Jesse Jackson criticized Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert on Sunday, saying Gilbert sees LeBron James as a “runaway slave” and that the owner’s comments after the free-agent forward decided to join the Miami Heat put the player in danger.

Gilbert had fired off a letter to Cleveland’s fans, promising to deliver a title before James wins one. He called James’ decision “cowardly.”

Jackson said Gilbert’s comments were “mean, arrogant and presumptuous.”