David Stern is a goof ball | 12:37 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Why is Davis Stern facilitating this for ESPN? Why won't he stick up for his players and not give in to every demand ESPN makes? I can understand the value of a tactful sound bite here and there, but why does a coach need to be "mic-ed" up the entire game? I don't see any reason for this. I'm definitely not condoning foul language, but Jerry Sloan is a seasoned coach who does things his way and I respect that, swearing included. This is just an embarrassment for the Jazz, coaches, and the NBA. It's like ESPN is holding a magnifying glass to each team and exposing their quirks. That is some sick and twisted science experiment if you ask me.
What the *%!%!!**% | 1:17 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
The should kick sloan of the %!@%!%@% team for using the kind of language he does
maxcall | 6:14 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Sloan better not mike up in the locker room again.
Comments continue below
Lifetime Fan in AZ | 6:37 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Jerry Sloan is embarrassing to the Jazz and shows his complete lack of communication skill by his constant poor language. He's a fantastic coach and I'm glad for his incredible accomplishments, but have zero respect for his gutter language. If he cared even the slightest about how uneducated he comes across, he would fine himself $1000 for every time he uses the 'F' word. It would cure him of his filthy habit, and it would pay off the national debt (with a debt, of course). But congratulations on your coaching accomplishment, Jerry. But keep your disgusting self away from me and my family.
SJ Bobkins | 6:49 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
The NBA and ESPN are going a little too far. I don't want to hear what the coaches are saying, I've played enough football and basketball to know it's not gunna be pleasant. While I don't want to go in the opposite direction and do as the MWC presidents spawn, "the mnt" has done in burying game coverage, this is too much. What's next mics in the shower so we can see who has the best bathroom voice?
Leave Reality TV to FOX.
Read my lips | 7:54 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I would favor putting a mic on Jerry 100% of the time if it helped him watch his mouth.

It has always amazed me how he can be so brutal with players like Ostertag, Giricek and others for not being able to put parts of their bodies in correct defensive position and yet he can't control one of the smallest parts of the body - his tongue.

Jerry has always said the fans pay good money and it's their job to give fans what they want. Then he discourages players from showing any kind of excitement or flair while they are playing and narrates the whole thing with language you hear only in "R" rated movies.

Yes, teach the team to be disciplined and play hard but let them have some fun too. Fans like to see gamemanship and even some showboating when it's appropriate and most of all they don't want to have to read Jerry's lips.
Mic Rule | 8:04 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
How about we keep a mic on sloan as the entire audio for the game, so we don't have to listen to "master of the obvious" and dry turkey meat Ron Boone, and Booming Bolerjack? That would be really entertaining. Each time Sloans swears, there should be a sensor on the mic that shocks him. That would be fun therapy, he would probably swear and again upon the shock, and eventually he would learn.
Would he learn quicker to clam up, or will the jazz learn to play defense quicker?
Coach T | 8:05 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I'm a High School coach in Utah County, I'm LDS, I'm a high coucilman in my stake. I love Jerry Sloan and wouldn't want him to change anything. Go Jazz.

PS-Even J. Golden had to let loose some of the time. There are a lot worse sins in this life than cussing. Glass houses people.
LDS Bias.... | 8:07 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I'm sensing some LDS bias in these comments. Get over it! Sloan isn't the only coach in the NBA that has his tirads and says what he says and he won't be the last. If you don't like it then quit supporting the team! Sloan is a good coach!
Sad Buckeye | 8:21 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Jerry isn't worried about the swearing, he's ticked off about being told things like this happening when he was told not to worry. Knowing that they mic'd Sloan, with his reputation, ESPN just happened to miss the 'f' word. Come on, they knew exactly what they were doing, creating awareness of this stupid idea of listening to the coaches. Have you ever been to a high school football game and listen to the players? Have you ever seen a closeup of the basketball and football players talking, nothing but 'f' words, (yes, it's easy to lip read that word). So it is all over in sports, even golf and the work place. I worked with a fellow whose every 4th word was the 'f' word. I am so immune to hearing it now that it sounds like someone is saying 'shucks' instead. Lighten up people.
Ken Baguley | 8:26 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Sloan...You're asking your team to exhibit more toughness...That demands control on ones self. Maybe it might be better if you let the cameras in and exercised control as a demonstration of your ability to control yourself...Commit to that and try it. You'll like it. Everybody can improve.
lifer | 8:31 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Sloan is who he is. I for one appreciate that he wears his feelings on his sleave (so to speak).

