Gilbert says James created a "narcissistic, self-promotional build-up" culminating in "shocking lack of disloyalty."

Plain Dealer photoDaniel Gilbert left no question about his anger over LeBron James' statement Thursday night.

• Dan Gilbert says LeBron James 'quit' during the playoffs

Late Thursday night, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert issued the following statement on LeBron James' departure from the franchise.

Lebron James is gone. So what? If you want a team - or an athlete - that won't sell you down the river find a team full of kids who play simply because they love the game.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)Cleveland Cavalier fan Mike Tricarichi of Cleveland can't believe that Cavs superstar LeBron James decided to go to the Miami Heat as he watches it on a big screen outside the Harry Buffalo restaurant in Cleveland July 8, 2010.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron is gone.

So what?

God bless him with health and a championship. He gave us seven highly entertaining years. Let's not lapse into some kind of unseemly civic post-partumlike depression. We're better than that.

It's time that we put sports in perspective, anyway. Sports are heartbreak.

That's the core definition. There are ways of coping, however. Allow me to let you in on a sports medicine secret.

Find a kid who loves the game.

My daughter started playing organized softball and lacrosse a couple years ago.

She fell into both sports, I suspect, because it's what her best friends were exploring.

Ten-year-old girls tend to stick together whether they're planning sleepovers, plotting summer afternoon escapes from their parents, or merely discovering their mutual extracurricular (shopping) interests.

It turns out the kid is pretty good at both sports, especially lacrosse. She's a determined hustler. What she lacks in speed and size, she more than makes up for in determination and grit.

She's a fighter and a relentless cheerleader for her teammates. She clowns a lot and is fun to be around. Her teammates and their parents seem to get as much enjoyment out of her antics as her mother and I do.

I'm lucky. She's my sports medicine. Recently, I've been getting my sports fixes from her and her friends – not the Cavaliers or the other professional teams in this town. Perhaps, that's not fair to her. But it's true nonetheless.

The reason is simple: She and her friends play only for the love of the game.

There are no ulterior motives at play: No jockeying for money or endorsements, no coveting of rival teams' fields, uniforms, or support cast.

It's just simple honest play. I can safely invest emotionally in these girls. I can safely root for them without fear that they will defect.

The same can no longer be said for professional sports. And that's why I'm rapidly losing interest in the pro games. That saddens me.

I'm realizing that my loyalty to the hometown team is scantly rewarded, and my allegiance is unappreciated by players who so many of us idolize.

A free hot dog or a poster on fan appreciation night from management doesn't really feel like love when your favorite player is looking to jump ship.

LeBron's decision to leave Cleveland, announced Thursday evening in an ESPN prime-time special, has nothing to do with my evolving take on the pro games.

Entertainers at the highest levels – like LeBron -- are mercenaries, who understandably maximize their earning potentials (who wouldn't), all the while claiming to be in pursuit of championships.

The shelf life of an athlete is unpredictable, so they must act in their own best interest. I get that. But here's the rub: Too often, it seems, their personal brand is more important to them than their team brand. And that is why it is so easy for them to leave.

And that's why, all of a sudden, the children are just as entertaining to me as the grownups who play for money.

It's hard to put your faith, your hopes, and your dreams in a franchise that is made up of a collection of individuals who will leave you in a heartbeat for an extra dollar. Carlos Boozer comes to mind

That's why I'm rooting increasingly for the kid and her teammates.

That's why over the last couple years, I've actually derived more joy watching semi-skilled girls play the game, then watching the performance of some of the world's best athletes.

LeBron is gone but Cleveland will survive.

Don't believe me? Go to the nearest playground and catch a group of kids at play. They do it for love. And they do it for free.

Children know how to keep play in perspective.

We should take a lesson from them.

Cavaliers point guard tells former teammate they could've won title in Cleveland and he would've "enjoyed a whole lot more"

The Plain DealerIt was an emotional roller coaster for Mo Williams and his followers on Twitter.

Cavaliers guard Mo Williams, who hasn't been shy about his love for Cleveland, seemingly went through the five stages of grief on his Twitter account early this morning, as he processed life without LeBron James.

1. Denial

I can't believe this is really real. This is surreal. So many emotions on one man decision. I wonder what is our next move. 1:38 a.m.

