LeBron James is being dropped off a building.

[zrinkill]

LeBron's mural coming down in Cleveland

By TOM WITHERS (AP) – 2 hours ago

CLEVELAND — LeBron James is being dropped off a building. Workers began dismantling the 10-story-tall iconic image of James on a mural in downtown Cleveland on Saturday. The billboard has dominated the city's skyline for years but is being removed after the superstar announced he was leaving the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

As strips of the image of James, his arms outstretched and head thrown back after doing his pregame powder toss, began coming off, pedestrians stopped on Ontario Street to take photos and cars pulled to the side for one last look at No. 23, who has gone from being a hometown hero to villain.

"We are removing the LeBron James Witness mural in downtown Cleveland and expect the process to be completed within a few days," Nike spokesman KeJuan Wilkins said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Wilkins said he does not yet know what the company's plans are with the gigantic sign, which includes the phrase: "We Are All Witnesses" over James' image.

On Friday, several fans gathered on the sidewalk outside the Landmark Office Tower as workers prepared to remove the billboard.

"My mom wanted us to get a picture of it before they brought it down," said Kayla Mack of Norwalk, Ohio. "It's very bittersweet."

After James announced his decision to leave Cleveland as a free agent Thursday night, some irate Cavs fans feeling betrayed by the Akron native they've cheered for since he was a teenager, burned the two-time MVP's jersey. Others hurled rocks at the mural, which towers over the corners of Ontario and Prospect avenues — a long 3-pointer from Quicken Loans Arena, home of the Cavaliers.

Elsewhere, James jerseys — the ones not on fire — can be found at discounted rates as merchants look to get rid of their inventories of Cleveland's career scoring leader and arguably the most celebrated pro athlete in the city's history.

At Dick's Sporting Goods in Westlake, James jerseys have been reduced to $29.99 with the store offering a further 75 percent reduction. T-shirts and other merchandise with James' face or number on it are also at bargain prices.

Businesses are also offering perks in exchange for James' jersey. At McNulty's Bier Market in Ohio City, anyone turning in a James jersey or T-shirt got a free beer. Anyone with a T-shirt, hat or tattoo featuring another Cleveland sports star got a free second round.

In addition, Fathead.com, an online retailer owned by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert dropped the price of its LeBron Fathead wall decals from $99.99 to $17.41, which happens to be the same year Revolutionary War traitor Benedict Arnold was born.

Following James' announcement to join fellow free-agent stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, Gilbert posted letter to Cleveland fans, ripping James for "a several-day narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of the decision unlike anything ever 'witnessed' in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment."

Later, in an interview with the AP, Gilbert accused James of quitting in the playoffs the past two seasons.

"LeBron James needs to go to another team with two superstars already so he can win a championship," Gilbert said. "We will win a championship before (the Heat) do. ... It's not about him leaving. It's the disrespect. It's time for people to hold these athletes accountable for their actions. Is this the way you raise your children? I've been holding this all in for a long time."



http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...HgmtQD9GSBSV80

[Vintage]

Leave. No. Witnesses.

[Mansta54]

So is the Cleveland basketball team being dropped off a bldg....

[ajk23az]

I still can't come to a realization how Gilbert thinks the Cavs will win a championship before LeBron does? With who!? Mo Williams as your best player??

[Vintage]

Originally Posted by ajk23az

I still can't come to a realization how Gilbert thinks the Cavs will win a championship before LeBron does? With who!? Mo Williams as your best player??

Any rational person can see otherwise.

And who knows - maybe Gilbert doesn't believe it either.

He's mad. His team is mad. His organization is mad. The city is mad. And the state is mad. He acted on his anger and said something stupid.

[mldardy]

Originally Posted by ajk23az

I still can't come to a realization how Gilbert thinks the Cavs will win a championship before LeBron does? With who!? Mo Williams as your best player??

It is possible you know. He didn't say there were going to win it all next year he just said before LeBron. LeBron may not ever win a title and then Cleveland wins one in 2020.

[big dog cowboy]

Originally Posted by zrinkill

In addition, Fathead.com, an online retailer owned by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert

You learn something new every day.

[nflandbooze]

Originally Posted by ajk23az

I still can't come to a realization how Gilbert thinks the Cavs will win a championship before LeBron does? With who!? Mo Williams as your best player??

His letter was ill advised, but I think we all know that when a fan gives a crap, and one of his favs lets him down, sometimes, we can be irrational. I think that's ultimately the source of his words in that letter. An angry fan that vented because he was hurt. He shouldn't have done it, but unlike the national LeBron loving press, as a fan, I am mentally sufficient enough to understand where he was coming from.

[Reality]

Actually, Nike is the one removing the mural, not the Cavs. I've seen several places mention this like it was the Cavs doing but I'm sure Nike is removing it simply because they likely no longer have a valid license to show LeBron in a Cavs uniform.

That being said, the Cavs owner is out of his mind .. that is all

-Reality

[Rustinpeace21]

love that the price of the fathead is 17.41

[hornitosmonster]

Looks like we are seeing a billionaire (Gilbert) throw a tantrum because he didn't get what he wanted. First time he has been shown the door in a long time...

[casmith07]

Originally Posted by hornitosmonster

Looks like we are seeing a billionaire (Gilbert) throw a tantrum because he didn't get what he wanted. First time he has been shown the door in a long time...

They don't know what it feels like after being told "yes" their entire professional lives.