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Jerry Sloan diagnosed with Parkinson's, Lewy body dementia Sloan fighting health crisis

Deseret News (UT) - 5/13/2016

By Jody Genessy

Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY - One of the strongest figures in Utah sports history is fighting the toughest opponents of his life.

Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan, an icon with the Utah Jazz since the 1980s, is suffering from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, multiple sources confirmed to the Deseret News.

Sadly, Sloan's condition is expected to worsen, although some with Parkinson's, a progressive disorder that affects movement and the nervous system, have experienced improvement through medicinal treatment.

Dementia leads to degeneration of the brain and a decline in cognitive abilities, including thinking, memory and language.

The Salt Lake Tribune first reported about Sloan's ailments on Wednesday afternoon. The longtime Jazz coach wanted to go public with his condition, former Tribune Jazz beat writer Steve Luhm wrote, because the Parkinson's symptoms include tremors, a hushed voice and sleeplessness.

People who've seen Sloan, a regular at Jazz games, have noticed the legendary basketball figure's decline in health.

"I don't want people feeling sorry for me," Sloan told the Tribune.

The 74-year-old Sloan, who learned about his diagnosis last fall, continues to stay active, walking four miles a day, in an effort to minimize the effects as much as possible, the Tribune reported.

The Jazz released a statement on Sloan Wednesday evening:

"Jerry Sloan is and always will be a beloved member of the Utah Jazz family, and we know he will approach this fight with the same grit and determination he displayed as a Hall of Fame coach and All-Star player in the NBA for 40-plus years.

"On behalf of the Miller family, the Jazz organization and Jazz fans everywhere, we send Jerry and his wife Tammy our love, support and best wishes."

The unfortunate news about Sloan spread quickly around the sports world, and the Jazz, fans and media members alike shared their sadness and admiration for the coach and his family.

"Got some sad news today about Coach Jerry Sloan," Jazz guard Rodney Hood wrote on his Facebook page. "One of the best coaches to ever do it and one of the many great people I've met since I've been in Utah. Prayers with him and his family!"

"Very sad," Jazz fan Laura Thompson wrote on Twitter, adding that it's a "heartbreaking" development. "He's a true warrior."

"This hurts my heart," Jazz fan Kaleb Palmer added.

"Wishing the best to a special person and legendary former coach," wrote ESPN'sMarc J. Spears. "Prayers with you coach."

Former Utah State basketball player Eric Frandsen, now publisher of the Cache Valley Daily, also tweeted out a tribute.

"Jerry Sloan is a fighter. He was on the court, he was on the sideline," Frandsen wrote. "Wishing him the best of luck in his new fight."

Sloan began his extended career with the Jazz in 1983 when he became a scout for the organization after a stint as the Chicago Bulls' head coach.

His coaching career in Utah took off in 1984 when he was hired as Frank Layden's assistant. Decades later, Sloan said he would've been happy to have remained Layden's sidekick. He was named head coach of the Jazz after his boss resigned on Dec. 9, 1988.

Matched with Hall of Fame players John Stockton and Karl Malone, Sloan had unprecedented success with the Jazz over the next 23 years.

Sloan coached the Jazz to 1,223 victories - the number on the banner raised in his honor at the NBA team's arena two years ago - along with two NBA Finals berths, 20 playoff appearances, 16 straight winning seasons, 13 50-win seasons and seven division titles.

Between 1988 and when he shocked everybody by calling it quits midway through the 2011 season, Sloan coached 133 different players and remained the Jazz's head coach while 244 coaching changes were made elsewhere around the league.

Sloan's career is a legacy of grit, a burning competitive fire, loyalty and durability.

In 2014, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert declared Jan. 31 to be "Jerry Sloan Day" in the state.

Herbert's declaration honoring Sloan credited the "enduring legacy of one of the greatest and most respected coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association."

During a ceremony in his honor that day, Sloan was witty, humble and grateful about having a banner raised on his behalf.

When asked about the number 1,223 on his banner, he joked, "I thought that's how many technical fouls I had."

Sloan, nicknamed "The Original Bull" from his playing days in Chicago, even received a handwritten letter from the biggest basketball fan at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - President Barack Obama.

"Dear Coach -

Congratulations on your long and remarkable career with the Jazz. Utah justly honors you for the standards of excellence you set with the Mailman and Stockton. But, us Bulls fans still claim you for your grit and work ethic.

Best of luck in the future. With great admiration,

Barack Obama"

That night, Sloan thanked Layden, his old Bulls coach Dick Motta, former assistants, players who worked hard during his long career, the Millers and Jazz fans, who received miniature replicas of his immortalized banner.

"I've been blessed," Sloan said.

Jazz fans - even appreciative sports fans - feel the same.

EMAIL: jody@deseretnews.com

TWITTER: DJJazzyJody

Credit: By Jody Genessy Deseret News