The David Blatt era in Cleveland is over, and so begins the era of new head coach, Tyronn Lue. Everyone was stunned by the announcement of Blatt’s firing, and General Manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to clear the air up after one reporter asked if Blatt was fired at the request of LeBron James.

RELATED: BREAKING: Full Details On Cavs Firing Of David Blatt As Head Coach

Griffin cleared a lot more up than just that answer.

“LeBron plays for this team, he’s the leader of this team, and he desperately wants to bring a championship to this team.”

He then pauses, and begins his strong response (transcript courtesy of Tomer Azarly on Twitter)

“LeBron doesn’t run this organization. LeBron is about this organization, he is of this organization. he’s of our community. this narrative that somehow we’re taking direction from him,” says Griffin. “It’s just not fair. It’s not fair to him, in particular, but frankly, it’s kind of not fair to me and our group anymore.

“I’m not someone who believes we don’t talk to the family before we make changes. We do. and I’ve told you that. I’ve talked to many players when we make decisions if the magnitude that will change the locker room. This was one where I didn’t need to ask them questions. I’ve watched them interact with each other for a very long period of time under a lot of different circumstances. I know what something that’s not right looks like and I believe this was the right decision.

its very possible that its the wrong decision to make. we may hear that from the players tomorrow and I’m open minded to that. They don’t have to like it, they have to respect that this is what we’re trying to do.”

RELATED: REPORT: Was LeBron James Consulted On David Blatt’s Firing

Here’s the clip with the beginning of Griffin’s strong statement.