope in him.


What a stunning turn-of-events. I will forever be scarred by this experience and so will the entire state.

Surreal.

Spoken like a true die-hard sports fan - Excellent heartfelt read RBJ :applause:

With being a ride & die Toronto Raptors fan, to a certain degree I myself am capable of feeling empathetic towards the emotional roller coaster that you along with an immense consensus of the Ohio state populace is currently experiencing at the moment. Now I wouldn't classify the departures of Damon, T-Mac, Vince nor Bosh on the same scale of this Lebron desertion but as mentioned above, to a certain degree I can fully comprehend the effect of witnessing a beloved athlete walk out on ones respective team & city....


If you haven't listened to the Bill Simmons podcast yet which highlights Lebrons mismanaging of how he left Cleveland, I highly urge you to check it on the ASAP

Heres the link ---> http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=5367037&callsign=ESPNRADIO&autoplay=1

[nolebball]

Respected and famous national sports journalists like Adrian Wojnarowski (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebrondecision070910) and Bill Simmons (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/100709) have said virtually the same thing that I'm saying. They are skewering James worse than I have.

First off, Wojnarowski was just as harsh, if not more harsh on Gilbert's actions than James.

Regardless, my main response to your statement is that Wojnarowski, Simmons, and all the other writers (except for Jason Whitlock's ignorance) are trashing James' actions, not the man himself. Simmons especially isn't knocking James because he is entirely aware that James is just a product of his environment, which is heavily influenced by the media and the fans. You've constantly mentioned that him abandoning Cleveland isn't the problem, it's the way he did it. Okay, so leave it at that. Don't stoop down to the petty name-calling (prick, coward, arrogant, and so on). You said you agree with Gilbert's intentions, just not the way he did it, but you're behaving the same way as him and typing very similar things. You refuse to be one of the jersey-burners, but you sound just like one of them.

[Lamar Doom]

BREAKING NEWS

Terrell Owens has just signed with the Miami Heat so he can finally win a ring too...:lol

funny you should say that... Ochocinco wants to play for the Heat (http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/17673/20100710/ochocinco_predicts_super_bowl_title_with_bengals_n ba_ring_with_heat/)

[-playmaker-]

funny you should say that... Ochocinco wants to play for the Heat (http://football.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/17673/20100710/ochocinco_predicts_super_bowl_title_with_bengals_n ba_ring_with_heat/)
haha...Ocho is great...

and Ohio still has him...:D

[RedBlackAttack]

You knew it was inevitable, but here you go...

Hitler Reacts to LeBron James Leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1DjJtp2wF4&feature=related)

[RedBlackAttack]

First off, Wojnarowski was just as harsh, if not more harsh on Gilbert's actions than James.

...and I agreed several pages ago (before I read the Woj piece) that Gilbert enabled LeBron for years and played a major role in manufacturing this ego-monster that he has become. I'm not sure where this sentiment is arising that I believe Gilbert handled the 'LeBron years' perfectly or even well.

I pretty much agree with everything Woj stated in that piece.

That doesn't mean that I can't also agree with some of what Gilbert said in his emotional letter. Frankly, after getting kicked in the teeth in front of the world under the guise of an actual 'decision' while LeBron had known that he was bolting for some time, it was nice to have a guy that was willing to toss political correctness aside and stand up for the fans.

If you want to get a look at the real way that this decision was made and how the Miami Heat are where they are right now, READ THIS (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/inside_the_decision_miamis_cou.html). Windhorst is possibly the best sports journalist in the world today and he completely breaks down what exactly just happened.

The idea that LeBron randomly decided to join Wade and Bosh in Miami the morning of 'the decision' is a joke.

Listen... I didn't agree with every word of it or that I thought it was a good idea.... It is just that, as a fan, there was a measure of satisfaction in seeing someone stand up for Cleveland... even if it was a PR nightmare and may backfire down the road.


Regardless, my main response to your statement is that Wojnarowski, Simmons, and all the other writers (except for Jason Whitlock's ignorance) are trashing James' actions, not the man himself.

