SB Nation Cleveland - Fans Support Dan Gilbert, Offer To Pay His 100K Finehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48841/cleveland-fave.png2010-07-14T04:43:34-05:00http://cleveland.sbnation.com/rss/stream/13243072010-07-14T04:43:34-05:002010-07-14T04:43:34-05:00Fans Send Donations To Help Pay Fine, GIlbert Releases A Statement
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<p>Cavaliers fans are showing their support for owner Dan GIlbert, who was fined $100,000 by David Stern for comments he made over the weekend regarding LeBron James. The support was in the form of donations sent to Gilbert to ‘assist’ him in paying the fine. So much has come his way, that Gilbert released a statement thanking Cavs fans for their generosity.</p>
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<p>I would like to say thanks for the incredible outpouring of support by the numerous loyal and passionate Cavaliers fans who have offered to contribute to paying the recent fine I was assessed by the <span class="caps">NBA</span>.</p>
<p>The humbling offer by so many is another reflection of the strength of Cavs fans and the people who live and work in this region and are always the first to step up and have each other’s back.</p>
<p>I will pay this fine myself, but would be grateful and highly appreciative for any fan who redirects the dollars they kindly offered to contribute towards this fine to the Cavaliers Youth Fund, which will positively impact our region’s kids through the numerous local charitable groups the Cavaliers Youth Fund supports.”</p>
<p><em>Donation information: Fans can make checks payable to the Cavaliers Youth Fund and send them to the attention of: <span class="caps">CYF</span>, One Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115. They can also make a donation on-line at<a href="http://www.cavs.com/donate" target="new"> www.cavs.com/donate</a</a></em>>.</p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/14/1568891/Dan-Gilbert-FineJohn Bena2010-07-12T21:03:26-05:002010-07-12T21:03:26-05:00Stern Drops The Hammer On Cavaliers
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<p>Dan Gilbert will pay for his comments following the departure of LeBron James – to the tune of $100,000. Stern <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5374507">fined the Cavaliers</a> for Gilbert’s statements:</p>
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<p>Gilbert is attending the owners' meetings in Las Vegas, where NBA commissioner David Stern said Monday he was fining the Cavaliers $100,000 for the comments.</p>
<p>"He was completely correct in expressing his disappointment," Stern said, adding that Gilbert's statement and the sentiments he expressed in a follow-up interview with the AP were "a little bit extreme."</p>
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<p>That tells me that Stern really didn’t like Gilbert’s assertion that the NBA’s two-time <span class="caps">MVP</span> was throwing games in the playoffs. Needless to say, using the ‘Q’ word is a big-time no-no in the <span class="caps">NBA</span>, especially when talking about a figure as big-time as James.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/12/1566612/david-stern-fines-dan-gilbertJohn Bena2010-07-09T21:56:54-05:002010-07-09T21:56:54-05:00Cavs Owner Sells LeBron Fatheads For Benedict Arnold Prices
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<p>If you thought Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert was done after he <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/8/1560266/an-open-letter-to-cavaliers-fans?show_comments=true" target="new">wrote an angry open letter to fans</a> and <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/9/1560451/Dan-Gilbert-LeBron-James-Quitter" target="new">called LeBron James a quitter</a> in an interview with the Associated Press, think again.</p>
<p>Gilbert is also the owner of Fathead, the maker of large, full-color wall graphics depicting various professional athletes. Today, the New York Daily News reported that <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2010/07/09/2010-07-09_fathead_company_owned_by_dan_gilbert_cuts_lebron_james_pics_to_1741_benedict_arn.html" target="new">Fathead reduced the price of LeBron James’s Fathead to $17.41</a>, a reference to the birth year of Benedict Arnold.</p>
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<p>What’s the significance of $17.41? One of the most notorious traitors in American history, Benedict Arnold, was born in 1741. Arnold was a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, but joined the British Army in 1780.</p>
<p>LeBron, after spending seven years playing for his hometown team, announced on live television Thursday night that he was leaving for the Heat, to form a “dream team” with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. This sparked reactions of anger and disappointment in Cleveland that probably rivaled their colonial counterparts.</p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/9/1562326/lebron-james-dan-gilbert-fatheads-benedict-arnoldBen Golliver2010-07-09T00:19:03-05:002010-07-09T00:19:03-05:00Gilbert Calls LeBron A Quitter
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<p>Dan Gilbert didn’t stop with a scathing letter to fans regarding LeBron James’ departure. Gilbert <a href="http://www.fearthesword.com/2010/7/9/1560433/dan-gilbert-lebron-quit-on" target="new">went on to use</a> the dreaded ‘Q’ word, and I don’t mean Quicken Loans.</p>
