Dan Gilbert has lost his bitter mind.

With LeBron James telling the world that he is leaving his home town for South Beach and the Miami Heat, the reaction from Cleveland Cavalier’s owner, Dan Gilbert, is one for the ages. It sounds like Gilbert expected LeBron to not only stay, but to be in Cleveland for the rest of his career. I suppose I can understand his frustration, being that his NBA franchise will stand to lose around $150 million in value, in a matter of years…and the fact he found out about LeBron’s fate just like the rest of us – on ESPN’s hour long program, “The Decision,” however, it’s the guarantee Gilbert makes in Cleveland’s Plain Dealer that has me thinking he has officially lost his mind. Enjoy.

Dear Cleveland,

All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight.

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.

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.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us. 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.

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.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal. You have given so much and deserve so much more. In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

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.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there. Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

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.

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. 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. Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland. Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert

Majority Owner

Cleveland Cavaliers

I’m shocked that a professional owner of his caliber would lash out at, not only the biggest superstar he’s ever had in his organization, but an individual that has increased his net worth by 9 figures in 7 years.

Dan Gilbert is 48 years old. LeBron James is 25 years old. I’m embarrassed for Gilbert.

Dan, I would like to make a guarantee to you – THE CAVS WILL NEVER WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP AS LONG AS YOU ARE A PART OF THEIR ORGANIZATION.

Who, in their right mind, is going to want to be a part of your team with you acting like this? You don’t think NBA players see how you’ve, now, treated the best player in the world? You don’t think agents and advisers of NBA players see how you’ve tried to embarrass the player that gave his blood, sweat and tears to your organization for the past 7 years? You should be ashamed of yourself and you’ve only screwed Cleveland over for the next 10 years. No NBA free agent is going to want to play under you. It’s a small fraternity, players share agents, and people talk – you’ve blacklisted yourself and your organization. Congratulations.

Dan, you didn’t give LeBron an opportunity that 29 other teams didn’t want to give him! Quit acting like he you did him a favor. Granted, LeBron should have called you before he made his decision on ESPN, but if you want to talk loyalty – How loyal were you to your former coach, Mike Brown, who was 2008-09 NBA Coach of the year AND lead your team to the best record in the NBA the past two years?

Exactly which “bank” would allow you to deposit such a stupid and irresponsible guarantee of the Cavs winning a Championship before Lebron, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh’s Heat? I know – the same “bank” that allowed the unemployed to purchase real estate 6 years ago… Oh wait, those banks are closed. Good luck, Dan.

-Shane