Former Coach Jerry Sloan Quit Utah Jazz After Fight With Deron Williams

Current Brooklyn Nets and former Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams has been labeled a “coach killer”. Some have thought the title was a bit unfair but if you believe Utah Jazz owner Greg Miller, that label might only grow.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Miller said long time coach Jerry Sloan quit because of a fight he had with Williams.

Per Miller, via 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.As the argument escalated, then-assistant coach Ty Corbin calmed Williams while Miller took Sloan aside and told him to focus on winning the game. He also reaffirmed the franchise’s commitment to backing the coach over the player.After the Jazz lost to the Chicago Bulls, Miller went back into Sloan’s office and pulled a chair up next to Sloan.“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.”"

Miller said he kept a journal which documented the incident as he knew it would be a historic and pivotal moment in Jazz history. Both Miller and Sloan remained in contact with each other over the years, which lead to Sloan being hired as a team consultant for the upcoming season.

As for Williams, well, it’s apparently more of the same.