HoopsHype.com Rumors

Kings owner Joe Maloof denied a report by CBSSports.com Friday that the team was considering firing GM Geoff Petrie and coach Paul Westphal after 21 losses in 23 games. “There’s nothing going on,” Maloof told CBSSports.com by phone. “Paul Westphal is the coach and Geoff is our general manager. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it’s going to stay.” CBSSports.com

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Joe Maloof, Bill Walton, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

When pressed, Maloof said definitively that Petrie and Westphal will be in their positions for the remainder of the 2010-11 season regardless of how many games the team loses. “Yes,” Maloof said. “We’re not making any moves. The answer is yes.” CBSSports.com

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Bill Walton, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

A person with direct knowledge of recent statements by a high-ranking member of the organization painted a different picture, telling CBSSports.com that frustration with the Kings’ 5-22 record had reached a breaking point. At one point after the Kings’ 84-79 home loss to the Bucks Thursday night, owner Gavin Maloof was overheard in the tunnel saying that the culture of the organization had to change. “It’s time to hit the reset button,” Gavin Maloof said, according to the source. CBSSports.com

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Bill Walton, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

As reported by CBSSports.com, the Maloof family that owns the Kings has been strongly considering firing basketball president Geoff Petrie and coach Paul Westphal. But sources close to the team told FanHouse that the Maloofs have been exploring options for weeks, among them the idea of hiring former Sacramento Monarchs general manager/coach and Maloof family friend John Whisenant to either coach the team or have a front office role. FanHouse.com

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Bill Walton, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

Kings coach Paul Westphal wasted no time in addressing assistant Mario Elie's arrest early Thursday on suspicion of driving under the influence. As soon as members of the media approached following Friday's practice, Westphal revealed that he addressed his players about the situation – as did Elie. "We're here to play basketball against Miami," the coach continued. "It's something you can't dwell on. Everybody knows better." No action by the league is expected until the case has been resolved by the legal system. Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Kings, Coaching, Paul Westphal, Mario Elie 

Sacramento Kings assistant coach Mario Elie was arrested in downtown Sacramento Wednesday overnight on suspicion of driving under the influence, the Kings organization confirmed. CHP arrest report California Highway Patrol Officer Adrian Quintero said an officer initially noticed a 1993 Mercedes on westbound L Street coming up to 15th Street at 12:55 a.m.. The right taillight on the car was not working and the officer put on his patrol unit lights. The Mercedes turned left on L Street, left on Capitol Mall and then pulled over. news10.net

Sacramento Kings, Law, Mario Elie