As so many on this board have responded to those who suggest things in Utah could be made better ("if you don't like it, leave"), I suggest:

If you don't like what Jerry says, don't watch or (especially) listen!

Go Jazz!!
MadMax | 8:34 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
The NBA and ESPN are over the top with this mic thing. It is not important for fans to hear every word that a coach says to players and officials during the game. Will we now hear an analysis of what the coach says and blow those statements out of proportion as the media does with most statements made by public figures? David Stern has shown an unfriendly streak towards (his) the NBA players and coaches recently. Not good for the CEO to place his 'workers' in less than favorable positions. (Many of them do that well by themselves.) It damages further the poor image of the NBA. Oh well, another reason to opt for college sports over the pros.
Family entertainment | 8:39 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Lighten up? Get over it? It happens everywhere so it's OK? I'm a High Councilman and I think it's fine?

This is family entertainment. My boys grew up on the Jazz. It's marketed for families and promoted over public airways. If I go to Disneyland and the workers there use the F word as often as Jerry I should just lighten up and get over it? At least it offered me teaching moments with my kids whenever Jerry's lips ran afoul.

I realize it happens and not everyone is perfect but keep it in the locker room and not for the eyes and ears of those sitting behind the bench and watching on TV.

He expects his players to set good hard screens and scolds them when they don't. LHM has asked him to watch his tongue but apparently that is just too hard. His language is undisciplined and out of control. Giricek lost his job with the Jazz for playing basketball that way and Jerry was his toughest critic.

Each time Jerry scolds the team it is him that should heed the glass house advice.
Privacy? | 8:42 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Whatever happened to the privacy act ? .
I can't even get a hospital report on the condition of my neighbor who is in the hospital because of the so-called Privacy Act . Doesn't that apply in the case of athletics ?
The suggestion by MicRule for coaches to wear a shock collar might be a good one . In addition to being a terrible habit,swearing is just an indication
of lack of education . We can all express ourselves without those kinds of adjectives .
To MadMax | 8:44 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I agree the NBA is going too far with the mic thing but Jerry goes too far in his criticism of his players at times. The solution? Fix the problem and quit complaining about the overbearing and over reaching coach or NBA.

Earth to Jerry - Get a dictionary and learn a few more words and unlearn a few at the same time. All of a sudden the mic thing isn't a problem anymore.

No excuses | 8:54 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Jerry hates excuses. When asked about playing games on back to back nights he smirks, hard road schedule he rolls his eyes.

These players are paid to do their job. They need to show up everyday. There's no excuse for being tired. I can't make someone happy or want to play hard - that's up to them. I have no tolerance for someone who doesn't give 100% every night that's what the fans pay to see.

Players manage to keep their shirts tucked in, leave their head bands in the locker room and get back on defense instead of celebrating a good dunk by Jerry's request.

TV asks Jerry to wear a mic and watch his language and he can't even do it for one game? Jerry's good at barking orders but not so good at following them apparently.
SOLUTION: | 9:06 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Stop watching (and listening to) sports (!!). Stop coaching. and most of all stop swearing. If it's something you'd be embarrased to have others hear (about), don't say (or do) it. What's so hard about that?

Leave people alone. Stop watching and judging and blowing every little thing out of proportion.
Why Blame Jerry | 9:11 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I don't see how you can blame Sloan for this. He wasn't asked to watch his language, he was told that he didn't have to worry because the production crew would catch anything and make sure it didn't air. It's their fault, but Jerry is the one that looks bad. The TV folks and the NBA aren't blaming Jerry, they're taking responsibility.

Blaming Jerry for this is like a boss blaming their employee for not filing a report after telling the employee, "don't worry about it. I'll take care of it for you."
Concerned | 9:17 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Why don't we ask the media heads to mic themselves in board meetings, corporate and financial report meetings? Let's find out what their strategys are in their efforts to control individual lives with spin, hype and sensationalism of every day world affairs. How to decieve advertisers, and pocket tons of money for the effort. Then, just then maybe they will stay out of our individual lives, and let people make their own decisions. Less intrusion into individual lives would be a breath of fresh air.
We Deserve Better | 9:43 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
In addition to accomplishing my work my employer expects me to represent our company well by wearing certain attire, conducting my business in a professional manner and using respectful language when interacting with co-workers, including subordinates. Failure to do so would likely result in termination of employment.