Did you listen to Simmons' podcast? He questions LeBron's intelligence the same way that I am. There is no denying his arrogance. He didn't even need to handle the past two months as self-servingly as he did for that to be evident.

Obviously, Bill isn't going to have as emotional of a reaction, because he isn't a Cleveland guy... He is a Boston guy.

But, he has made it absolutely clear that he is sympathetic toward Cleveland and he understands why the reaction has been so harsh.


Don't stoop down to the petty name-calling (prick, coward, arrogant, and so on). You said you agree with Gilbert's intentions, just not the way he did it, but you're behaving the same way as him and typing very similar things. You refuse to be one of the jersey-burners, but you sound just like one of them.

First, I don't think that Gilbert should have done what he did because he is the owner of a professional basketball team... I am not. The fact that I am letting my feelings on what has transpired be known is not going to impact the Cavaliers, our ability to lure in free agents down the road, or making James a semi-sympathetic character by taking the spotlight off of his actions and putting it on myself.

That was the problem I had with Gilbert's letter, not his words. I agreed with most of it and feel the same way.

[RedBlackAttack]

Spoken like a true die-hard sports fan - Excellent heartfelt read RBJ :applause:

With being a ride & die Toronto Raptors fan, to a certain degree I myself am capable of feeling empathetic towards the emotional roller coaster that you along with an immense consensus of the Ohio state populace is currently experiencing at the moment. Now I wouldn't classify the departures of Damon, T-Mac, Vince nor Bosh on the same scale of this Lebron desertion but as mentioned above, to a certain degree I can fully comprehend the effect of witnessing a beloved athlete walk out on ones respective team & city....


If you haven't listened to the Bill Simmons podcast yet which highlights Lebrons mismanaging of how he left Cleveland, I highly urge you to check it on the ASAP

Heres the link ---> http://espn.go.com/espnradio/player?rd=1#/podcenter/?id=5367037&callsign=ESPNRADIO&autoplay=1

Yeah... As I mentioned above, I listened to it earlier today. It made me kind of nauseous how giddy Dan LeBatard was, but still an enjoyable listen. At least Dan noted what a pathetic sports town Miami is and how they don't really deserve a coup like this.

Thanks for the support. It seems that there is a segment of the board that doesn't think my outrage is warranted, shockingly enough.

[nolebball]

I'm just saying it's kind of self-defeating to cite two articles that blame ownership/media/fans just as much as LeBron when you're trying to justify all the harsh words against LeBron. And it's not that I don't think it's warranted, because I really do get it. I'm just saying I don't agree with the way you and other Cleveland fans are behaving. It's simply not the way I'd react and I think a lot of it is childish. I'm not saying you need to change yourself and your responses, I'm just saying what I think the best way to handle it is. We clearly aren't going to change each other's minds and I personally don't hold a grudge with you or this subject so I see no reason to keep talking about it. There isn't much else to say about it lol.

As far as Windhorst's article goes, I really don't take it seriously. It's all "pieced together" from various sources, who, for all we know, could've had multiple conflicting accounts of how it went down. We don't know the sources, so we therefore don't know how much credibility they have, if any at all. Regardless of how respected Windhorst may be, I know very much how biased local media can be, especially after something like this. That isn't to say I don't think there wasn't some shady things going on between the 3 players, it's just that the article doesn't hold a lot of weight for me. Also, if Cleveland decided not to make an issue of all these potential violations, that really speaks to how important, or real for that matter, they actually were.

[RedBlackAttack]

I'm just saying it's kind of self-defeating to cite two articles that blame ownership/media/fans just as much as LeBron when you're trying to justify all the harsh words against LeBron. And it's not that I don't think it's warranted, because I really do get it. I'm just saying I don't agree with the way you and other Cleveland fans are behaving. It's simply not the way I'd react and I think a lot of it is childish. I'm not saying you need to change yourself and your responses, I'm just saying what I think the best way to handle it is. We clearly aren't going to change each other's minds and I personally don't hold a grudge with you or this subject so I see no reason to keep talking about it. There isn't much else to say about it lol.

