Tough to watch.

More LeBron links:

Ouch.

Front page of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (note his right hand)

Simmons: Cleveland mailbag

Posanski: LeBron becomes A-Rod to D-Wade’s Jeter

Brian Windhorst of the CPD blows up the story.

This guy is the best.

It is rare when an “event” in sports lives up to its hype. Tonight, the events exceeded the hype.

What LeBron James did tonight was the biggest f-you in the history of sports. I am all for a guy going out and exploring free agency. I have no problem with him playing with whomever he wants to.

BUT…

To go on national TV and publicly humiliate the city of Cleveland like he did is simply inexcusable. As a self-professed Cleveland hater, even I can’t see how he could do that to them after everything they have been through.

As you probably know, I cannot stand Cleveland fans. I dislike the Browns, Cavs, and Indians more than the Yankees, Lakers and Canadiens. That said, I feel awful for every Cleveland Cavalier fan tonight. No sports fan deserves to be treated like they were tonight. No sports fan deserves to be shit on by a self-professed “king” who quit on them in his last playoff series in their jersey.

Shame on you, LeBron James. Shame on you for leaving Cleveland in this manner. More importantly, shame on you for forcing me to empathize with the fans of Cleveland.

On top of all of that, you had Dan Gilbert riding in on a white Ford Bronco and not only skewering LeBron, but casting a spell on him AND personally guaranteeing a championship in Cleveland before LeBron sees one.  I am a big fan of letters.  I love to write and letters are my specialty.  Tonight, Dan Gilbert wrote my favorite letter of all time.

The NBA. Where amazing truly happens.

PS – Dear Cleveland: After tonight, I can’t hate you anymore. We’re good. Love, Mike