If he could buy a time machine before killing Hitler Dan Gilbert would go back to violently punch Dan Gilbert in the face. Dan Gilbert took the word “Owner” too literally in 2010, for Cleveland’s sake he needs to think less like an owner and more like a repentant supplicant. Dan Gilbert’s ego, entitlement and English could make him the Art Modell of this NBA Free Agency period destroying the hope and dreams of Cleveland.

“What I really disliked about [James] leaving was the manner in which Mr. Gilbert talked about him. There’s got to be a public apology made by the owner. I don’t see it any other way.” - Jim Brown

Dan Gilbert needs to go further than apologizing, he has no leverage and he needs to atone. He needs to kiss the ring. The Decision II should consist of LeBron being fanned and fed grapes by a leashed Dan Gilbert dressed in S&M gear with a ball gag in his mouth. Dan Gilbert called LeBron’s decision to exercise his fought for labour rights a; “cowardly betrayal”, “shameful display of selfishness”, “shocking act of disloyalty”, “sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn” and a "heartless and callous action.“





Unrestricted Free Agency at the conclusion of a contract was finally enshrined in the NBA in 1996 through labour organization. Fans don’t pay to see the owners play, the owners are mostly superfluous set apart by varying degrees of immorality and incompetence. The players should hold the power, labour should have the right to pursue other offers without petulant whining from management and jersey burning by myopic fans.



Non-compete clauses between companies restrict wages for workers. Free movement of labour is what creates competition and basic employment standards. Companies as large as Disney and Pixar profited from "no raiding” employee agreements. These practices stagnate salaries, stagnant working environments, stagnate companies enticing employees to stay. Apple, Google and Abobe were caught suppressing wages for silicon valley employees, court proceedings are outlining a $324.5 million dollar settlement. Without labour organization, or an appreciation for labour autonomy these practices will continue. The attitude of “lucky to have a job” is detrimental to all workers.

We should be cheering, the most talented person in his profession is freely entertaining job offers with complete leverage over management. His previous employer even flew out to meet him without any deal being signed. LeBron is emblematic of true labour power, no one will pay to see Dan Gilbert play. Apple cannot profit from executives programming. Michael Eisner couldn’t draw. If LeBron decides to go home I sincerely hope he makes Dan Gilbert grovel. Not simply for LeBron’s own gratification, but for all of labour.