Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins ripped officials in a lengthy postgame rant for ejecting Memphis center Jaren Jackson Jr. and claiming the crew missed several calls in the team’s 127–121 loss to the Jazz on Friday night.
Jenkins, who typically refrains from criticizing officials in games, claims that Friday’s contest was one of the “most poorly officiated games” he ever saw and felt the need to “defend” his players. Jackson, who was clearly frustrated with the officiating, was ejected in the third quarter of the game for charging at an official in his reaction to tacking on his second technical foul.
Utah registered 29 free throw attempts in the game, while Memphis was limited to 13, something, Jenkins felt was “complete disrespect.” In the Grizzlies’ postgame news conference, Jenkins unleashed his wrath.
“ ... F---ing atrocious. Jaren Jackson’s one of the most professional guys, and if you go watch the play, two possessions in a row he gets hacked underneath the basket -- zero free throw attempts,” Jenkins said. “I’m not trying to put a name on a jersey – this guy should earn these fouls. … I don't understand it when guys are competing their tails off.
“Twenty-nine free throws to 13, and I'm not that coach. You go back in history, I’ve done this one other time. Our team is competing their asses off. … The interactions right now with the officials? Complete disrespect. I know what’s coming. It’s unbelievable, the looks on the faces while I'm trying to engage in conversation to defend our guys that are busting their tail right now. … And we're not trying to lose our heads. We're trying to go out and win basketball games and trying to play better. It's as simple as that.”
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) November 11, 2023
Taylor Jenkins’ postgame rant.
— Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA) November 11, 2023
NSFW warning pic.twitter.com/jSp98e6Dej
The NBA will likely fine Jenkins for his postgame comments about the referees. However, no fine have been placed on him currently.
Memphis (1–8) has dropped seven of its last eight games but will seek to pick up its second win on Sunday in the first of three-game road trip against the Clippers (3–5).
