I understand that it was a career decision. I also know that you had every right to make your choice and do what you felt would give you the best chance at winning multiple championships. But what I cannot possibly comprehend is the manner in which you abandoned us.
When it was announced that ESPN was doing a primetime special on national television, it solidified my belief that you weren’t leaving. That, in the end, after all the meetings and rumors, you would ultimately celebrate your loyalty to Cleveland and announce that you were going to finish what you started. That you couldn’t possibly string along your hometown for weeks just to publicly humiliate us. And you were going to fulfill your promise you made over a year ago, “I got a goal and that’s to bring an NBA championship to Cleveland and I won’t stop until I get it.” Apparently, after disappointing losses in the playoffs, your feelings had changed.
It’s impossible for those outside of Northern Ohio to truly understand what it meant to have a local icon and legend like yourself desert them, especially in the manner that you did. I’ve heard it several times this week that “It’s just a game,” but to the city of Cleveland, it was more than that. It was a personal relationship; LeBron, you were one of us. You knew exactly what it was like to be from Cleveland and that we hold the country’s record for the longest time without a title in any of the three major sports.
I can’t speak for every person from Cleveland, but LeBron, you’re dead to me. You are no longer welcome here. You quit on me along with every other Cavs fan and were unable to finish what you started. I don’t want to hear about how disrespectful it was that I burnt your jersey or stopped rooting for you. Disrespect is publicly embarrassing your hometown that gave you everything you ever wanted and then jumping ship.
Your legacy is tarnished and you will now be nothing more than a glorified Scottie Pippen. The difference between you and Kobe is simple: Kobe would rather compete against the best rather than join them. The minute that Bryant found out that you joined Miami; he was back in the gym working harder than ever. He has the killer instinct that you have always lacked.
So “King” James, thanks for leaving unfulfilled promises and heartbroken Cleveland fans behind to live and play in Miami. You quit on your city, destroyed your legacy and the opportunity to give Cleveland something it hasn’t had in over forty years. And if you do get a ring, you should have Wade and Bosh put it on your finger, because they’re the only reason you got one. Titles in Miami won’t compare to how amazing it could have been for you to break the curse that’s followed us for so long.