Cleveland didn’t waste any time taking down the 10-story-tall banner of former Cavaliers player LeBron James.
The NBA star announced this week that he was leaving the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat, which disappointed and downright angered many of his fans who had followed his career since he was a teenager. Many felt he had betrayed his hometown and handled his move to Miami in a shady manner. Some went so far as burning the two-time MVP’s jersey and even threw rocks at the iconic mural.
“My mom wanted us to get a picture of it before they brought it down,” said Kayla Mack of Norwalk, Ohio. “It’s very bittersweet.”
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert posted a letter to fans criticizing James for “a several-day narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of the decision unlike anything ever ‘witnessed’ in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.”
He later said in an interview:
“LeBron James needs to go to another team with two superstars already so he can win a championship. We will win a championship before (the Heat) do. … It’s not about him leaving. 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.”
We say good riddance!
[Image via AP Images.]