To The NBA -- Can We All Just Get Along??

By now, all of you are aware that LeBron James -- former forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers has agreed to play for the Miami Heat during the 2010-2011 NBA Season.

In a televised broadcast, James announced to the nation that he would leave Cleveland (where he has played for several seasons since being drafted) to play in Miami. Reaction from Cleveland was swift. During the ESPN broadcast -- which they called "The Decision" -- there were scenes in Cleveland of fans burning James' jersey. This was an expected reaction of disappointed fans.

However, the reactions went over the line when Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert released the following letter on the team's official web site:

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....

While we have our opinions on the way that James did this -- we will voice those shortly -- this statement was uncalled for.  In fact, the NBA has fined Gilbert $100,000 for releasing this statement.  It is totally uncalled for.

However, the way that James did this warrants comment as well.  The Shadow thought that the broadcast on ESPN last Thursday was very egotistical and selfish.  James owed it to the City of Cleveland to announce that he was leaving the team in a more dignified manner.  We have no problem with James' decision -- just the way that he did it.

But, at this point, the City of Cleveland and the Cavaliers management need to just get over what has happened and accept the fact that this happens in the NBA.  Great player will come and go.  That is the way this goes.

And to LeBron James -- The Shadow will be watching.  We hope you know what you are doing!!

Good night and good luck.