s_knight8
2005-08-08 14:07:23 UTC
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_3984114
,00.html
Brown, the greatest coach in the franchise's brief but compelling history,
only wanted to teach and win. He asked for peace of mind and cooperation,
too. And when he didn't get that, Brown got ill.
He got sick of the insubordination, disrespect and gutless behavior that
started with Williams and ended with Brown's abrupt resignation.
The situation got so bad at one point that Brown wanted to place Williams,
James Posey and Bonzi Wells on the injured list.
Management said sorry, can't do that.
The situation got so absurd at one point that Brown wanted to trade
Williams, Posey and Wells.
Management said sorry, can't do that.
What baffles me is that Williams's cult of fans is OK with him turning on
the coach that restored his credibility.
Brown eventually left so that he could salvage his retirement years, and
Fratello replaced him only to draw the same conclusion.
Williams, Posey and Wells had to go.
Wells threw headbands and wristbands from the bench over playing time.
Posey pouted for no legitimate reason other than jealously over Pau Gasol.
The more volatile Williams acted out the most. He once traveled beyond
cantankerous over a fine.
Fratello threatened to fine Williams $5,000 because of an irrational and
expletive-filled rant about playing time soon after a Grizzly victory.
Remember, the team won.
Williams responded by calling Fratello a derogatory name that rhymes with
itch and dared his coach to fine him $10,000 because he's burned through
more than that in a week.
Here's something for Williams to consider in Miami: How about burning the
defense and going hard to the rim? How about burning those demons that
haven't allowed you to consistently reach your potential?
"I had a long talk with him," Griz president Jerry West said. "I told him he
needed to learn how to be more professional. He's going to play on a great
team. But discipline is very important to Pat Riley. I wished Jason well."
,00.html
Brown, the greatest coach in the franchise's brief but compelling history,
only wanted to teach and win. He asked for peace of mind and cooperation,
too. And when he didn't get that, Brown got ill.
He got sick of the insubordination, disrespect and gutless behavior that
started with Williams and ended with Brown's abrupt resignation.
The situation got so bad at one point that Brown wanted to place Williams,
James Posey and Bonzi Wells on the injured list.
Management said sorry, can't do that.
The situation got so absurd at one point that Brown wanted to trade
Williams, Posey and Wells.
Management said sorry, can't do that.
What baffles me is that Williams's cult of fans is OK with him turning on
the coach that restored his credibility.
Brown eventually left so that he could salvage his retirement years, and
Fratello replaced him only to draw the same conclusion.
Williams, Posey and Wells had to go.
Wells threw headbands and wristbands from the bench over playing time.
Posey pouted for no legitimate reason other than jealously over Pau Gasol.
The more volatile Williams acted out the most. He once traveled beyond
cantankerous over a fine.
Fratello threatened to fine Williams $5,000 because of an irrational and
expletive-filled rant about playing time soon after a Grizzly victory.
Remember, the team won.
Williams responded by calling Fratello a derogatory name that rhymes with
itch and dared his coach to fine him $10,000 because he's burned through
more than that in a week.
Here's something for Williams to consider in Miami: How about burning the
defense and going hard to the rim? How about burning those demons that
haven't allowed you to consistently reach your potential?
"I had a long talk with him," Griz president Jerry West said. "I told him he
needed to learn how to be more professional. He's going to play on a great
team. But discipline is very important to Pat Riley. I wished Jason well."