Dan Gilbert and the Cleveland Cavaliers Entering a New Era

Right about now, there are about 35.58 square miles of the country that don't list LeBron James as public enemy number one.  While the tireless writers here at B/R have done a bang-up job covering all angles, a new wrinkle has emerged, which has turned this curious affair into the surreal.

Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, wrote and posted an open letter to the Cavs fanbase, and while it’s not the most cogent letter, it doesn’t pull any punches.  Here are some of the best lines:

“Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.”

“This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up “

“You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.”

And my favorite:

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

Ignoring the absurdity that a roster currently consisting of J.J. Hickson, Anderson Varejao, Jamison, Mo Williams and 5 other guys who I couldn’t pick out of a line-up could best the superfriends down in Miami, my question is what is happening in Cleveland?

Doesn’t Gilbert have PR people that regulate this type of thing?  One of them had to have gone through a break-up at some point in their life.  They should have imparted the wisdom that you should never, under any circumstance, text your ex when you’re mad.  

Especially, in a rambling and nonsensical manner.

Yes, Cleveland was dealt a blow tonight, the city and the team.  Their hopes and dreams were resting on the "King" delivering them a championship, which he failed to do.  Yet, Gilbert’s letter is truly representative of what the city is going through:

Anger and clouded judgment

There’s no better quote than one of his last, where Gilbert chastises LeBron stating  “[t]his shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn.”  

Yeah, I don’t want my children learning to play the game with the teammates you want, the desire to win a championship despite the money, nor with the integrity to do it without breaking any promises.

I urge you all to read the full letter to get the true extent of Cleveland’s current depression:
"Cavs' Owner Writes Open Letter"

LeBron broke your heart.  LeBron broke your spirit.  Now, it appears Gilbert’s breaking your ties to sanity.