Lebron James disappointed and angered local residents after an hour-long ESPN special last week after announcing he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers. James will join superstars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Miami Heat next season.

To say that Kent residents were somewhat disappointed would be an understatement. Local fans expressed feelings of disbelief, anger and betrayal.

“You kind of saw it coming,” said Nick Piazza, a geology major. “It’s like knowing your grandmother is dying and you hope and try to believe that she will get better, but she dies anyway.”

Banners hung from overhead bridges along I-77 and thousands of fans found ways to show their appreciation for James. But after the Akron-native made his decision, fans were angry, and wasted no time burning James jerseys and memorabilia.

“Lebron, I love you and I wish you the best, but watching you in another uniform is not right,”said Jessica Rogers, a sociology major Jessica Rogers. “It is like watching your boyfriend make out with another girl.”

A source told ESPN’s Shelley Smith that police increased patrols in downtown Cleveland and around LeBron’s house in Bath calling in officers in neighboring cities.

James spent seven years in Cleveland averaging just less than 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game. He led the Cavaliers to 5 playoff appearances, 2 conference championship appearances and one NBA Finals appearance.

Contact sports reporter Wesley Freeman at wfreema1@kentedu.