As far as Windhorst's article goes, I really don't take it seriously. It's all "pieced together" from various sources, who, for all we know, could've had multiple conflicting accounts of how it went down. We don't know the sources, so we therefore don't know how much credibility they have, if any at all. Regardless of how respected Windhorst may be, I know very much how biased local media can be, especially after something like this. That isn't to say I don't think there wasn't some shady things going on between the 3 players, it's just that the article doesn't hold a lot of weight for me. Also, if Cleveland decided not to make an issue of all these potential violations, that really speaks to how important, or real for that matter, they actually were.

Interesting take. Frankly, I think I am being pretty reasonable and restrained in direct comparison to things being said elsewhere.

If you think anything in my posts are 'childish,' you should take a look around at forums more highly concentrated with Cleveland people. I sound like Nelson Mandela compared to the vast majority of what is being said out there.

As for Windhorst, he is about as reliable as any sports reporter in the world. He doesn't report things unless he has seriously credible sources and/or first-hand knowledge of what transpired. It isn't as though he is bitter. Read some of his other stuff since 'The Decision.'

Looking at it from an outsider who just likes entertaining sports stories and narratives, if this whole thing created one looming sports moment that will be unlike anything we have seen in a long, long time (maybe ever), it is when LeBron makes his return 'home' next year for the first time.

I can't even imagine how insane it is going to be. Obviously, on the court, they will absolutely maul us unless we somehow are able to trade for Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, and Dwight Howard by then. But, no one will even care about that.

I wouldn't be surprised if LeBron mysteriously tweaked his ankle a couple of games before and has to stay in Miami for treatment.

[PowerGlove]

Interesting take. Frankly, I think I am being pretty reasonable and restrained in direct comparison to things being said elsewhere.

If you think anything in my posts are 'childish,' you should take a look around at forums more highly concentrated with Cleveland people. I sound like Nelson Mandela compared to the vast majority of what is being said out there.



Now that is true. Even on facebook, there were a stream of "f*ck lebron" statuses. Even my friends mom liked it.:oldlol:

I dont think he's coming back. Ever.

[Juvenile]

There are a few points I'd like to make:

1. Did Lebron really play with Clevelands hearts?

He said all the right things. That he truly understood Ohio, that he felt their sports related pain, the curse, that Cleveland was in his heart. And seing how this free-agent circus transpired, much of it rings hollow, has a stale taste to it.

But what else was he supposed to say? It is what people wanted to hear. And no matter how he ended up in Miami, did anyone ever have the feeling that Lebron was two faced about his emotional relationship to Cleveland?

Regarding the business side, he was upfront all the way through, too. People knew the implications of him not signing a 6 year contract extension. People had to be aware, that he always said that Cleveland was the front runner in the FA progress. He said so ever since the summer of 2010 became a hot topic. And I have no reason to not believe him. All that talk of how everything was set up in '06 and how windhorst is implicating that Wade, Bosh and Bron were talking about this months ago.
But if it had been a foregone decision, he would have signed an extension.


2. The Cavaliers asked for something like "The Decision" to happen

There were people saying around here that Dan Gilbert tried to be some kind of father figure for Lebron. That he tried to please Lebrons every wish, built a practice facility, let Lebrons entourage fly on the teams plane and what not.

What kind of father is that supposed to be? A father figure is someone who sets rules and guidelines and is respected for that. Dan Gilbert is just someone who had Lebrons balls in his mouth. He was doing everything to please him, hoping that Lebron would somehow feel like he owed something to him and the organization.

The same with the whole state of Ohio. Love so unconditional that it completely disregards behavior, love so unconditional that it amounts to bending your back because of fear that the loved one leaves is not healthy. And it sure does not lead to the loved one staying.

Now I don't say the Cavs or Cleveland or Ohio deserved what transpired. I just say that they asked for it to happen.


