Fan Blog: Dan Gilbert

The importance of an owner in sports is often times overlooked. I think often times an owner is thought to just be a rich businessman that divies up a lot of money to own the majority of a team. Sometimes I do think this is true but it is without a doubt that in order to have a successful sports franchise, you must have a passionate, driven, and successful owner. Although he can be controversial at times, I think Dan Gilbert fits all of these criteria.

Dan Gilbert was born in raised in Detroit, Michigan in 1962. Dan graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University, a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. Additional to ownership of the Cavs, Gilbert is also the chairman and founder of Quicken Loans Inc., the Lake Erie Monsters, the Cleveland Gladiators, the Canton Charge, and has many other business and investment ventures.

Dan Gilbert has issued some controversial statements in the past, particularly relating to the exit of former Cleveland star, Lebron James. The night James decided to 'take his talents to South Beach' Gilbert released a statement to Cleveland fans. In the statement he accused Lebron of betrayal, self-promotion, and disloyalty. He also guaranteed a Cavaliers championship before Lebron James as well as reassured that he and the other Cavaliers management would be working harder now than ever to get the city of Cleveland the championship they deserve. To many outside people this statement was viewed as a low cheap shot on Lebron. But as a huge Cavs fan I applaud Gilbert for this. He was probably the only manager in sports that actually wrote an open letter to his fans stating what 99% of the American population was feeling. Did he get caught up in the moment, absolutely. But it is this kind of drive and dedication that you want in an owner. This letter certainly showed his fire and passion to be the best and he is exactly the kind of guy I want in charge of my team!