Jackson reprimanded for sexual reference

The Lakers lost to the San Antonio Spurs 92-107 Tuesday, but that wasn’t what had fans and sports critics talking, according to an Associated Press article published Wednesday, Nov. 14.  Lakers coach Phil Jackson, slightly miffed with his team’s  loss, seemingly tried to lighten conversation with reporters after the game with a sly comeback for a media rep’s question about whether too much penetration was leading to open outside shooters. After all, the Spurs did have 13 three-pointers.
“”We call this a ‘Brokeback Mountain’ game, because there’s so much penetration and kickouts,” Jackson said. “It was one of those games.”

While Jackson quickly realized the joke would not be the best way to get the reporters or his fans in stitches and immediately apologized for the statement, NBA officials are still not impressed.

“The remarks are in poor taste, and the Lakers have assured us such remarks will not occur in the future,” Brian McIntyre, an NBA spokesman, said.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) was not pleased, either. GLAAD’s President Neil G. Giuliano said:  “Phil Jackson’s been coaching long enough that he should be able to talk about the Lakers’ performance without resorting to cheap gay jokes.”

Throughout it all, Jackson could not let the irony of the joke rest, even in his own apology statement: “If I’ve offended any horses, Texans, cowboys or gays, I apologize,” Jackson said.

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