2. Anger

The only thing, and I mean the only thing I disagree with is.... If he knew somewhere else was the destination. He should have spared cle 1:43 a.m.

3. Bargaining

Love u bron and always will. I knowu made your decision for the rt reason but we could have got it done here and u would have enjoyed it in cle a whole lot more. But I have no idea what went on behind closed doors but I can sit here today and say that I am truly blessed 1:46 a.m.

4. Depression

The person that I feel most sorry for is mike brown. He is a really good coach. 2:28 a.m.

5. Acceptance

Well, after I wake up in the morning its a new day and I can embark on the new journey in my life. Love all my fans. But we will make it thru. *Expletive* 2:25 a.m.

"He quit," Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said about LeBron James. "Not just in Game 5, but in Games 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar."

Marvin Fong/The Plain Dealer"[LeBron James] has gotten a free pass," Cavs owner Dan Gilbert said in a phone interview with The AP. "People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is."

Excerpt from Gilbert's Open Letter To Fans

This shocking act of disloyalty from our homegrown "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.

• Read the entire letter

Can Dan Gilbert deliver on his promise to bring a title to Cleveland before LeBron James & the Miami Heat? Take our poll

AP PhotoWho will a title first, the Big 3 in Miami or Dan Gilbert's Cavaliers?

"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."

LeBron James' decision to abandon Cleveland is drawing comparisons to Art Modell. But the man who moved the Browns to Baltimore in 1995 says the situations are different.

Plain DealerArt Modell approved Bernie Kosar's release and moved the Browns to Baltimore.

The city of Cleveland has been disappointed by its athletes (and one particular owner) over the years. It first happened when Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore in 1995. Thursday night, LeBron James left the Cavaliers after seven years to join the Miami Heat.   What is the most disappointing departure in Cleveland sports history?Market Research

Scott Shaw, The PDLeBron James

The city of Cleveland has been disappointed by its athletes (and one particular owner) over the years.

It first happened when Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore in 1995.

Thursday night, LeBron James left the Cavaliers after seven years to join the Miami Heat.

Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst, today's guest, talks about LeBron's departure and what's next for the Cavaliers.

Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, our Web video show about what's going on in Cleveland sports. Today's show is hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright. Today's highlights:

• Vote in our Starting Blocks polls about LeBron James' decision to leave Cleveland for Miami. One poll asks where James' departure ranks among Cleveland sports disappointments. Another poll asks if it will be the Cavaliers or the Heat that will win an NBA title first.

• Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst, today's guest, talks about LeBron's departure and what's next for the Cavaliers.

While Windhorst does not think James will regret his decision to leave, he believes James will regret breaking the news to all of Cleveland on a one-hour ESPN special. And he thinks Gilbert will regret how he expressed himself in his open letter to Cavaliers fans.

As for moving forward, Windhorst says the Cavaliers need to look at the long term. Trying to compete for a championship and rebuild at the same time is the wrong approach.

Starting Blocks TV will return Monday.

Fans are (not surprisingly) mad at LeBron James. Check out a few of the comments on cleveland.com and share your opinion on James' decision to leave.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerThe lasting image of LeBron James in Cleveland may be the way it all ended.

"In this whole hour-long special, LBJ did not specifically thank the fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers or, for that matter, the people of Northeast Ohio.By all means, we have reason to be upset, but within reason. Any reasonable fan can see that he is going to a potentially amazing team. A chance like that rarely comes around in anyone's lifetime. So it's not like he's just chasing the money.But is it too much to expect him to be grateful and gracious towards the fans that have supported him his entire life? He thanked Paul Silas. He thanked the University of Phoenix and Vitamin Water. He did not thank his hometown fans. This more than anything, enrages me."

"LeBron has joined the ranks of Art Modell as the most despised person in Northeast Ohio. He should remove the 'Loyalty' tattoo from that arm since he showed none. His legacy will be Game 5 vs Boston."

"LeBron, do us one favor, please. Make sure you take your cheeseball friends with you - the ones who act like they've earned something by answering your phone and spending your money."

"The real crime is how he handcuffed the organization for years with his draftpick-eating demands then leaves for a sexier team after he gives up in the playoffs."