Why is it that professional athletes (including coaches) get a free pass on much of what is appropriate for everyone else? Are we so starved for entertainment that we condone almost any behavior because of a particular talent someone may posses? If so, shame on us!

If Jerry Sloan wants to cuss at his TV when he�s at home, more power to him. However, he has no business using offensive language in the presence of tens of thousands of viewers and fans. His tirades of profanity are embarrassing to all involved. The Jazz, the league and we, as fans, expect and deserve better.

Also, Amen to No Excuses 8:54 a.m. Where is Sloan�s discipline that he so freely demands from others?
A fan | 9:53 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I hope none of you try to watch the game on ESPN tonight. Its on TNT.
Johnny D | 10:02 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Why not put a mike on Jerry all the time? It has to be so much better than listening to that bubblehead Bolerjack!

Craig needs to take some lessons from Hot-Rod and learn how to really call a game. We really get tired of having to turn down the sound so we can stand watching.
Craig | 10:09 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Jerry is who he is. He changes for nobody and he doesn't give a darn what you or anyone else thinks.

And none of you can change that. And none of you can stop him from being the coach.
russion sailer | 10:16 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
swearing in Utah, look out for the lighting bolt...
Cory | 10:16 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
The judgements passed by people on this blog seem a little unfair. Sloan was raised in a way that this type of language isn't uncommon, does that make him uneducated, stupid or undisciplined, not at all. I've been around sports my whole life and I would guess that the people making their judgement calls on this blog have not spent much time in a locker room. It is very common, even in the junior-high schools.

BTW, I've heard numerous swear words slip through the sensors when Tiger Woods hits a bad shot but I don't really hear anything negative being said except that it's "Tiger being Tiger". Lets try not to be so judgemental and allow people to do their jobs in the way they see best. If you don't like it change the channel or hit the mute button.

Not that it should matter, but I am LDS and I personally do not use any swear words.
Anonymous | 10:27 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I had the privilege to stand behind the Utah bench at the Utah -BYU football game let me tell you when they scored their touchdown to take the lead I had never heard so much swearing that is until BYU scored their touchdown then the Utah players were swearing up a storm. I imagine many of the players are from Utah so please people get off your high horse. Give Jerry a break. I don't like swearing, I don't do it but I shouldn't judge others. Also Jerry is not the only coach in sports thats swears so stop acting like he is.
Judging? | 10:43 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Is it judging or is it trying to improve something or someone? Jazz fans have given Jerry a break for many many years. They have mostly refrained from judging his profanity since he came here. When does Jerry need to own up to his problem and take some responsibility? When will he do it if everyone that is offended by it keeps their mouths shut because they need to give him a break and don't want to judge him.

I am sure Jerry has many redeemable qualities and I have my own faults to work on but let's call a spade a spade as Jerry so readily likes to do. Jerry's mouth is as foul as anything you will encounter anywhere and is not appropriate for family entertainment.

Oh and by the way - it's not appropriate in other sports, high school or junior high either. What is wrong with expecting certain standards in society????
lifer | 10:47 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I heard far worse many moons ago when I was digging ditches and framing houses.

Oh, and more recently, when I'm driving behind someone on a cell phone. . . .

Just how, pray tell, does the occasional F-Bomb uttered during a professional and very competitive event make the world a worse place?

Sloan, in so many ways, is one of the classiest figures in sports. If you can't handle some colorful language, get a life or quit watching.
He was promised... | 10:52 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I'm not blaming Sloan for being upset about being promised no profanity would make it on air and yet it happened but certainly he can see it from the other side can't he??

If I am in charge of editing someone's remarks when every other word needs to be censored I might make a mistake also.

Let's see Jerry try censoring himself. Obviously he knows how hard of a task that is because he has failed much more than once and at least the TV guys apologized for it. I have never heard an apology from Sloan about the language he uses.
Rad_J | 10:56 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Jerry is evil. He needs to step down since his mean words are scaring the children in the front row.
What My Employer Expects | 10:58 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
It would be a big stretch to say that all employers expect the same things of their employees in terms of behavior. Hang out at a construction site. It's not only the laborers, but the management as well that drop various 4-letter bombs. Sit in a business meeting with high power executives. Think they're speaking softly and sweetly to each other? (If you have been in on one and they didn't swear, don't think they're all, or even the majority, like that). If we expect Sloan to watch his tongue in the locker room after being told he doesn't have to worry about his language, or even if we expect him to refrain on the sidelines, we're just fooling ourselves. In a press conference, yes. With his team, I don't think so.

