From Deseret News archives:
President Monson cheers on Jazz
His attendance at game creates extra buzz, excitement
He even shocked Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and players by his presence and greeting.
Karl Malone? John Stockton maybe?
Not exactly.
The excitement and buzz courtside during and after the Jazz's 121-101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers wasn't for a basketball player. It was actually for President Thomas S. Monson, the new leader of the LDS Church who attended the game on a date with his wife, Frances.
"I thought it was a wonderful game well played," President Monson told the Deseret Morning News after spending time mingling with the crowd.
"Glad that we won."
This wasn't the first Jazz game for President Monson. In fact, his secretary said he attends one or two a month. Usually, however, he watches the game from Jon Huntsman Sr.'s private box suite, so the crowd often doesn't even know he's there.
This time, though, he was almost front and center. President Monson and his party sat on the third row. He cheered, clapped, joked with fans and had a fun night at the game even while surprising many there.
His unexpected visit might have surprised Sloan and his players most of all.
President Monson then really surprised Sloan. During the timeout, he walked by and patted the coach on the shoulder and gave him a cheerful salutation. Sloan, who was celebrating his birthday, looked stunned and admitted he didn't exactly know what was happening or who was behind him.
"I was trying to see what was going on, but I couldn't see who it was because I had my head down," Sloan said. "When I turned around, they were leaving and I couldn't see."
It wasn't until after the game that Jazz officials informed Sloan who had greeted him. The coach had never met President Monson personally before Friday's timeout. He said it was "fine" after he found out who patted his shoulder. The Jazz even went on a 27-11 run after his quick visit.
"Well, I'm always a little gun shy. Somebody gets in a huddle (and) you never know what's happening, especially if you're the coach," he said with a laugh. "Somebody might want to yank you out of there."
Recent comments
No, anti-Mormons are nothing like us Mormons. Our message is...
Dan M. | May 4, 2009 at 10:25 a.m.
Its great to see our Prophet enjoying himself and lets people know he...
The AvaMolifua's for San Jose Ca | April 3, 2008 at 10:25 a.m.
..so many HATERS in BOOtah.if you don't like this story no one put a...
OMGoodneSS. | April 2, 2008 at 2:43 p.m.
- Lawyers earn fees from own laws 1:36 p.m.
- No. 2 fugitive mob boss nabbed 1:35 p.m.
- Frustrated Palestinians appeal to UN 1:25 p.m.
- 'Tweeters' to report on shuttle launch 1:24 p.m.
- Pet cemetery reflects dedication 12:58 p.m.
- Film honors NYC defense attorney 12:57 p.m.
- Redgraves recreates grandma in play 12:21 p.m.
- Can 65 be considered young now? 12:14 p.m.
- Marriage: having each other's back 12:13 p.m.
- Presidential libraries open history 12:04 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
360 - BYU happy to escape with victory
217 - TCU creams U.
203 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
200 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
132 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
130 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - RSL heads to MLS title game
107 - Celtics crush Jazz
104
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
Where in recorded history - anywhere - has a government based on dogma and...
Nobody cares about soccer. Will RSL please reimburse the Utah taxpayers now?
Maynor Miles Matthews Koufos Fesenko Milsap If I were the coach these...
If only! Beating BSU is unlikely, but look at the other upsets this year. If...
Ute fans are hanging their hats on "we scored more points than BYU, so...
Examples of effective summits please?
Why not make a trip to Romney stadium on Friday and cheer the locals "AGGIES"...
It used to be that some people were bigots. Today,as many of thexe postings...
and Utah's pathetic defense gave up 55 to TCU, and it could have been worse ...
I am a Utah fan and my hope is that we will get to the point where our...

