NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown: LeBron shouldn't return to Cleveland without apology from owner

Four years ago Tuesday, LeBron James came down with his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat, broadcast via ESPN's live special, The Decision.

Now that James opted out of his contract with the Heat, a day doesn't go by without someone's source linking the two-time NBA champion to the Cavs.

As far as NFL Hall of Famer (and former nine-year Cleveland Browns runningback) is concerned, James shouldn't come back unless he hears a public apology from the top of the Cavs' food chain.

"Hell, no," Brown said, via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. "What I really disliked about (James) leaving was the manner in which Mr. Gilbert talked about him."

Owner Dan Gilbert ripped James in an open letter when he left for Miami in 2010. Brown refers to James as a "former hero" and told Tomasson the King's exit was a "cowardly betrayal."

"I did not like the way that Mr. Gilbert portrayed him," Brown said. "There's got to be a public apology made by the owner. I don't see it any other way."