A challenging first season for John Beilein in the NBA took another bad turn Wednesday when he reportedly slipped up in a team meeting and referred to his players as a "bunch of thugs."
The incident happened during a film session during the Cavaliers' off day in Detroit, where they'll take on the Pistons Thursday night. Beilein was rebuking his team for its poor effort in recent games.
According to ESPN, "A hush fell over the room when his players and staff heard the words come out of his mouth. ... The Cavaliers players left the room initially stunned and were increasingly disturbed as they dispersed out of the meeting."
Cavs general manager Koby Altman soon learned of what happened and contacted Beilein for clarification. Shortly thereafter, Beilein began reaching out to his players.
"I didn't realize that I had said the word 'thugs,' but my staff told me later I did and so I must have said it," Beilein told ESPN. "I meant to say slugs, as in slow-moving. We weren't playing hard before, and now we were playing harder. I meant it as a compliment. That's what I was trying to say. I've already talked to eight of my players tonight, and they are telling me that they understand."
It marks the low point in Beilein's first season as Cleveland's head coach, after his departure from Michigan last year. The Cavs are 10-27, and Beilein has struggled to connect with his young team.