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<p>“He quit,” Gilbert said. “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.”</p>
<p>Gilbert continued, saying LeBron quit against Orlando in 2009 as well.</p>
<p>“Go back and look at the tape,” he said. “How many shots did he take?”</p>
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<p>There is plenty more over at FearTheSword.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/9/1560451/Dan-Gilbert-LeBron-James-QuitterJohn Bena2010-07-08T23:40:38-05:002010-07-08T23:40:38-05:00Abbott: Dan Gilbert's Letter Does Disservice To Cavs Fans
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<p>While many Cleveland fans seem to appreciate <a target="new" href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/8/1560266/an-open-letter-to-cavaliers-fans?show_comments=true">Dan Gilbert’s open letter</a>, Henry Abbott of ESPN’s TrueHoop writes that Gilbert has “done James the most extraordinary public relations favor imaginable” and that <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/17861/dan-gilberts-disastrous-letter" target="_blank">the angry missive will backfire on the team and organization</a>.</p>
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<p>You want your leader to make sense, and offer comfort and inspiration. Nothing much was called for here. Gilbert could have been silent. Could have wished James well. Could have said he’s heartbroken. Instead, he went on the attack, talked some trash, called James names.</p>
<p>This is a terrible night for Cleveland fans. Not only did they lose the best player in the <span class="caps">NBA</span>, but they also are now attempting to rebuild with a green GM and an owner who just served notice that if push comes to shove, he’ll bail publicly, and profoundly, on his players no matter how well they performed.</p>
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<p>Cavs fans: Agree or disagree?</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/8/1560399/dan-gilbert-letter-cleveland-cavaliers-ownerBen Golliver2010-07-08T23:35:43-05:002010-07-08T23:35:43-05:00Dan Gilbert: LeBron James 'Quit' On Cavs During 2010 NBA Playoffs
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<p>Tom Withers of the Associated Press writes that Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert has <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=11122680" target="new">a few more things to get off his chest</a>, despite his <a href="http://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/8/1560266/an-open-letter-to-cavaliers-fans" target="new">amazing open letter to Cavaliers fans</a>.</p>
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<p>Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert says LeBron James “quit” during the playoffs and should be accountable for his actions.</p>
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<p>But, wait, there’s more.</p>
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<p>In a phone interview with the AP, Gilbert says “people have covered up for (James) for way too long. Tonight we saw who he really is.”</p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/8/1560391/dan-gilbert-lebron-james-quit-playoffsBen Golliver2010-07-08T22:31:53-05:002010-07-08T22:31:53-05:00An Open Letter To Cavaliers Fans From Dan Gilbert
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<p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/CLE" class="sbn-auto-link" style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #ab0118; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Cleveland Cavaliers</a> Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">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.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">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.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us. </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">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.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">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.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">You have given so much and deserve so much more. </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><b style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING' WINS ONE" </b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">You can take it to the bank.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">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.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">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. </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">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.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">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. </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Just watch.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Sleep well, Cleveland.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Dan Gilbert</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Majority Owner</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.9em; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Cleveland Cavaliers </p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2010/7/8/2317661/an-open-letter-to-cavaliers-fans-from-dan-gilbertJohn Bena