Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert was not wise to burn bridges with LeBron James four years ago. Rather than looking at the bigger picture and realizing that LeBron would be a free agent more than once during the prime of his career, Gilbert reacted by attacking LeBron’s character and making promises he could not keep. And now, it may cost him.
Chris Broussard of ESPN reports that Gilbert’s infamous comic sans letter is one reason, if not “the major reason,” that LeBron’s decision is taking so long.
“If it wasn’t for that letter, this would’ve been done awhile ago,” a source told Broussard.
Gilbert has never issued a public apology to LeBron. There have been rumors that the two patched things up, but neither James nor the Cavs owner have ever confirmed that. By saying the deal would have been done a while ago if not for the letter, Broussard’s source — whatever that means to you — is basically saying LeBron wants to go back to Cleveland.
LeBron has admitted that “The Decision” was mishandled, and I’m sure he understands how much it tortured Cavs fans. Still, he probably can’t help but keep the words Gilbert used to describe him — like “coward” and “narcissist” — fresh in his mind. If LeBron does return to Cleveland, it won’t be because he wants to play for Gilbert again.
All that said, this is extremely difficult to believe. Broussard threw some stuff in the end of his article about how LeBron was the first player to speak out publicly against Sterling, so some believe it would be “hypocritical” of LeBron to return and play for Gilbert. Are we really comparing Gilbert’s childish letter to a fellow owner’s disgustingly racist beliefs? Come on.
