Time for Cavs Fans to Move On

Once upon a time Cleveland was a thriving metropolis, one of the jewels of the industrial age. Steel mills and other factories joyfully shot plumes of gray and black smoke into the air where it settled hazily above the buildings, the pollution of success. But during the late 70’s early 80’s the factories began to close as the country began a devastating recession. As the doors to working class security began to shut the large monoliths halted the smoky plumes and began to crumble from neglect. The national economy rose and fell several times during the decades. But Cleveland has never truly recovered from the loss of its main industry. Children are born grow and flee. Families have chosen to leave and seek their fortunes elsewhere. Neighborhoods have died and buildings continue to collapse. Unfortunately this same scenario was repeated in many areas not just Cleveland. This is why the unflattering moniker “rust belt” was given to the entire region.

Enter basketball wunderkind Lebron James. He was lauded even as a high school student in Akron. Not only was he drafted directly into the NBA without going to college he received endorsements, including the coveted Nike deal, before he played one professional game. This home grown young man signed with the home team. Diehard Cleveland fans saw this as a new era. Their unflagging faith pointed to an an opportunity to garner the heretofore elusive championship. There was the belief that “King James,” the title he was given in high school, would do for Cleveland what Michael Jordan did for Chicago. And lets face Chicago and Cleveland aren’t even comparable.

James is only one person. And by all accounts, until recently, a generous one. He gave his time and money to benefit his community. One athlete isn’t going to change the reputation or economics of an entire city. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame couldn't achieve it in its 25 years in the city. And in what can only be considered an insult, induction cermonies had never been held in Cleveland, until 2009.

Seven years later the Cavs contract was finished. There was no championship and the condition of Cleveland was much as it was before. Making no secret that he was entertaining other offers James chose to accept an offer in tropical Miami, playground of the beautiful people. Rather than just throw up the peace sign and leave. He was nice enough to announce his decision and give an interview offering an explanation why.

Cleveland lost its collective mind. In the crudest display of unsportsman like conduct seen in recent generations James has had his very name cursed. As if his desire to move was a personal affront to his fans. That very night his picture was defaced and pulled down.The owner of the Cavaliers, Dan Gilbert, joined into the melee writing an open letter to James. Not a professional letter that an employer would write. As in,“Thanks for the memories. It was a good seven years. Good luck with your future endeavors. This is my plan for the future of the Cavs.” No he wrote an emotion filled letter as if he were a scorned lover.

James isn’t welcome “home” he has been threatened. Someone put up a billboard close to his suburban Akron home expressing the sentiment. This behavior is embarrassing. It doesn’t show my birthplace in the best light.The area already has a less than positive reputation as a destination spot. Now the people are acting small and petty. The rest of America isn’t going, “Hey what a loyal group of fans.” They are pointing and saying, "Look at that group of backwards nuts."

I am still shocked by the intense emotion exhibited by fellow Clevelanders. Especially since the team a wealthy athlete plays for really has no bearing on most people’s personal life. One middle aged man said to me “Lebron is a liar because he promised he'd bring home a championship ring.” This was not the logic of a grownup. It was the reasoning of a petulant child who refused to realize that 18 year old optimistic rookie Lebron had grown into seasoned veteran Lebron. The adult made the decision that was best for him not his fans.

I have also been told, “It was how he did it.” No matter what he did people were going to be upset. People have responded like it was a break up. And frankly no matter how the end of a "relationship" comes about feelings are going to be hurt.