In only seven years, LeBron James is the Cleveland Cavaliers all-time leading scorer, and the team's all-time leading scorer in the postseason. He is in the top five or 10 in several other team categories. James will go down as the best player in Cavaliers' history. Once the sting of LeBron's departure fades, should the Cavaliers' retire No. 23?...

Joshua Gunter | The Plain DealerLeBron James

In only seven years, LeBron James is the Cleveland Cavaliers all-time leading scorer, and the team's all-time leading scorer in the postseason.

He is in the top five or 10 in several other team categories. James will go down as the best player in Cavaliers' history.

Once the sting of LeBron's departure fades, should the Cavaliers' retire No. 23?

Doctored photo suggests a possible replacement for the LeBron James poster on the Landmark Office Building: One with Josh Cribbs.

View full sizeJosh Cribbs passed along a picture someone sent him. Seems like a decent idea.

Several Cribbs' tweets deal with James' and his decision to leave Cleveland after seven years and try to attain an NBA title was part of the Miami Thrice. Cribbs seems to laugh at the photoshopped image, but says in the tweet in which he shared it, "Someone sent this to me, but I can't step into my boy (sic) place."

Still, replacing the LeBron Witness poster that adorns the Landmark Office Building on Prospect Avenue, catty-corner to The Q, with something similar may not be a bad idea here in what is, was, and always will be Browns Town.

Will Josh Cribbs succeed LeBron James as Cleveland's favorite athlete?

View full sizeAP FileIs Josh Cribbs now Northeast Ohio's most favorite son, at least in terms of athletics?

Cleveland, Ohio -- For seven years, it's been pretty clear that LeBron James -- Mr. I was born here, I was raised here, I play here -- has been Cleveland's favorite son in terms of sports. Shoot, maybe even longer that, considering how he was fawned over at St. Vincent-St. Mary.

But now, he's gone. James has decided his best chance at an NBA title is with Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat (various suggestions have called them "The Three I-Me Egos" and "Three Men and a Maybe"). It leaves a void in a lot of Northeast Ohio sports fans' hearts.

Who's going to fill that void? Starting Blocks has a couple of ideas, but you're invited to use the comments section below to offer yours, as well.

"Bring Goedert up. Peralta is just taking up space now. Can't keep playing him for trade value because it is diminshing by the game. Goedert can also play first and second."

View full sizeTony Dejak | Associated PressJhonny Peralta has seen a big dip in his numbers the last two seasons.

In response to the story Carl Crawford leads Rays past Cleveland Indians, 5-2, with 2 homers, cleveland.com reader woodyvt is ready for the end of the Jhonny Peralta era. This reader writes,

"Bring Goedert up. Peralta is just taking up space now. Can't keep playing him for trade value because it is diminshing by the game. Goedert can also play first and second."

Yahoo.com reporter Marc Spears spoke with many several NBA coaches on Thursday night following LeBron James' announcement to play for the Miami Heat. Several coaches felt sorry for the Cleveland Cavaliers for losing James, other coaches Spears also interviewed Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who grew up in Cleveland, still rates Modell No. 1. “I think moving the franchise...

John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Yahoo.com reporter Marc Spears spoke with many several NBA coaches on Thursday night following LeBron James' announcement to play for the Miami Heat.

Several coaches felt sorry for the Cleveland Cavaliers for losing James, other coaches

Spears also interviewed Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who grew up in Cleveland, still rates Modell No. 1.

“I think moving the franchise is a bigger crime,” Morey said. “To me, it’s hypocrisy if teams put some sort of value judgments on where players choose to go, but at the same time were negotiating hard for their contracts to go the other way.”

While the Heat now have three All-Stars and shooter Mike Miller(notes) also could join them, Nelson said the test will come when Miami tries to add some big men.

“They got to get some size,” Nelson said. “I think people expect too much because they have three great players, but you still need size in this league. They’d have to accumulate that, but they’ll be a fun team to watch.”

The heat is on in Miami

Miami Herald columnist Israel Gutierrez writes on how the city of Miami is going to have so much fun now that LeBron James will join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Heat.

Heat games will be the place to be to see great dunks, cool spin moves and all of the highlights that will appear on ESPN during the season.

And Gutierrez writes that Bosh, Wade and James equals a championship.

The arguments against this Heat team, regardless of how it rounds out, being a contender right off the bat is complete nonsense.

