Hell Hath No Fury Like an NBA Owner Scorned

After the announcement that LeBron James was going to the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert posted this diatribe on the team’s website.

All I want to know is this:  Would he still have considered it a “narcissistic, self-promotional build-up” if LeBron had decided to stay?  And what is LeBron and company win the NBA title next year (or any year before Cleveland)?  What will Mr. Gilbert do since what he guaranteed didn’t come true?  Is there anything really on the line for him to say that?

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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….

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

16 Is Not 17!

Yeah, I’m jaded. In fact, I’m pissed. The Boston Celtic’s lost in their attempt to garner Banner 18 when they lost to the craptacular Los Angeles Lakers. Hey, if you expected this to be a non-biased blog, forget it. There’s a reason why it’s called Big Dan’s Ramblings and not Big Dan’s Sports Pages. I’m a Boston sports fan here, and expect nothing less out of my teams than championships. Does that make me sound like a Yankees fan? Probably. But, when your team makes it through the dance and to the championship, you expect them to seal the deal.

Anyway, the C’s lost to the Lakers. Ron Artest made a fool of himself post game thanking everyone, including his shrink, while also promoting his new album. Classy. On the other hand, Rasheed “I shoot WAY more three point attempts than a guy my size should” Wallace tried to go to the referees’ locker room after the game. Weird; although the C’s did only take seventeen trips to the line compared to the Lakers thirty-seven! I’m just glad I fell asleep at halftime and didn’t make it to the end of the game. At least I didn’t get all amped up and, in the end, disappointed.

No links today – no one wants to read a story about Kobe winning another championship.

The question now is: Did the Big Three play their last game together? Ray Allen is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Will the C’s sign him?

Lakers Hammer Celtics, Force Game 7

The Los Angeles Lakers took the Boston Celtics to school last night, destroying them 89-67. Once again, Kobe Bryant lead all scorers with 26 points. Amazingly, four out of the five Celtic’s starters were in double figures with Ray Allen leading the way (19 points). The Lakers simply outhustled and outplayed the Celtics – essentially playing like their lives depended on it. In essence, they did. The Lakers were facing elimination last night. But, with their win last night, they’ve forced a winner-take-all Game 7. This is the first Game 7 the NBA Finals have seen since 2005 when the San Antonio Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons 81-74.

Will the real Celtics show up on Thursday night?

Kobe and gang are pumped to be heading to a Game 7
Photo: REUTERS

Hollywood Flop – Boston Globe
After Lakers win, Celtics’ Glen Davis bounces back, talking smack – Los Angeles Times
Suicide lines: Lakers believe; Celtics shake it off – Yahoo.com
Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic prove the Lakers do have something in reserve – Los Angles Times
Lakers rout Celtics to force Game 7 in 2010 NBA finals – Washington Post
Game 6 Box Score – ESPN.com

Celtics Beat Lakers; Take 3-2 Series Lead

Paul Pierce scored 27 point while Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo both scored 18 in helping the Boston Celtics defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 92-86 in Game 5 of the 2010 NBA Finals. The C’s take a 3-2 game lead back to LA for Game 6 on Tuesday (15-Jun) night at 9pm EST. This hard fought victory came to the C’s despite Kobe Bryant’s game-leading 38 points. The problem with the Lakers is that, despite Kobe dropping 38 on the C’s, only one other Laker, Pau Gasol, was in double digits for points (12). The C’s fought hard to make sure they were taking a series lead back to LA. Ray Allen continued his three-point shooting woes as he went 0-4 in the game. He was still able to contribute 12 points in his 40+ minutes of action.

Paul Pierce doing his best Randy Moss impersonation

Photo: Barry Chin / Boston Globe

Finals are far from over – Boston Globe
Kobe is going it alone against the Celtics – National Post
Coach Jackson’s comments near end of Game 5 don’t bother the Celtics – Canadian Press
2010 NBA Finals, Game 5 – Sports Illustrated
NBA Finals Game 5 Box Score – Boston Globe

A True C’s Fan

From: Rye man ends journey to New York, wins Celtics tickets

Before you claim total C’s fandom, you have to walk a mile (or 218) in these guys shoes!

Five days and 218 miles later, Rye resident Tyler McGill made it to New York City after what had been a weeklong journey for what is currently the most sought-after sports tickets in the nation.

Rye man walking to NYC for Celtics tickets
Having made a bet with friends to walk from TD Garden in Boston to New York City for a ticket to each Celtics home game in the NBA finals, the 27-year-old’s quest for floor seats on the parquet floor concluded late Sunday night at the doorsteps of his pal’s Manhattan apartment.