by M. F. Cunningham

Created on: July 13, 2010   Last Updated: July 14, 2010

The owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers throws a written “tantrum” and hurled scathing insults at Lebron James for his decision to leave the Cavaliers. In what some are calling a “manifesto” Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said every negative thing under the sun about Lebron James other than he was the “Son of Satan”. I suspect that's coming later.

In what sounds like a letter from a “scorned lover” Gilbert stated that James was the reason the team lost to the Celtics and that his performance was less than stellar in the playoffs, Oh Really! Gilbert sounds like a hurt little boy stomping his feet because he did not get the prize that he wanted.

His remarks were less than professional and I suspect there will be some repercussions from it as well. There are only a few people who are siding with the Cavaliers owner. It is understandable that the fans and organization are upset at Lebron James's decision. He was the only star player and the star attraction.

But there comes a time in a players life and career that tough decisions have to be made. I respect James for making a tough decision. It shows great character, it shows that he is a man. I just can not understand the viciousness and meanness of the owner and fans, players are traded or leave for some other teams all the time in all sports. There was absolutely no betrayal.

Why would an owner want to hold a player hostage if the player wants to leave? Cleveland needs to “loosen the apron strings” and let Lebron fly! It is unfair to cry “foul” when he has bust his rear end and given you seven glorious years. Where is your gratitude Cavaliers?

It does not matter in which way Lebron James made the announcement, the fans and owner of the Cavaliers would never be satisfied. I thought that it was a great PR move on James's part and that is what star athletes usually do. It is Reality TV and let's not forget it raised funds for the boys and girls club.

The backlash for the Cavaliers organization will be that future prospects will think twice about playing for them. Who wants to play for a team that has a “sourpuss” for an owner? An owner who is subject to tyrannical behavior and blatant disregard for a players decision to leave. He showed absolutely no respect for his former player. It would have been better had he been more of an adult in the matter.

Players are not owned as livestock are owned. Some seem to think they are. You pay them to play for you, it is their job. People leave and change jobs everyday that is the nature of the business.

Let's hope that time will heal old wounds but I wont hold my breath on it. In the meantime..................

 You are most welcome in Miami “King James”!

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