National Basketball Association

Ohio governor praises Mavericks

Published Jun. 13, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Ohio Governor John Kasich issued a resolution Monday heaping praise on the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks, and in a not-too-subtle jab at Miami Heat star LeBron James, proclaimed the Texas-based team as honorary Ohioans.

Last July the NBA All-Star announced he was "taking his talents" to Miami, shunning his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, and breaking the hearts of many Cleveland fans, who saw James as the key to ending a long-running major sports championship drought.

But a day after the James-led Heat lost the NBA title to the Mavericks, Kasich's office announced a proclamation bestowing honorary Ohio citizenship to the entire Dallas team.

The document did not mention James -- an Ohio native -- by name, but a line of praise for Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki made its intention clear.

"NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Dirk Nowitzki chose to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2010, forgoing free agency and keeping his talents in Dallas, thus remaining loyal to the team, city and fans for whom he played his entire career," the Kasich-signed resolution read.

The proclamation went on to say, "The proud city of Cleveland and the entire State of Ohio share in the excitement of Dallas Mavericks fans everywhere.

"Now, Therefore, I, John R. Kasich, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby name the Dallas Mavericks organization, friends, family and fans as honorary Ohioans, with all privileges and honors therein, for the day of June 14, 2011."

The Mavericks won their first ever NBA championship with a 105-95 win over the Heat in Game 6 of the finals in Miami.