3. Both points are closely related

Lebron reserved judgement. judgement if the Cavs could build a team around him that could win a championship. And they could not. What the Cavs could do is conform to every wish Lebron had. He did get every overpaid player that the was on the market ready to get dumped. But those were not smart moves. Those were desperate moves.

Had the Cavs had a GM and an owner willing to confront Lebron and make the right moves and decisions, he might have ended up as a lifelong Cavalier. But rather, Gilbert spent without discretion and his franchise ended up with a roster full of overpaid players.

They had a 7 year window to make something happen and they did not. And that is why Lebron left.


4. Legacy and other bullsh*t

Now as a final point of criticism, people say he should have went to Chicago and been the man, not follow Wades coattails. There are a few implications within that idea that i dont agree with and additionally i think one point is very much overlooked.

First of all, we dont know how the Heat trio will end up playing together. For all i know, Lebron could be Magic on that team. Magic to Wades Big Game James to Boshes Kareem. He then could be Pippen to Wades Jordan. Who knows? But apart from moving to the franchise Wade already was at, how does he ride him in any way. One cant even say he moved to the team Wade already was on, because there is no team left. Whose team it is will be decided in the future, if there even is someone who "owns" that Heat team.

Secondly, every great dynasty had multiple hall of famers on their roster. Jordan, Bird and Magic, they were the central piece of their teams, but they had others to them. Now who on that new Heat roster is on that plane? Lebron much rather than Wade, as good as he is. And James might not be the best player any given night. But he most probably will be the one who runs things.
I fail to see how those Heat are so drastically different from dynasties in the past. And nobody doubts the legacy of their stars.

And lastly, all of them sacrificed. When has that happened before. 3 players, at least two of them surefire 1st ballot hall of famers if they die tomorrow, all of them in their prime sacrifice millions of dollars on their contracts. Just to play together because they are friends and like playing with each other. Dirk Nowitzi rightfully gets lauded for taking less on his contract which gives the Mavs at least a little financial flexibility.
the Heat trio does this as well. And all of them, including Lebron should get lauded for this.
And that decision in itself should make everybody cautious about stating that Lebron is a self-centered, egoistical and egotistical, self-aggrandizing traitor. Because those type of persons dont leave millions on the table for pursuing a greater good.

[RedBlackAttack]

And lastly, all of them sacrificed. When has that happened before. 3 players, at least two of them surefire 1st ballot hall of famers if they die tomorrow, all of them in their prime sacrifice millions of dollars on their contracts. Just to play together because they are friends and like playing with each other. Dirk Nowitzi rightfully gets lauded for taking less on his contract which gives the Mavs at least a little financial flexibility.
the Heat trio does this as well. And all of them, including Lebron should get lauded for this.
And that decision in itself should make everybody cautious about stating that Lebron is a self-centered, egoistical and egotistical, self-aggrandizing traitor. Because those type of persons dont leave millions on the table for pursuing a greater good.
I'm not even going to address the rest of your post, because I've been over it and over it. Just read my prior posts and refute them if you believe me to be incorrect.

This part, though, is just ridiculous.

LeBron gave up no money in this move. In fact, it is going to end up being a financial windfall for James. First, there is no state income tax in Florida which, reportedly, was a huge part of Riley's pitch to him. That isn't just no tax on his contract, but on all of his endorsements since he will be a resident of Florida.

That alone will make up for any money he would have left in Cleveland. But, it doesn't end there...

You been keeping up with the news? LeBron wanted his extra $30 million in the Bird rights that Cleveland owns... And he got it.

Riley gave up at least four future draft picks (including two first-rounders) in order to get the Cavs to sign-and-trade LeBron to Miami. If James were only interested in winning and not all of that extra money (which he would have made up for in income tax dollars anyway), he would have done his new team a favor and asked them not to trade away draft picks SOLELY so that he could get all money possible.

I'm sure that was part of Riley's pitch, as well. "I'll convince Cleveland to do the S&T so you can have your Bird rights."

