Coach Says LeBron Quit in the Playoffs
Obviously angered and betrayed by LeBron James’s decision to go to Miami, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert accused “the King” of quitting in the playoffs.
Gilbert, who recently posted a letter to Cavs fans chastising James over his decision to go to Miami, told the Associated Press late Thursday night that it’s “accountability time.”
“He has gotten a free pass,” Gilbert said in a phone interview. “People have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”
Gilbert feels that James quit on his team in the sound round series against the Boston Celtics, who were able to come back from a 2-1 deficit and defeat the Cavs.
Gilbert appeared to pull no punches with the star, nor offer any amends. He suggested that fans should look into the series themselves, stating that he quit in “Games, 2, 4 and 6. Watch the tape. The Boston series was unlike anything in the history of sports for a superstar.”
In Game 5 of the series, the Cavaliers were beaten by 32 points. During the game, James seemed distracted and disinterested, often glaring at Cleveland coaches as the Cavs tried to foul to get back into the game. James likewise made some contestable postgame comments, saying that he had “spoiled” fans with his play for seven seasons.
Gilbert argued further that James quit in a similar fashion in Game 6 of the 2009 series against the Orlando Magic.
“Go back and look at the tape,” he said. “How many shots did he take?”
It is hard to assess the factual basis of Gilbert’s claims, as he seemed distraught after James’s decision to leave his club. He has owned the Cavs for five years, and said he was most disappointed with James’s behaviour in the months leading up to his free agency. Gilbert admitted that James never returned a single phone call or text and said that fellow Cavs were not informed of his decision before he went on the air.
Rich Paul, one of James’s business partners, called Gilbert moments before the announcement to say that James needs to go to another team with two superstars already so he can win a championship. In response Gilbert vowed that his team “will win a championship before (the Heat) do.”
Gilbert said that knowing what he knows now, he would have done various things differently with James.
“It's not about him leaving,” Gilbert said. “It's the disrespect. It's time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions. Is this the way you raise your children? I've been holding this all in for a long time.”
Back in Miami, Wade acknowledged that he was stunned by Gilbert’s comments.
“I think I'm happy that I have the owner that I have here in Miami,” Wade told The Associated Press late Thursday night. “I'm happy Micky Arison is my owner. I couldn't believe it. I'm speechless. It's very unfortunate and I think it makes LeBron that much better about his decision.”
Many are wondering if Cleveland looks all the better or worse for its outbursts in regards to James. The team had previously tried to woo the player into a new contract, but it looked increasing implausible when other teams expressed interest. James’s decision comes in the wake of offers by the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks, as well as others. Sources say the losing teams must now determine new planning strategies.
“We knew ‘Bron would take some backlash,” Wade added in his interview with AP. “I told him he's a strong man for it.”
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