For the most part I think professional athletes control their tongue at the times they should be expected to (press conferences, interviews, etc.). I'm actually impressed at how they handle speaking after an emotional loss (with a rare exception). Let's see that kind of calm after the 3rd Ward gets a controversial win over the 9th Ward.


John | 11:07 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
All you pansies seem to think that Jerry Sloan is the only coach in the league that swears. Probably because you are so isolated from the world you have no idea what is going on elsewhere.

In the grand scheme of things, swearing is way down on the list of bad things. Grow up, and listen to wisdom of the admonition to "live IN the world, and not be OF the world"

If you don't like the way he speaks, stop going to the games. When 18,000 cheer for him and his team, you think that is teaching him that he is doing something you personally object too?
Family Entertainment | 11:12 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
If you think the NBA is a family friendly event, you're just kidding yourself.

There's profanity throughout the whole arena, except at Atlanta games where you can find an isolated corner without any other fans.

There are scantily clad women dancing during every time out. Apparently to distract the families from hearing the cursing going on by the benches.

Watching at home?
How about the commercials showing your children how you can get hot women no matter what you look like as long as you drink the right beer.

"Daddy, that medicine must be really good because it makes that husband and wife so happy." Okay, this was a pathetic attempt to comment about viagra and cialis commercials.

You get the point. Professional sports is not a G-rated activity.
Sloan's Remark | 11:20 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
You know who is the only person with a right to be really upset about this? Father Time.

I mean, why was Jerry so mad at those 4 minutes that he had to describe it using such language. Father Time gave Jerry those minutes and expected nothing in return. In fact, even though Sloan treated those minutes with disgust, he was given even more time afterwards.

I think it's sick how NBA players and coaches think they can just abuse time like that. Just because you make millions of dollars doesn't mean you can treat laws of nature anyway you want!
Team Player | 11:23 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
This peripheral stuff is a big waste of time. I don't care much about what the coaches have to say or what language they use to say it during huddles and half-time. That sort of thing is best for sports radio filler. What I want is to see the Jazz players playing like a team, crisp passing and offensive execution, in-your-face physical defense, and beating the Suns tonight! Oh, and AK being well enough to play this evening. He always kicks booty when playing the Suns!
Agreed | 11:28 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I cant believe what I am reading, "Keep your swearing away from my family" "Quit because you sware". You people need to wake up. If you do want swearing around your kids, you need to keep them out of school, never let them go to the mall, never play high school sports. I dont condone his swearing, but it happened in the locker room, where no one should be able to go anyways. And how many kids actually sit on the front row at games. And if your kids can read his lips they have probably had expirience with te word themselves.
Should Jerry swear probably not, but we all have our own crosses to bear, Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

GO JAZZ, take it to the suns!!!!!!
ID Jazz | 11:32 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Whether you are arguing that "I here it all the time on the road, Construction Site, and meetings" does not make it alright but you also do not get to dictate how those people and Sloan get there supposed message across. Its all about choices. If you do not like the construction site language or the foul mouth meetings then you either file a complaint or find a new job. Same with Jazz games. Jerry has had the same foul mouth for twenty years so if you don't like it when you hear it at the game you can leave or move to seats where you can't hear it, file a complaint and or never attend again.

If the players don't like it then they can tell Sloan, or voice it with O'Connor and Miller. If they still don't like it they ship you to the Sixers.
Its all about choices.
decided and glad | 11:42 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I quit watching the NBA years ago and especially the Jazz because of the tatooes, and Jerry Sloan's inability to find a replacement word in his garbage mouth vocabulary. I don't miss it a bit. I have to wonder about all the High Councilman on this board who have decided that people's gutter mouth's are just "part of the world today". I, for one, don't need it in my life. Don't you wonderful brethren know what the word means? It's violent, offensive to men and women, and is NOT acceptable language in the home, office, or on the court. But if you continue to accept it in your life, you continue to foster an ambilvalence to it, your desensitivity will not help society. If you eat punch and cookies, you'll develop the appetite for punch and cookies. Thanks for your fine example.
RE: Sloan's Remark | 11:42 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I whole-heartedly disagree with you.

