Media Monster

SportsGrid’s Best Of 2010: Dan Gilbert Has A Message For Cleveland Fans

Seeing as how 2010 is drawing to a close, we figured we’d give you a second viewing (or first, don’t be shy!) of some of our best posts from the year that was. Whether they captured a defining moment from this year, reflected some of our better work, or were just too off-the-wall not to include, we’ll be running through our favorites on Christmas day. In this post: Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has something to say to fans – in an ill-chosen font – after LeBron leaves town.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert wrote an open letter to fans tonight. Here’s the link. Go there. Read it. The Cavs’ home page redirects you there. It’s about LeBron. Doesn’t mention his name once (UPDATE: well, doesn’t say “LeBron,” at least). Does mention a “cowardly betrayal” and “several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up.”

UPDATE: ESPN is taking the letter and running with it right now, showing off excerpts on the network’s Bottom Line ticker (via Jimmy Traina). Looks like it’s legit. And again…wow.

Now, it has some grammar/punctuation mistakes and the overall quality of the page’s design looks 1996ish, but it’s been up long enough now that we don’t think it’s a hack. Besides, it might just be that Gilbert whipped it up so quickly – and in such a mental state – that mistakes were inevitable. Whatever the case may be, reading it will be worth your while.

So read it!

But…in case it is fake and gets taken down, here are some highlights:

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

[...]

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

[...]

The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

[...]

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Damn.

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