I’ve never seen anything like the events of the last several weeks. One player had enough power and influence to make grown men beg and cry. Ok, so I can’t say for sure if anyone actually cried over LeBron’s “LeDecision” or begged him to sign with their team, but there were plenty of theatrics along the way.
I wasn’t surprised by all of the sports journalist’s daily commentary. In fact, listening to all of the theories was actually entertaining at times. The hour long “The Decision” special that was on ESPN was “different,” but I can’t say I was surprised to see ESPN produce such a program. What did surprise me was Dan Gilbert’s, Cavaliers Majority Owner, Letter to Cleveland. Here’s a link to the letter just in case you haven’t read it yet. http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html
Typically in the NBA Mavs owner, Mark Cuban, is the “I will always speak my mind, go ahead and fine me owner,” and Dan Gilbert, well I don’t know. Until now he never drew much national media attention. Those of us from the Metro Detroit Area know of him through Quicken Loans fame and other business ventures. And if he was ever quoted in regards to the Cavs he always provided typically NBA owner sound bites. Well, not any more. To say that Dan Gilbert is upset that LeBron is leaving Cleveland is an understatement. He is maaaddddd, and taking names.
I can’t say that I can pick a side on this one. I guess what I really want to know is, whatever happened to “it’s a business?” Isn’t that what owners always tell athletes after they trade them or refuse to renew their contracts? Rather than getting personal or relying on loyalty don’t owners and front office management always seem to fall back on the statement “it’s a business?” So I’m wondering what changed in this situation? This situation got personal – fast. Not only did it get personal it’s almost as if the entire Northeast Ohio region bet their entire economy on one person. Seriously Ohio, did you bet the farm on LeBron in Vegas? I’m not saying you can’t be upset, but have a little pride. Did you forget your state single handedly decided the 2004 election? Hey Cleveland, I thought you said you Rock?
Maybe Cleveland you are a little to blame. Calling a player “The King” and “The Chosen One,” maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. Yes, LeBron is an outstanding and talented player, but you worshipped him and in the end you lost your identity. My mom always taught me that it’s ok to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. It looks like LeDecision taught us all that it has to be about the name on the front of the jersey – not the back.
Good night sports fans,
Alana
Sweet. Chase that dream Ms.Glass! Can’t wait to say, I went to elementary with her.
I agree with everything that you said here. Who cares where Lebron goes? No one cared when Grant left the Pistons!
So the big question is… what happens next? We’ve heard from Rev. Jackson and Chris Broussard on the subject, and we’ve seen the highs and lows of King LeBron idol worship – thanks Nike and Mr. Gilbert. How much more of this drama is good for the league?
I personally think that Dan Gilbert’s staff should have duct taped him to the couch to keep him from sending his “open letter”. That guy has some serious issues…
LeBron out of courtesy probably should have told Dan Gilbert what “the decision” was before going on national TV with it. That may have been enough to keep Dan Gilbert from issuing his 3rd grade break up note.
Well written, Ms. Glass.
Sweet, that’s exactly what I was hunting for! You just saved me alot of work
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