It is quite judgmental and careerist (stereotyping people based on their job) of you to think all NBA players and coaches abuse time like that. I happen to have met an NBA player and he was very considerate of the clock. In fact, I met this player when I was abusing time. He pulled me over for speeding and said I need to take my time. I said, "Thank you Officer Polynice. I'll do that."
not a nickle from me | 11:44 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
To ID Jazz. That's why I quit.
lifer | 11:51 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Here's the crux of the issue:

How is it that we accord certain words such powerful meanings???

They certainly have no such power inherently.

It all gives rise to so many subjective judgments (pretty much like most everything else, yes?).

Me and my 15-year-old daughter? We get a laugh when Jerry lets a ref have it with 'colorful' language.

There are other things, however, that really really bug me (and I hope my kid). Violence in popular culture for example; indifference to the real suffering of others; highjacking of our democracy by money, cynicism, and sophisticated marketing. . . .
Texas | 11:51 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Only in Utah ... sports fanatics and fans mix religion with coaching.
Re: decided and glad | 12:01 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Here my friend, let me extend you my 100 ft. ladder, so that you can climb down from your high horse. Here you go, see? Life aint so bad down here!

Go Jazz.
Atlanta Fan | 12:01 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Here in Atlanta we're all sick of swearing. That's why we, as an entire city, have been boycotting the games. Once these potty mouths can clean up their act we'll return to the seats. Either then, or when the team starts winning. Which ever comes first.
down south | 12:10 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008
only in utah?! ever watched football down south, texas?! you gotta be kidding me with this "only in utah" comment!! watch espn's documentary of a HS football team in louisiana-where the preachers sermon is on a makeshift football field, and he teaches "jesus" thru football analogies!!! "only in utah?!!" ...youre from texas arent you?! what the heck is that hole in the cowboys football ceiling for?!! football is religion down south.
responses | 12:25 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008
To re: Sloan's remark- thanks, I neede that. I haven't laughed this much after reading a comment on the DNews for a long time.

and to What My Employer Expects: I have no idea what you're talking about- I was in the 9th ward and there's no way that we would ever lose to the third ward.

Good luck tonight Jazz!
Sokol | 12:36 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008
I was banned for recommending that Sloan show his
'fave five' at the camera, Chuck and company, while
flashing his favorite of the five...ie the middle
metatarsel at the USA.
MADRYBEG | 12:56 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Re: A Fan....did anyone pay attention to his comment? If you truly don't want to watch and be offended by Sloan's language on ESPN please tune in to ESPN. The game is on TNT.
Also, to the person who suggested the shock caller idea I love it! Except, I want to tweak it if I may. I say they put a shock caller on Ron Boone and Craig Bolerjack. Everytime Jerry Sloan says the "F" word Ron Boone gets two shocks and Bolerjack gets one. At least Bolerjack seems to care about what is going on. Ron Boone gets paid to fly for free, stay in hotels for free, hang out for free and do what most of us fans would kill to do to make the DUMBEST comments. "If the Jazz....score more points (extended pause) they increase their chance of winning this game." Thanks moron! Get rid of him and bring back Hot Rod.
Ol'pro | 1:00 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008
Poor Ol'Slow N he's being picked on OHHHHHhhh !

It's not that nobody has ever blown a gasket for some reason or another , and , YES as some of you say , IT IS a common thing to hear this.(swearing) Irregardless,where you may be, in the world of sports, commercial industries, whereever.

But to use it as SlowN does, is no EXCUSE! PERIOD .

Every fourth ,fifth word a profanity? How many teams are there in the NBA ? And how many coaches use this sort of tactic?

Some one said, it's the UN-EDUCATED person that uses this type of language.Did't SlowN go to college? Or was it just dirt plowing that got him through school?

POINT is: if he'd use this from time to time ,perhaps ....OK . But that is NOT SO! He uses it to degrade, demean,humiliate,belittle everything he comes in contact with ! But do not turn it around,SHOW HIM where the BEAR does his thing in the woods.

In my book, that is HYPOCRISY OF THE WORST KIND .

SlowN your not a leader , your not a good coach your just a loud-foul-mouthed piece of protoplasm !

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