This is real simple.
Doesn’t matter if Phil Jackson asked for Jack Nicholson’s glasses if the Lakers told him he had until Monday to make a decision their decision to hire Mike D’Antoni in the middle of the night is super shady.
Jocks and Stiletto Jill has Phillip’s full statement.
“Saturday morning, Jim Buss, called to ask if he could come and visit. I did not solicit or ask for the opportunity, but I welcomed both he and Mitch Kupchak into my home to discuss the possibility of my return to the Lakers as the head coach. We talked for over an hour and a half.
“No contractual terms were discussed and we concluded with a hand shake and an understanding that I would have until Monday (today) to come back to them with my decision. I did convey to them that I did have the confidence that I could do the job.
“I was awakened at midnight on Sunday by a phone call from Mitch Kupchak. He told me that the Lakers had signed Mike D’Antoni to a 3-year agreement and that they felt he was the best coach for the team. The decision is of course theirs to make. I am gratified by the groundswell of support from the Laker Fans who endorsed my return and it is the principal reason why I considered the possibility.”
Phil Jackson’s agent then went on a rant that wasn’t as politically correct as Jackson’s statement.
Phil's agent, Todd Musburger tells ESPNLA: "Don't say you've got until Monday, then roust him at midnight to say, We hired somebody else.'
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 13, 2012
Musburger cont'd: "That's just not fair dealing and Phil deserved fair dealing."
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 13, 2012
Phil's agent: "He's a good faith person and he was dealt with poorly. It is indicative of the shabby way that organization is being run"
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 13, 2012
Phil's agent: "There were no demands, outrageous or otherwise."
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 13, 2012
Phil's agent: "To say that he wanted control or that he wanted a zillion dollars or that he wanted equity, those were not topics discussed"
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 13, 2012
Phil's agent: "If Lakers didn't spread those thngs, the fact they didn't take affirmative stance to correct the record is very troublesome."
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 13, 2012
Phil's agent: "Phil brought nothing but trophies to their bookcase and value to the franchise. He deserved to be dealt w/ honestly"
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) November 13, 2012
Who do you believe?