If the Cavs would have balked at that offer, Riley would have probably given more, because James has to get his money, right?

So, to recap, LeBron now pays no income tax on any of his earnings (contracts, endorsements) AND he is getting the absolute maximum money.

Yes... Let's 'laud' him.

What a guy. He sacrificed so very much.

[Quizno]

i feel so bad for real cavs fans. i hope you guys boo the shit out of him whenever he makes his return to cleveland and make it well known that he's not welcome there. the process that he went through just to forsake his home state like that was just ridiculous and narcissistic. i would LOVEEE to see the cavs somehow sneak into the playoffs with an 8 seed and pull off an insane upset victory over the heat in round 1. that'd make my life complete :oldlol:

[Lamar Doom]

i would LOVEEE to see the cavs somehow sneak into the playoffs with an 8 seed and pull off an insane upset victory over the heat in round 1. that'd make my life complete :oldlol:

I definitely lick my chops at the feeling of validation that would come from the Lakers beating the Heat in the finals but it would be so sweet to see the Cavs or Bulls beat them.

The Cavs, my god, what a hilarious sense of poetic justice that would be. Infinitely funnier than Nelly, fresh off a rather ugly divorce from Cuban and company, taking his 8th seed Warriors up against the 67 win, MVP led Mavericks and bouncing them, highlighted by a game 6 f*ck fest. The Cavs getting the 8th seed and beating the Heat would honestly make me skeptical that the league was staged, it would be that epic and appropriate.

Something about the Bulls too, they just seem like the good guys in all this. Anybody else jump on the Jo Noah bandwagon last year? Guy went from not-sure-I-like-him to one of my favorite players in the league. It would be fantastic to see them blast team diva.

[Quizno]

Something about the Bulls too, they just seem like the good guys in all this. Anybody else jump on the Jo Noah bandwagon last year? Guy went from not-sure-I-like-him to one of my favorite players in the league. It would be fantastic to see them blast team diva.

i ****ing hated noah so much, but i've definitely grown to like him. i've always been a big UCLA basketball fan and he did terrible, terrible things to us when he was at florida and i just couldn't stand him. but i've really started to like him after last year, especially when he called lebron out on that stupid dancing bullshit or whatever it was, then he called the miami team "hollywood" haha. he has a lot of heart and plays the game the way it should be played (not counting his hideous jump shot form)

some things that i'd love to see happen next year...

1) cavs beat the heat in the first round
2) lakers beat the heat in the finals
3) bulls beat the heat in whatever round
4) celtics beat the heat in the eastern conference finals

i'm suddenly rooting for the celtics. it's funny how this free agency has completely warped my team loyalties

[playtetris]

Something about the Bulls too, they just seem like the good guys in all this. Anybody else jump on the Jo Noah bandwagon last year? Guy went from not-sure-I-like-him to one of my favorite players in the league. It would be fantastic to see them blast team diva.

i'm loving the bulls' team, although i hate boozer a LOT. i wish they picked up amare instead :ohwell:

noah is great. i, like quizno, used to hate him (for no apparent reason), but after last season and all his trash talking, he is definitely one of my favourite up and comers.

[oh the horror]

One thing I can take from this thread, is that BASKETBALL FANS (doesnt matter which team you support) in general did not like the way Lebron has, or has continued to conduct himself.



His behavior, attitude, and the way he represents himself continuously seems to leave a bad, bad taste in everyone's collective mouths for the most part (with the exception of the people who support him, or do not care)

[J-Futuristic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4GBs4A9MNM

and A response video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI2CzfYILHo
:roll: :roll:

[DaniloGallinari]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4GBs4A9MNM

and A response video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI2CzfYILHo
:roll: :roll:

Some people should be paid to go to school.

[v-unit]

What I like is that he pretty much sealed himself in sports history. Can't wait to watch ESPN's "Reasons you can't blame LeBron James for leaving" special. Dude made a huge event people will be talking about for a while anytime they mention "The Drive" "The Shot" "The Fumble" - they will now put in "The Decision" with it as well.

