SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Jazz released a statement expressing their support for NBA legend Jerry Sloan Wednesday after reports he is suffering from Parkinson's disease and a form of dementia.
While the statement from the Jazz does not mention the specific ailments, it comes in response to reports Sloan revealed he is battling Parkinson's disease as well as dementia.
"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 statement concludes with a logo and the phrase, "Once A Jazzman Always A Jazzman."
Sloan was the head coach of the Utah Jazz for 23 seasons (1988-2011), where he amassed 1,223 wins. A banner bearing that number was raised at the arena where the Jazz play in 2014 to honor Sloan's legacy with the team.
