"In the part of this universe that we know there is great injustice, and often the good suffer, and often the wicked prosper, and one hardly knows which one of those is the more annoying."
--Bertrand Russell--
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of overcoming it."
--Helen Keller--
"Character can not be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition be inspired, and success be achieved."
--Helen Keller--
I applaud Dan Gilbert. His letter that he wrote on Thursday after LeBron James had announced he was going to Miami was a much needed breath of fresh honesty. Was his letter honest? Yes. Was his letter polished? No. Was it politically correct? No. Did he take the "high road?" No. He took the direct, honest, and true road (with the exception of his championship guarantee). Dan Gilbert spoke as a human being. Dan Gilbert spoke as a fan. And he does not and should never apologize to LeBron James for his honesty.
The sports media has been quick to make excuses for LeBron James. Yes. Lebron James has every right to go where ever he wants. Yes. James has every right to announce it in any manner that he wants. But, just because you have a right to do something does not mean you should do it. LeBron James owed the city of Cleveland the common courtesy of letting them know he was not coming back before he announced his decision on national television. He didn't just change teams, he abandoned his hometown (at least that is how it looks since he never gave the city a proper explanation and farewell).
The media has been quick to point out that athletes have to look out for their careers, their families, and themselves. This is true. The media has been quick to point out that it is a business and that as fans we should understand. It is also true that it is a business. The media (and some athletes) don't get it. We don't have to understand. It is our time, money, and emotions. If we feel that an athlete (especially an alleged hometown hero) turned his back on the hometown team then we also have every right to be angry. We also have every right to burn his jersey (as long as no laws are broken), we also have every right to boo him, we also have every right to cheer against him, and we also have every right to never buy anything that has his name attached to it.
I am not a Cavaliers fan. I am a Bulls fan. I do not live in Cleveland. I live in Chicago. Yet I do feel for Cleveland. According to the media, Cleveland stands to lose a significant amount of revenue due to Lebron's decision to go to Miami. Well, I think everyone who feel that LeBron was wrong in how he handled his announcement should help out Cleveland. We should all make an effort to go to Cleveland and eat at a restaurant, drink at a bar, or buy a sports item (of course of your own team) in Cleveland so that the people of Cleveland do not have to suffer because of Lebron's decision to abandon them. I will be the first to commit to going to Cleveland for a weekend. Will you join me? What do you say America? Let's show the world that the King no longer exist!
If you decide to join me here are a few places you might want to check out:
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