Jazz owner says Sloan quit after argument with Deron Williams
Jerry Sloan retired abruptly during the 2010-11, and most felt the reason why was because of a conflict with Deron Williams. Now the Jazz's owner is basically confirming that.
By
Royce Young
•
1 min read
When Jerry Sloan abrubtly retired during the 2010-11 seasons after 23 years with the Jazz, it was pretty obvious it was because of an internal conflict between him and his star point guard, Deron Williams.
The two had been said to be butting heads since Williams' rookie year of 2005-06, but it reached a boiling point and eventually led to Sloan saying he'd had enough. Jazz owner and CEO Greg Miller told the story to the AP:
Miller said it started when Sloan and Deron Williams got into an argument at halftime about the final play before the half. Sloan walked away from the team toward his office and past Miller, saying: “I’d like to have a word with you after the game.”
Williams shot back, “Yeah, I want to be in the meeting too.”
“Do you want me to quit right now,” Sloan replied.
[...]
“Jerry, I know this is frustrating,” Miller said. “But we’re just going to have to muscle through it.”
“I’ve been at this a long time and there is nothing left in the tank,” Miller recalled Sloan saying. “I think I’m done.”
“C’mon, Jerry,” Miller said.
“No, I’m serious,” Sloan said. “I’m out of gas.”
The story that Miller tells is pretty much what was assumed or already known. Sloan and Williams clashed, and that was that. It wasn't as much about Williams demanding Sloan be fired or anything, but just that the two couldn't co-exist and Sloan wanted out. What made things curious is that Williams was traded a few weeks later.
Sloan's name has come up around the league for a few coaching jobs, but nothing ever got all that serious. He's now back with the Jazz in an advising role.
