"I think he's gonna leave, and I think that the treatment that he's getting right now is going to be the motivating factor,'' Brown told a Baltimore radio station last weekend in an interview aired Tuesday.

"You know, it's so unfortunate that a man that's got so much would feel so bad right now because of what he couldn't do. I think he's being treated unfairly,'' Brown said. "I think the expectations were too high, and I don't think he's gonna stay in Cleveland because of it. I think as one man, there's only so much you can do, and for people to analyze you and to basically say humiliating things about you, when you've given all those things through the years to that franchise, I think it's an atrocity."

osu99 wrote: Is Brown really that close to Lebron? I had never seen anything besides Brown going to a couple Cavs game. Now as far Bron's statements go I question what kinds of expectations people will have for Lebron when he goes elsewhere? Something tells me they, like the city of Cleveland, will expect championships. I think Brown is pretty far off base here.

Little Danny wrote: I have no dog in this fight, but if Jim Brown thinks Lebron is being treated harsh in Cleveland, how is he is going to feel when he fails in New York City or Chicago. The media is much more critical in those cities and the expectations are much higher.

osu99 wrote: Is Brown really that close to Lebron? I had never seen anything besides Brown going to a couple Cavs game. Now as far Bron's statements go I question what kinds of expectations people will have for Lebron when he goes elsewhere? Something tells me they, like the city of Cleveland, will expect championships. I think Brown is pretty far off base here.

mallymal614 wrote: I remember when Lebron and Jim Brown teamed up a few months ago to celebrate black heritage, Brown openly said he wanted Lebron to stay.

BR1986FB wrote: Honestly, if you're Lebron KNOWING that your team may not even be top 5 in line for a championship with a front office that handcuffed itself with the Jamison deal and has a bunch of heartless PUSSIES around him, would YOU stay?

thedynasty1998 wrote: because the only reason to return to Cleveland is loyalty (don't tell me money because that's irrelevant).

wes_mantooth wrote: whoa....30 mil is irrelevant?

I agree with most of what you and br are saying, but money will play a part if he decides to come back.

thedynasty1998 wrote: I am assuming that you are talking about a max deal contract, and I think it's widely known Lebron is looking for a 3 year contract.

So, if the Cavs can pay $10 million more per year than anyone else, that's news to me.

BR1986FB wrote:

thedynasty1998 wrote: because the only reason to return to Cleveland is loyalty (don't tell me money because that's irrelevant).

And right now, that's Dan Gilbert's ONLY selling point...loyalty/legacy.

If he leaves and wins championships (which I doubt because I don't think he's mean/heartless enough to get one regardless of supporting cast) his legacy WILL be tarnished. He'll be the guy who "couldn't get it done in his hometown" and who will "never be as good as Mike."

mallymal614 wrote: Lebron can make the most basketball money in Cleveland. However, New York or Chicago can give him endorsement money that would crush his NBA paycheck with the Cavs.

wes_mantooth wrote:

thedynasty1998 wrote: I am assuming that you are talking about a max deal contract, and I think it's widely known Lebron is looking for a 3 year contract.

So, if the Cavs can pay $10 million more per year than anyone else, that's news to me.

No, but it is a well known fact that the Cavs can offer the highest salary per year...