These words actually came out of Jon Barry's mouth during the hourlong James special announcing his decision: ``It depends on the people they're going to get around them.''

Huh?

So, the Lakers didn't win because Kobe Bryant is the most versatile scorer in the game or because Pau Gasol is the most skilled big man, but because of everybody else's abilities?

That's like saying special teams win championships in football. A field goal can win a game, but a team doesn't build around a kicker.

Miami history

LeBron James is the biggest arrival in South Florida's sports history, writes Miami Herald sports columnist. Even bigger than Shaquille O'Neal. Even bigger than Dwyane Wade, who didn't make the list.

3. Jimmy Johnson, 1996 January: Dolphins hire local favorite and three-time champion (1987 Hurricanes and 1992-93 Cowboys) to coach Dolphins.

4. Pat Riley, 1995 September: With four ``Showtime Lakers'' championship rings sparking, Riley is lured from New York Knicks to take over as Miami coach and put young Heat franchise on national map for first time.

5. Don Shula, 1970 February: The Dolphins lure from Baltimore a highly respected young coach whose seven-year record with the Colts was 71-23-4.

Next chapter

Justice Hill of RealClearSports.com wants to know what now for Cleveland Cavaliers fans? What now since LeBron James has moved on to the Miami Heat?

So, in front of ESPN cameras and edgy emotions, James cast his lot with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form an All-Star lineup that might bring James the title he couldn't win in Cleveland. But his decision to leave surely undid the affection the people in his hometown felt for him.

Oh, and one more thing his joining the Miami Heat did: It showed how little class James had.

The wheels were set in motion when LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all decided to sign short-term contracts four years ago. More than likely, the trio decided then that they were all going to play together on the same team. On a hunch, I figured that team would be the New York Knicks. In The Cleveland Plain...

Joshua Gunter | The Plain DealerLeBron James and Dwyane Wade

The wheels were set in motion when LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade all decided to sign short-term contracts four years ago.

More than likely, the trio decided then that they were all going to play together on the same team. On a hunch, I figured that team would be the New York Knicks.

In The Cleveland Plain Dealer on July 16, 2006:

AROUND THE NBA

Just a thought, but are the shorter-term contract extensions signed by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all part of a master plan that will eventually land all three players in New York?

Can you imagine the hype and rivalry with James playing for the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets and Wade with the New York Knicks? Or how about all three players on the same team, which would breathe new life into a basketball-crazed area that has been reduced to a faint pulse because of the subpar Knicks.

James, Wade and Bosh each agreed to three-year extensions with an option for the fourth year with their respective teams last week. They all could have signed a maximum of five years for $80 million, but they chose the shorter route. In four years, all of those awful mega contracts are off the Knicks’ books (Jamal Crawford will make $10 million in 2010-11) which means there will be room to sign free agents like James, Wade and Bosh.

Far-fetched?

"Last year it was Jets castoffs. This year Seahawk and Eagle castoffs. The beat goes on." - texasbrown

View full sizeLynn Ischay | The Plain Dealer

In response to the story Cleveland Browns sign WR Bobby Engram, cleveland.com reader texasbrown isn't a big fan of the Browns' newest addition. This reader writes,

"Last year it was Jets castoffs. This year Seahawk and Eagle castoffs. The beat goes on."

Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant and head coach Byron Scott will address the media at 1 p.m. to talk about the departure of LeBron James to the Miami Heat.

Note: The press conference is now over. Stay tuned for an archive on FoxSportsOhio.com.

Thomas Ondrey/The Plain DealerChris Grant and Byron Scott

Cleveland watched as LeBron James broke hearts; Miami? Miami yawned.

View full sizeRich Arden,
AP/ESPNLeBron James is interviewed by Jim Gray in "The Decision," the ESPN show on which he announced he was going to spurn Cleveland for Miami and the Heat.

NEW YORK -- Early television ratings for ESPN indicate there was twice as much interest in LeBron James’ decision on where to play in the city he is leaving than in the city where he's going.

The Nielsen Co.’s overnight measurement in the nation’s 56 biggest cities show more than seven of every 100 homes with television sets was tuned to ESPN to see where James would play. It’s expected to be the biggest audience ESPN has ever gotten for a news program.

