Icheoku condemns the attack on 'King' LeBron James by the owner of his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mr. Dan Gilbert. Such a low-level descent by the mogul is uncalled for and smacks of an irate sore-loser, who is throwing tantrums and mud simply because his beloved 'wife' left him for a more promising suitor? For seven long straight years, did LeBron James labor, toil and play for this mogul, giving his Team Cavaliers all he got. For the seven long straight years did the championship ring elude James, thereby diminishing his monumental sacrifice on the court as the King remained without a crown; for what is an NBA player without a championship ring? King James did all he could for this man in the hope that his franchise will do something to turn around their fortune, but no, mother luck had already since gone from the team. However the owner and Team Cavalier seem not to get the message that every NBA player covets the almighty championship ring, which has been the most elusive experience haunting LeBron James. This forced James to make that move to Miami, which to the Cleveland owner and hater, and fan-base is termed betrayal; while to every dispassionate mind, is a deft move whose time has since come. Icheoku understands the feeling that goes with one or owner or coach when one's flag-staff player goes off to another franchise; but a man of Mr. Dan Gilbert's standing could have done much better, managing his anger by sparing LeBron all these unnecessary tirades. Mr Gilbert would have just thanked LeBron for all that he did and tried to do in Cleveland and wished him on well. But no, everything must either be his way or the highway. Dan Gilbert worked relentlessly to retain LeBron in his Cavaliers, and having failed, to persuade King Jamesoney to stay behind in Cleveland, he now goes off ranting like a woman-scorned. Dan Gilbert, Icheoku wants you to know that your outbursts were uncalled for and rather too rabid. Before James, was Cleveland Cavaliers; and after James Cavaliers will still be Cavaliers, as it will not just develop wings and fly away.
In Dan Gilbert's open letter to his countrymen and women(fans) on James departure, he said as follows: - 1. - "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." Icheoku responds that LeBron James made everyone know of his possible move to a new club, so it was preposterous of this Cavalier owner to in any way suggest that LeBron James abandoned ship? James never deserted anyone including Team Cavaliers but merely moved on in search of a more proactive team that will help him win an NBA Championship ring; and so important is this to LeBron that he had to forgo additional 30million dollars prospective offer just to be with a team with the greatest and brightest chance of winning. 2. - "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!." Icheoku says there is nothing narcissistic, and/or self-promotional with the manner LeBron tried to get a bang for his decision 2010. He is an incredible star with big talent and has earned the right to whatever he does that is not criminal. Or was Mr. Dan Gilbert a third-rate whimper from a man who has paid his dues and who is sort after like bees seek out nectar. 3. - "The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you." Icheoku answers Dan Gilbert that what his team had with James was a contract and that he completed the agreed number of years. So where does this betrayal come in from, as James had no contract with Team Cavaliers nor did he make any promise which he breached by moving on to Maimi. betray presupposes the defeat of an existing trust and non exists in this situation.4. - "Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us. There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you. You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal. You have given so much and deserve so much more. Icheoku quips that LeBron James was not a coward but a brave young man who polices the hoop-land like only very few other basketball greats. Moreso, James gave the franchise his all for seven years of brave unalloyed service to Cleveland; but a tree does not make a forest? So on account of giving and receiving, James has also paid his dues; hence no one should intimidate him with such sentiment, of Cleveland fans having given James so much?.5. - "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.” Icheoku retorts why did this Dan Gilbert waited until King James LeBron left Cleveland in frustration of not ever winning a championship ring, before making this boastful vow of promise? Dan Gilbert knew clearly well that James left Cavaliers because his team could not win any championship; so is it save to volunteer that Dan Gilbert wanted LeBron gone from Cleveland, otherwise why did he not "guarantee" a championship prior to enable James to stay? 6. - "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. Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there. Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works. Icheoku responds that if anyone involved in this matter wants to ascend to heaven alive it is this miserable Dan Gilbert who failed to understand the purports of words he continually employed during his press conference on LeBron James departure. What is shameful or selfishness here that a world class talent served out his contract and wants to try his ring-luck elsewhere? What is selfish in a mega-star team player, just trying to do god for and by himself, deciding to relocate to another part of the country to continue playing a team-based sports?
7. - "This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become. But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.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. Just watch. Sleep well, Cleveland. Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day. 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." If this is not one of the most uncouth, thoughtless and idiotic outburst of the recent past, then Icheoku must have gone fishing. What loyalty is this Gilbert talking about since he merely had a contract that has drawn to an end and James was no longer obligated to him? Who is heartless and callous in this case other than this mogul whose acidic venomous tongue is gushing abuses and levying curses on innocent LeBron James, who did nothing against him or his former team Cavaliers. Luckily the 'curse' of Cleveland is affixed to the soil of Cleveland and cannot travel with anyone including James, hence shall remain where it.
In conclusion, after 7 long years and no championship ring, what does this human-specimen, Dan Gilbert expect from LeBron James? May be to blindly remain in Cleveland and rust away, playing for a third rate Cavaliers without a chance on earth of winning the championship. From the content of his bile-fueled address, one will discern that Dan Gilbert craved for the days of indenture servitude so that he could have iron-marked LeBron James as his perpetual basketball player without any say in how he plays, where he plays and/or how he is treated. It is always difficult to let go especially when that thing is the anchor of your life; just like LeBron James was the oxygen in the Cleveland Cavaliers lungs. But the world is dynamic and people will always move on and Lebron James has moved on with Miami Heats, case closed. May be LeBron James and millions of fans world-wide could use some apology from this hater, Dan Gilbert. Icheoku wishes LeBron James success in his newly chosen Miami Heats and pray that he can find the ever elusive championship ring soon and very soon.
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