ESPN analyst and former NBA player and head coach Mark Jackson has been widely credited for laying the foundation of the Golden State Warriors dynasty. Therefore, it's been a mystery why he and the Warriors parted ways right before the team's title run -- and why he hasn't had a head coaching job since. However, a new report from a former ESPN writer provides the answers sports fans and analysts have been seeking.
Former ESPN writer and current Warriors beat reporter for The Athletic Ethan Strauss recently published a report on Substack that claims Jackson made homophobic remarks about Golden State Warriors President Rick Welts and assistant coach Jason Collins -- both of whom are openly gay.
According to Strauss' report, ESPN The Magazine prepared a story on the alleged incidents in 2016. However, the article was "spiked" due to the content being "too incendiary," considering Jackson's role at the company. Jackson was accused of dividing players, due to his religious rhetoric, and often "demeaned the bosses" to players.
Strauss claimed ESPN The Magazine's story contained the following:
- Extensive reporting on the cult-like "us against them" atmosphere Jackson had cultivated, in which he regularly demeaned the bosses to those with the locker room.
- Allegations that Jackson had, in his final days with the team, ramped up the religious rhetoric in ways that were increasingly extreme and divisive.
- How Mark had, according to sourcing, accused underlings of "being influenced by the devil," inspiring Jackson to "lay hands on them to cleanse them of their evil spirits."
- Two sources relaying that Jackson had referred to Jason Collins and team president Rick Welts, both openly gay, as "penis grabbers" who were "going to hell."
Despite his name being mentioned for various coaching jobs, Mark Jackson has not coached an NBA team since he was fired from the Golden State Warriors in 2014.
Source: Yahoo Sports
