I'm sure you've heard what everyone else has. You know, Jesse Jackson's statement about Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert. In a nutshell, he said Gilbert's reaction to LeBron James' departure from the Cavaliers reflected a slavemaster mentality. Sorry Jesse, I don't think it's that deep. While I don't agree with the way Gilbert reacted, I also don't think of major league sports owners as "slavemasters". Hell, James must be the most encumbered slave in the history of the United States. If making around $20 million is being enslaved, then put the shackles on me and sign me up. This adds another level of absurdity to this whole saga.
First, I don't agree with the way James put his free agent status on display. It was ridculous. Lots of people watched,but it was ridiculous. I don't agree with the way he left the Cavs in a lurch. If he knew he was going to leave, he could've told them sooner so they could proceed with a plan B. Now you know why Gilbert is so angry.
Which brings me to Gilbert. I hate to say it, but he acted like a bitch. I can understand he has to galvanize the fan base in Cleveland to sell tickets and make money. But with the fans already burning James' jersey, he did nothing but add fuel to the fire and possibly put James' life in danger anytime he sets foot in the State of Ohio. I do agree with Jackson in that regard. Gilbert knows he's lost about half the value of his team and they're about to return to the Cadavalier days and he knows it. He also knows he won't win a championship before James in Miami,but he has to be a showman to get someone to buy tickets there.
Now this is something Jesse Jackson shouldn't be involved in. It was front page and I guess he had to get involved and get in the spotlight in some kind of way. Comparing this to slavery is an insult to thosewho went through it and the descendants of those who went through involuntary servitude. Last time I checked playing in the NBA was the farthest thing from slavery, involuntary servitude, etc. Please,stay out of this one Jesse. Isn't there some hostages that need to be freed somewhere?
This story just doesn't want to die. All parties besides James, need to let go and move on.
Showing posts with label Dan Gilbert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dan Gilbert. Show all posts
Monday, July 12, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Gilbert Is Being Foolish
With the LeBron James "decision" brings the question, where is the loyalty in sports? Quick answer. Never has,never will be. Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert found this out the hard way. Now he's acting like an angry ex wife whose husband has decided that he wants to move on because he knows things aren't going to work out.
Thing is,Gilbert tried a dirtbag move when he tried to pry Tom Izzo out of Mchigan State. Nevermind the fact that Michigan is the place where Izzo was born and raised and he bleeds green and white. He fired a coach and general manager that got the Cavaliers to their only Finals appearance in franchise history. There's no loyalty there. So,of course when James skips town, he questions his loyalty to the franchise, city of Cleveland, and the state of Ohio. Furthermore, selling James' Fathead for $17.41. The year 1741 is Benedict Arnold's birth year.
I can understand his frustration. He just doesn't have to act like a child that didn't get his way. Cavalier fans were already running around burning James jerseys and the way it was going it could've been a near riot.Then Gilbert writes his open letter to te fans to further stir up the hornets nest. I do see where he's coming from. Circling the wagons, rallying the fans, to keep some interest in his team. Especially since its value is losing millions as we speak. With the open letter, he might have saved a little value. But we all know that the Cavs are gonna be worth a 77 Pinto and a bag of hockey pucks when its all said and done. He could've done this differently. I don't disagree with what he did, just how he did it. He did this clumsily and it could cost him with high profile players in the future.
Gilbert is a businessman, a pretty good one from what I understand. I'm sure he's had to let some people go in this current economic climate. He should know this is a cutthroat world and sports isn't any different. He should go ask Mike Brown and Danny Ferry about that.
Thing is,Gilbert tried a dirtbag move when he tried to pry Tom Izzo out of Mchigan State. Nevermind the fact that Michigan is the place where Izzo was born and raised and he bleeds green and white. He fired a coach and general manager that got the Cavaliers to their only Finals appearance in franchise history. There's no loyalty there. So,of course when James skips town, he questions his loyalty to the franchise, city of Cleveland, and the state of Ohio. Furthermore, selling James' Fathead for $17.41. The year 1741 is Benedict Arnold's birth year.
I can understand his frustration. He just doesn't have to act like a child that didn't get his way. Cavalier fans were already running around burning James jerseys and the way it was going it could've been a near riot.Then Gilbert writes his open letter to te fans to further stir up the hornets nest. I do see where he's coming from. Circling the wagons, rallying the fans, to keep some interest in his team. Especially since its value is losing millions as we speak. With the open letter, he might have saved a little value. But we all know that the Cavs are gonna be worth a 77 Pinto and a bag of hockey pucks when its all said and done. He could've done this differently. I don't disagree with what he did, just how he did it. He did this clumsily and it could cost him with high profile players in the future.
Gilbert is a businessman, a pretty good one from what I understand. I'm sure he's had to let some people go in this current economic climate. He should know this is a cutthroat world and sports isn't any different. He should go ask Mike Brown and Danny Ferry about that.
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