During Friday night’s telecast of the Bulls – Mavs game on ESPN, commentator Jeff Van Gundy was critical of Bulls management in their treatment of coach Tom Thibodeau, saying they’re responsible for leaking disparaging stories in an attempt to undermine their coach through the media. Over the weekend, Bulls executive VP John Paxson refuted Van Gundy’s comments and felt an apology was in order.
“Tom Thibodeau isn’t being undermined at all. What’s being undermined is the entire Bulls organization by Van Gundy, who has an agenda against our organization for whatever reason and has for years. I guess he thinks he’s trying to protect his friend, but he’s doing just the opposite. It’s pretty pathetic when you think about it, and truth be told he owes [Bulls owner] Jerry Reinsdorf an apology for his disparaging remarks.”
Van Gundy had no comment in response to Paxson’s response but said he stood by what he said initially on Friday. For his part, Coach Thibs said he has no issues with Bulls management and that Van Gundy was entitled to his opinion.
The Bulls (29-17) dropped another game at home on Sunday to the Heat and remain in 4th place overall in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
