(Businessweek) — On July 8 the Akron kid, now a global celebrity, announced on prime-time national television: “I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.” Gilbert learned the news at the same time as the rest of the world. To call it a loss is to underestimate its financial magnitude and the personal nature of the rejection. It was a cuckolding. Gilbert began writing what became the most famous e-mail in sports history—421 furious words in the incongruously cheerful comic sans font, peppered with caps and addressed to “Cleveland, All of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight.” He opened: “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.” “Narcissistic” and “cowardly” were on his list of adjectives. “Some people think they should get to heaven and NOT have to die to get there. Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.” He guaranteed the Cavs would win a championship before the departed hero did, adding, “You can take it to the bank.”
Comment Disclaimer: Comments that contain profane or derogatory language, video links or exceed 200 words will require approval by a moderator before appearing in the comment section. XOXO-MN
