The Associated Press
Reaction after LeBron James announced in a statement to Sports Illustrated that he is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Here is a sample:
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“YESSSSSSSS!! Couldn’t be happier for my guy @KingJames and the @cavs #Cleveland.” — Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns quarterback, who signed James’ friend Maverick Carter and LRMR to handle some of his marketing.
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“Welcome Home @KingJames. I am excited for the fans and people of Cleveland and Ohio. No fans and people deserve a winner more than them…. My 8-year-old: “Daddy, does this mean I can finally wear my Lebron jersey, again?”…Yes it does, son. Yes it does!” — Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert.
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“I am shocked & disappointed in today’s news. However I will never forget what Lebron brought us for 4 years. Thanks for memories @KingJames” — Heat owner Micky Arison.
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“Welcome back bro. Your city awaits you.” — Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson.
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“Can’t blame a man for wanting to return home to play. Wish nothing but the best to @KingJames !!” — Team USA soccer player Jozy Altidore
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“Thank you to @KingJames for giving us 4 great years! Wish you much success back home in Ohio.” — U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
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“Had the Heat the entire way. Lebron is a bigger man than me. I would have had a hard time forgiving Gilbert after that letter. Props to Lebron.” — former tennis star Andy Roddick.
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“Lebron is doing it his way.. Gotta respect it!” — Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry.
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“Congrats @KingJames you’re doing what many athletes would love to do “Come home to open arms and be appreciated”. God bless u. Truth … The giveaway for you all regarding @KingJames should have been where he built his home. It’s nothing like going HOME after work.” — ex-football star Deion Sanders.
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“I’m happy for @KingJames and his family…..as long as THEY are happy.. #livenow.” — TNT analyst and former Sacramento Kings great Chris Webber.
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“Welcome back to @cavs, my friend @KingJames. I’m really happy for the city and people of #Cleveland.” — Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao
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“Sitting in France when I got the news that @KingJames is going home to Cleveland. Congrats to LeBron and the Cavs fans!” — Magic Johnson.
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“Like basketball fans around the globe, we are excited to support one of the world’s greatest athletes as he enters the next chapter of his career.” — Nike.
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“What he just did was patriotic in its own way, was courageous. It’s going to be one of the most historic things of our generation. I’m glad I got to witness this moment for sure.” — Rapper Drake, a friend of James.
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