Sports World Furious With NBA Coach's Firing After Brother's Death

CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 22: Head Coach Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks s interviewed by ESPN Sideline Reporter, Lisa Salters before the game against the Chicago Bulls during Round 1 Game 3 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2022 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Life as an NBA head coach can be tough.

One minute, you’re riding high, as Mike Budenholzer was in 2021 when the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA championship. The next, you’re on the unemployment line, as Budenholzer is now after being let go by the Bucks earlier today.

Making the timing of Budenholzer’s dismissal even more cruel is the fact that one of the coach’s brothers died in a car accident during the team’s playoff series against Miami.

The Bucks’ choice to fire Coach Bud fresh off the heels of a family tragedy has gotten its fair share of criticism on NBA Twitter.

“Nasty work firing Mike Budenholzer for not having his head on straight following the sudden and tragic death of his brother during the series,” one person tweeted. “Nasty nasty nasty.”

Nasty work firing Mike Budenholzer for not having his head on straight following the sudden and tragic death of his brother during the series.

Nasty nasty nasty

— Coach Papa John (@CoachPapaJohn) May 4, 2023

“This is the right move given Giannis’ comments after that series, but you gotta feel for Budenholzer also losing his brother in a tragic accident. Brutal few weeks. Praying for him and his family,” said Clutch Points’ Erik Slater.

This is the right move given Giannis’ comments after that series, but you gotta feel for Budenholzer also losing his brother in a tragic accident.

Brutal few weeks. Praying for him and his family. https://t.co/RvWiBSQLIz

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) May 4, 2023

“The Bucks just fired Mike Budenholzer because he lost a series the same time his brother died in an accident and leading them to a one seed? Lost all respect for the Bucks. F–k that. That’s horrible,” another person added.

The Bucks just fired Mike Budenholzer because he lost a series the same time his brother died in an accident and leading them to a one seed? Lost all respect for the Bucks. Fuck that. That’s horrible.

— RamboMizzou (@RamboMizzou) May 4, 2023

“And they must’ve know about what happened with Budenholzer’s brother, don’t ever work yourself to the bone, they’ll move on and not even blink,” added 95.7 The Game’s Allen Stiles.

And they must’ve know about what happened with Budenholzer’s brother, don’t ever work yourself to the bone, they’ll move on and not even blink https://t.co/6jgsV3kwIq

— Allen Stiles (@The_StilesFiles) May 4, 2023

There’s never a good time to fire someone. This seems like it came at an especially bad time.