Breaking News

More () »

Basketball

Cavs coach Beilein says he apologized for 'thugs' comment

Players Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. say they don't think there was any malice intended.

Credit: AP

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein is introduced during a news conference, Tuesday, May 21, 2019, in Independence, Ohio. Beilein left Michigan after a successful 12-year run for what will likely be his last coaching stop, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who believe the 66-year-old can accelerate their rebuild. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

DETROIT — Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Beilein says he has apologized after using the word “thugs” during a film session with his team.

ESPN.com, citing unidentified sources, reported that Beilein suggested his players were no longer playing “like a bunch of thugs.” Beilein says he meant to say “slugs” in a reference to the team's effort level.

Beilein says he called his players to explain the situation. He says he has apologized.

Players Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. say they don't think there was any malice intended.

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.