As expected, the Bulls’ front office lost the news conference Friday.
Though coach Fred Hoiberg and all three players entangled in “Blame-gate’’ were marched in front of the media to discuss their rants, Instagram posts and fines after a 40-minute team meeting, the front office sent out general manager Gar Forman for a quick statement before he left without taking a single question.
This from the organization that promised “more transparency’’ this season.
“We were extremely disappointed that several players chose to speak out after our last game,’’ Forman said. “Every team has issues, and it’s our strong belief that when you have issues or critical comments that you keep those issues or critical comments in-house, that it is not shared through you [media] guys, that it is not shared through social media.
“It’s now how we want to operate. It is totally unacceptable, and we made it very clear to the players that were involved that it’s unacceptable.’’
They did so by fining Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo an undisclosed amount, but were lessons really learned? That’s where Forman and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson might not carry as much weight as they had hoped.
The players insisted they had no regrets about how they handled the last 48 hours, and Butler went as far as to say he couldn’t promise it wouldn’t happen again.
“I don’t regret anything,’’ Butler said. “I don’t. Why? I only got one life to live anyways, so live it to the fullest, be who you are. Like it or not, I’m me. I do things my way. They’re not always perfect, and they never will be because everybody has different opinions on different things. But, no, I don’t regret anything.’’
It was after the loss Wednesday to the Hawks that Butler and Wade went on the attack, questioning late-game shot selection by Paul Zipser and Nikola Mirotic, the work ethic of the younger players and how much teammates even cared after wins and losses.
That wasn’t appreciated by Rondo, who has lost his starting job and has worked closely with many of the younger players since signing with the Bulls in the offseason. So he went to Instagram on Thursday and blasted the leadership skills of Wade and Butler.
According to a source, the front office was so irate that it was figuring out ways to get rid of Rondo sooner than later.
Rondo didn’t seem to care how the front office feels about him these days.
“Um, I won’t lose sleep at night,’’ Rondo said when asked if his future with the Bulls was further in doubt. “I’m going to continue to be Rajon Rondo, and that’s all I can be. I’m going to come in here and work, do what I can for this team while I’m here. However they use me, that’s what it’s going to be.’’
All three players said they can work together and not take any of what was said personal. Wade said if it all means more wins, then it was worth it.
“As a leader, sometimes you can’t be liked,’’ Wade said. “It’s the harsh truth and harsh reality. I’m probably not liked in this locker room today. I’m OK with that. I just want this team to reach its potential. I want these young players to reach their potential. Maybe you don’t see it today. Maybe we don’t get better tonight. But hopefully they’re taking steps and we’re taking steps as a team to reach that and further on for their careers.’’
