Thread: THE END OF AN ERA

There's probably not a lot of Utah Jazz fans on this forum, but I just have to share my feelings about the retirement of Jerry Sloan. Whether you like the Jazz or not, whether you even like basketball or not, or even if you don't like sports-- Jerry Sloan was a man's man, a man who was the epitome of poise under pressure, and a man who commanded respect from anyone that ever met him.

In an era where athletes dictate the course of not only franchises, but entire leagues; Sloan was the last staunch hold-out in all of professional sports. It almost seems fitting that Sloan would not abide a year when both the NBA and NFL will experience lockouts caused by greedy owners and players.

This truly is the end of an era, and Jerry Sloan will truly be missed.

I thought the jazz era ended about 15 years ago

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I thought the jazz era ended about 15 years ago

You probably miss Milli Vanilli!

Change is many times hard to take but it sure keeps a coming!

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I thought the jazz era ended about 15 years ago

Well, that's highly debatable considering the fact that in the last 22 years the Jazz have been to the playoffs 21 times, the western conference finals 7 times, and the finals 2 times; all the while, making Sloan the third most winningest coach in NBA history.

But, that's beside the point. The bigger point that I was attempting to make was that we are finally totally entrenched in an era when spoiled athletes and greedy owners will now be free to react to to each other unchecked, returning blow for blow, while professional sports is left to suffer. The individual athlete has become more important than the team, and profit margins more important than success on the court. Sports used to be about learning to be competetive and being a team player; now it will ultimately be the general public who will suffer, as we continue to pay more and more for an inferior product.

Originally Posted by chay2K

But, that's beside the point. The bigger point that I was attempting to make was that we are finally totally entrenched in an era when spoiled athletes and greedy owners will now be free to react to to each other unchecked, returning blow for blow, while professional sports is left to suffer. The individual athlete has become more important than the team, and profit margins more important than success on the court. Sports used to be about learning to be competetive and being a team player; now it will ultimately be the general public who will suffer, as we continue to pay more and more for an inferior product.

While I agree with you here, I believe the NBA reached this stage a LONG time before the stepping down of Jerry Sloan. It is barely a sport anymore and I for one can't tolerate watching it anymore. BTW, the same can be said for most professional sports but the NBA is the biggest culprit IMHO

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

You probably miss Milli Vanilli!

hahaha you're right I do!

Originally Posted by chay2K

Well, that's highly debatable considering the fact that in the last 22 years the Jazz have been to the playoffs 21 times, the western conference finals 7 times, and the finals 2 times; all the while, making Sloan the third most winningest coach in NBA history.

But, that's beside the point. The bigger point that I was attempting to make was that we are finally totally entrenched in an era when spoiled athletes and greedy owners will now be free to react to to each other unchecked, returning blow for blow, while professional sports is left to suffer. The individual athlete has become more important than the team, and profit margins more important than success on the court. Sports used to be about learning to be competetive and being a team player; now it will ultimately be the general public who will suffer, as we continue to pay more and more for an inferior product.

Sorry but the individual athlete has always been important and they are the most significant in the NBA, where one player can be the difference between NBA Finals and the draft lottery. Sloan got most of his number with two hall of famers on his team -- he would have been fired decades ago if he was left to build something around, say, Greg Ostertag. Put Jerry Sloan on the Cavs and they'll still finish in last place. Put LeBron back on that team and they'll probably make the playoffs.

Not to take anything away from an excellent coach, though. It is the end of a Hall of Fame career and best of luck to him.