[The_Yearning]

...and I agreed several pages ago (before I read the Woj piece) that Gilbert enabled LeBron for years and played a major role in manufacturing this ego-monster that he has become. I'm not sure where this sentiment is arising that I believe Gilbert handled the 'LeBron years' perfectly or even well.

I pretty much agree with everything Woj stated in that piece.

That doesn't mean that I can't also agree with some of what Gilbert said in his emotional letter. Frankly, after getting kicked in the teeth in front of the world under the guise of an actual 'decision' while LeBron had known that he was bolting for some time, it was nice to have a guy that was willing to toss political correctness aside and stand up for the fans.

If you want to get a look at the real way that this decision was made and how the Miami Heat are where they are right now, READ THIS (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/inside_the_decision_miamis_cou.html). Windhorst is possibly the best sports journalist in the world today and he completely breaks down what exactly just happened.

The idea that LeBron randomly decided to join Wade and Bosh in Miami the morning of 'the decision' is a joke.

Listen... I didn't agree with every word of it or that I thought it was a good idea.... It is just that, as a fan, there was a measure of satisfaction in seeing someone stand up for Cleveland... even if it was a PR nightmare and may backfire down the road.



Did you listen to Simmons' podcast? He questions LeBron's intelligence the same way that I am. There is no denying his arrogance. He didn't even need to handle the past two months as self-servingly as he did for that to be evident.

Obviously, Bill isn't going to have as emotional of a reaction, because he isn't a Cleveland guy... He is a Boston guy.

But, he has made it absolutely clear that he is sympathetic toward Cleveland and he understands why the reaction has been so harsh.



First, I don't think that Gilbert should have done what he did because he is the owner of a professional basketball team... I am not. The fact that I am letting my feelings on what has transpired be known is not going to impact the Cavaliers, our ability to lure in free agents down the road, or making James a semi-sympathetic character by taking the spotlight off of his actions and putting it on myself.

That was the problem I had with Gilbert's letter, not his words. I agreed with most of it and feel the same way.

lol

[RedBlackAttack]

You are right. Now that the dust has settled(a little bit), I have reached a different level of clarity, and I apologize. I honestly do. I'm sorry. I got caught up.
It's all good. Like I said... No need for an apology.

No hard feelings.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4GBs4A9MNM

and A response video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI2CzfYILHo
:roll: :roll:

I fear for the future of this country.


I definitely lick my chops at the feeling of validation that would come from the Lakers beating the Heat in the finals but it would be so sweet to see the Cavs or Bulls beat them.

The Cavs, my god, what a hilarious sense of poetic justice that would be. Infinitely funnier than Nelly, fresh off a rather ugly divorce from Cuban and company, taking his 8th seed Warriors up against the 67 win, MVP led Mavericks and bouncing them, highlighted by a game 6 f*ck fest. The Cavs getting the 8th seed and beating the Heat would honestly make me skeptical that the league was staged, it would be that epic and appropriate.

Something about the Bulls too, they just seem like the good guys in all this. Anybody else jump on the Jo Noah bandwagon last year? Guy went from not-sure-I-like-him to one of my favorite players in the league. It would be fantastic to see them blast team diva.
If the Cavs were able to end the Heat's season, maybe not next year but somewhere down the road, it would make all of this actually worth it. I'm not crazy enough to actually expect that to happen, but I guess anything is possible.

Trust in this... If the Lakers and Heat meet in the Finals next year, all of Ohio will become Laker country.

[JustinJDW]

I'm sorry, but was somebody in this thread seriously trying to defend the calls D-Wade got in the 06 Finals?

:lol

[SALFORD-RED]

i ****ing hated noah so much, but i've definitely grown to like him. i've always been a big UCLA basketball fan and he did terrible

What did he do to provoke your ire? iirc they met in the final 4 2007, dont recall anything untoward hapenning, aside from florida beating the bruins but could be wrong.