Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein uses the word thugs in a film session and claims he meant to use the word slugs instead.
We have a John Beilein problem. This time isn’t about the performance of the team. It’s not about a disconnect between veteran players and including youth movement of the franchise. This is about Beilein “inadvertently” calling players thugs.
John Beilein apparently said that they were no longer playing “like a bunch of thugs” during a film session. This led to two different reactions from players. Stunned and distributed are the two words being described. Beilein claims he was usage of the word slugs was to praise better effort in a specific part of the game.
Beilein did not know he said thugs, he claims he meant to say slugs. Members of the Cavaliers coaching staff told him after the session of what he said.
Beilein did take time clear things up with the players and express his intended word of use. Whether his intended use is true or not is a different story.
Here is the problem. John Beilein either actually meant to say thugs or is clearly out of it and did not realize he said thugs instead of slugs. One is a racial problem and the other begs to ask if he is fit for the job. Has there been other instances where Beilein has said something but meant another?
The Cavaliers are apparently sticking with Beilein for now. The plans for general manger Koby Altman have been changed per Chris Fedor.
Although if things on the court do not get better and if more similar stories arise, a coaching change isn’t out of the question.
