Coach-Player Altercation Still a Mystery

The day after Utah Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan called on security personnel to remove Chris Morris from his bench and the arena, details of the altercation remained a mystery.

Morris, gone by the time the team reached the locker room after Utah’s 110-99 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday, had been yanked from the game early in the fourth quarter.

“Get out. Get out of here,” Sloan screamed several times, but Morris didn’t budge. Sloan then called on two nearby security guards.

“Get him out of here,” Sloan shouted.

Morris left, accompanied by the guards.

Sloan declined to discuss the matter.

Morris’ teammates were equally discreet.

“I’m not going to comment on that,” Karl Malone said. “I was out on the court playing. I don’t even know what went on, and I’d rather not speculate. I’m sure he and Coach Sloan will work it out.”

*

Detroit Piston Coach Doug Collins left Wednesday night’s game against Golden State at halftime with a stomach virus. Collins, replaced by Alvin Gentry, also left a game earlier this season in New Jersey because of illness.