In Cleveland, “The Decision” drew a staggering 26 rating — meaning more than one in four homes had TVs tuned to ESPN to see James say he was leaving his hometown Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

In Miami, the show had a 12.8 rating.

Kosar fought off tears as he watched "The Decision" from LeBron James as all the old pain of Cleveland sports misery returned.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerSaid Bernie Kosar about watching LeBron James announce he was leaving Cleveland for Miami: "I had this sick sense inside, like when I was cut [by the Browns in 1993]. All the old emotions came back, watching LeBron."

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It was more than 12 hours since Bernie Kosar watched "The Decision," and his voice still cracked as he fought off the tears talking about LeBron James leaving the Cavs for the Miami Heat.

"It brought back all the memories," said the former Browns quarterback. "I saw the ball on the ground from The Fumble, the catch in the end zone at the end of The Drive... I even felt some of the same things that I felt when the Browns moved."

But most of all, Kosar felt for Cleveland sports fans - because he is one of them.

"I had this sick sense inside, like when I was cut [by the Browns in 1993]," said Kosar. "All the old emotions came back, watching LeBron."

A native of Youngstown who wanted to play for the Browns and helped the team make that happen when he entered the college draft, Kosar finds it hard to believe James would leave the Cavs.

"He's from here [Akron]," said Kosar. "I really thought that as an athlete, your ultimate goal would be to win a title for your hometown team. That's what drove me when I was with the Browns. I wanted to finish what I started."

It never happened, as Browns fans know ...

"The Drive, The Fumble ..." said Kosar, his voice trailing off.

He thought about James being only 25, how he had plenty of time to re-sign with the Cavs and keep pushing for that title.

"I felt for [Cavs owner] Dan Gilbert watching that show," said Kosar. "I think of all the money that he spent – he tried to win at all cost for the Cavs fans, the town and LeBron. Then to see LeBron was even willing to take less money and help Miami's salary cap – that had to hurt."

Kosar admitted being a bit surprised by the harsh tone of Gilbert's letter criticizing James, but he understood it – and appreciated Gilbert's passion.

"I like an owner who cares, and Dan really cares," said Kosar. "I think he wants us to know that he won't quit, despite what happened with LeBron. It's time for all of us in this town to rally around each other and our teams."

What about James?

"I'm disappointed by this," he said. "I would have loved to sit down and talk to him. I tried at times, but I was never able to get to him. He has a lot of people around him."

"Once I heard the news, I shifted to the next gear,'' Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant said. "That includes figuring out how to spend $12 million in cap space.''

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerCavs General Manager Chris Grant, left, and new head coach Byron Scott are scheduled to appear at a news conference at the team's practice facility in Independence at 1 p.m. today. This photo is from the press conference a week ago today announcing Scott's hiring.

UPDATED: 1:30 p.m. as press conference ends

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- On the first day of the rest of their lives without LeBron James, Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant and coach Byron Scott met with the media this afternoon at the Cleveland Clinic Courts.

"We're moving forward,'' Grant said. "Our goals remain the same."

Grant said he and Scott believed in their team. "We'll go battle anyone,'' he said.

Grant thanked the fans for their support and supported owner Dan Gilbert, who was critical of James in an open letter to fans after James announced he was going to Miami in a nationally televised program on ESPN Thursday night.

"Dan's owned the team for five years,'' Grant said. "I think he's earned the right to voice his opinion. I give the guy a lot of credit.''

Grant would not criticize James today.

"Once I heard the news, I shifted to the next gear,'' Grant said. "That includes figuring out how to spend $12 million in cap space.''

In looking back, Grant said, "I wouldn't have done anything differently.''

Grant said he was disappointed James elected to leave, but said he had not spoken with James and really didn't want to talk any more about him. He did leave open the possibility of a sign-and-trade with the Heat in order to net some assets for the Cavs, an option the Cavs had pretty much opposed before the decision was announced.

Grant also said no decision had been reached on releasing guard Delonte West, although to reach $12 million in cap space, that move would have to be made.

Scott, who described himself as ''old-school with a new-school twist'', called the entire process "different.'' "I never thought I'd probably see anything like this in my lifetime.''

Scott dismissed national reports declaring the James-less Cavs all but irrelevant.

"It doesn't bother me, it motivates me,'' Scott said. "We're going to use that to our advantage."