Everyone was surprised when the Denver Nuggets fired the Coach of the Year, George Karl. While many thought it was because the Nuggets fell short yet again in the playoffs, there were reports that Karl demanded a contract extension. According to Karl that report is untrue. Read more after the jump.
George Karl was interviewed by Benjamin Hochman of The Denver Post on Thursday and he didn’t hold back with his displeasure with team team president Josh Kroenke, who fired him last week. When it happened Karl told Kroenke: “I think I should tell you, I think it’s very stupid.”
“I didn’t demand an extension. I said to Josh, ‘I will coach this team next year, I’m excited about coaching this team next year, but in the last year of a contract, there are things that could happen.’ I didn’t say they would happen, I said they could happen. I said I didn’t think I deserved a three-year extension, but it’s a signed contract (with an option), so let’s compromise,” said Karl. “… The thing that annoys me every day still is the fun connection we have with this team. They think they can unplug us and plug somebody else in, and I’m going, ‘Wow, that is not respectful of the coaching profession.’ “
Considering his resume Karl won’t be out of work for long. He’s being considered by the Memphis Grizzlies as well as the Los Angeles Clippers.
