Sunday, January 23, 2011

LeBron James accused of 'shameful display of selfishness' by Cavaliers

? LeBron James called 'self-titled former King' after Miami move
? Majority owner says Cleveland will win NBA title before James

The owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers has called LeBron James selfish for his decision to seek a championship with the Miami Heat and promised the hard-luck city an NBA title before the six-times All-Star gets one.

In a letter to Cavaliers fans, the team's majority owner, Dan Gilbert, said he was disappointed that James opted to join his fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami and felt the nationally televised announcement was inappropriate.

"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," Gilbert wrote.

"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."

James opted to deliver his decision during an hour-long programme on cable network after weeks of speculation on whether he would stick with his hometown Cavaliers or jump to one of the other five teams who courted his services.

His decision dealt a major blow to a city that has not celebrated a professional sports championship since 1964 and has developed a widely known reputation for failing in key games.

Without James on the payroll, the Cavaliers can now look to bolster their roster by signing players from what is regarded as one of the deepest pools of free agents. "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," wrote Gilbert.

The Heat, who last celebrated an NBA title in 2006, were clearly in a much more upbeat mood as the team usher in a new chapter.

"We are thrilled that LeBron James and Chris Bosh have decided to come to Miami to join forces with our truly great player, Dwyane Wade," the Heat coach, Pat Riley, said in a statement.

"We are looking forward to the opportunity of building something that our fans in Miami will be proud of for a long, long time. The journey is just beginning."


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