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CLEVELAND (AP) — Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert says he "strongly" disagrees with Jesse Jackson's criticism of his recent comments about LeBron James.

Following James' announcement last week, Gilbert fired off an incendiary letter to Cleveland's fans, ripping the 25-year-old. He also told The Associated Press that he felt the NBA's two-time MVP quit during the playoffs the past two years and that James "has gotten a free pass."

On Sunday, Jackson responded to Gilbert's remarks by saying the Cavs owner sees James as a "runaway slave" and that Gilbert's comments put the player in danger.

In a statement released by the team on Monday, Gilbert says the Cavs "are not going to engage in any related discussion on it."

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.