(CNN) – In a declaration laden with veiled jabs at NBA all star LeBron James, Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Monday declared the Dallas Mavericks honorary Ohioans.
The move came less than 24 hours after the Mavericks defeated James and the Miami Heat in game six of the NBA Finals to win their first ever NBA championship.
"Whereas, NBA Finals [MVP] Dirk Nowitzki chose to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2010, forgoing free agency and keeping his talents in Dallas, remaining loyal to the team, city and fans for whom he played his entire career," the declaration reads in part.
James played his first seven NBA seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers before announcing last July in a highly publicized prime time television special that he would leave Cleveland to team up with a spate of other all-star players in Miami.
The move instantly soured James' relationship with Cavaliers fans and pretty much everyone else in Ohio.
"Whereas, the proud city of Cleveland and the entire state of Ohio share in the excitement of the Dallas Mavericks fans everywhere," Kasich's declaration added.
No word yet on how the Mavericks players and fans will take advantage of all of the "privileges and honors" that come with their new honorary citizenship.
From CNN Politics
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I'm from Ohio and I lived in Dallas for 4 years. This is so embarrassing. LeBron James left Ohio and his playing was rated one of the worst now. So why would Ohio want lower themselves. It makes us like sore losers. We aren't but John Kasich is.
Eight years and no title for LeBron. Hardly one of the best ever. Not even a top 50. We could send Scottie Pippen to Ohio since he thinks LeBron is so great. Keep drinkin the koolaid all you bloggers.
This is simply Childish and embarrassing for Ohio.
It's a DAMN sport....and Business for LeBron as well. Who cares about being angry at him???? People need to get lives!!!!
All of teh negativge energy directed towards LeBron James is so stupid and uncalled for. He left Ohio–and he had a right to do so. Get over it. Move on. Not just LeBron–but the whole Miami Heat team is still feeling the sting from their loss last night–and the Governor, of the state he left a YEAR ago is making up declarations to rival teams? What a loser! Weiner should step down and so should the Governor of Ohio. Obviously he doesn't have enough *real work* to do. I wish there were laws against this kind of silliness.
I can understand Ohio being upset that LeBron James left the Caveliers, but Kasich's letter is just petty and juvenile.
Besides, doesn't Kasich believe in free-market capitalism? James went where the money and a chance at an NBA title are.
And regarding this demand for loyalty, where's Kasich's loyalty when it comes to the hardworking public employees (police/fire/EMT personnel and teachers, etc.) of Ohio?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?
BUAJAJAJAJAJJA. For all you people who comment about him being childish and yaddy yadda; you are not true sports fans. So just stick to your politics and all will be happy in your life. But to put it in perspective as why the world still hates LeBron and routed for Dallas, I will use an analogy that will strike home. It's sort of like seeing your beautiful ex wife who dumped you on national TV getting married to an A-Hole (Dallas); you don't like the guy, but secretly you can't wait for them to tie the knot just to point and laugh at the misery coming her way. Just for that I'd honor him (Dallas) as temporary friend. Childish? Maybe...but god it feels good.
This didn't come from the city of Cleveland, it comes from Kasich. But just as LeBron had a right to go where he wanted and create the spectacle he did, so does to Governor.
Hello? It's a game played by big kids that are extremly over paid for bouncing and throwing a ball. This is part of the problem in this country. Misplaced priorities. Doesn't the governor have more important issues to deal with? Perhaps he's just one of them. A big kid.
Wow, this is absolutely ridiculous. Though I bet plenty of Ohioans applaud the crazy
No wonder this clown is the second least popular governor in the country. A stupid basketball game is his top concern?
Never thought we'd see somebody in Ohio make LeBron look good, but this guy (Kasich) has done it. What a fool and a doofus. If this is enough to attract voters in Ohio, they deserve this putz.
Wow, wasting taxpayer money to player hate on a multi-millionaire baller. Guess you can worry about minor $hi! when somebody else is paying your bills.
not a very good week for weiner or james.....
Grow up!! It's a game...........shows how childish the governor really is.
Why fault the guy for allowing "the market forces" to determine the selling price? Because he entered into a mutual agreement with another "company" and tried to Goliath the competion? Gee, it still sounds like that basic capitalism thing to me that consevatives talk about so much.
Besides, his highly criticized announcement show raised tens of thousands for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I have never heard anyone offer criticism of his actions that were not based in emotions and hatred. Whether or not you agreed with his choice of teams ( I didn't! ), I respect ESPN and LeBron for the charitable donation that the show was supposed to be.
@Boytjie: He's focusing on jobs about as well as Odumba
The Governor,.....really,,,,,,,,these folks need to pay attension to the needs of the day and get over it!
I thought that, like all Grover Norquist Certified Republicans, he worshiped at the altar of Free-Enterprise ? Blasphemy !!
Ohioans, your governer forgot to sign a jobs bill.
That's all he has to do? Please!
Cleveland fan here….. this is an embracement to Cleveland and Ohio. Really! Good for the Mavs. I’m glad the Heat lost as a team. But certainly not worth something like this. How about creating jobs in Cleveland! That would give me reason to move back to my birthplace.
Ouch!!!
Hell hath no fury like a City scorned.
How about this day being about the Mavs? They're the ones that won the game. All the attention going to the people relishing in a loss by Lebron James is childish & petty, but insults the great game that the Mavs played. Regardless of what this governor & the whole state of Ohio thinks James still won, because he made it to the big dance while they were at home crying. SUCK IT UP & MOVE THE HELL ON!!!!
This is soooooooo not like " AMERICIA " AND ohio ya can't fix STUPID ........... LABRON RULES