I would like to give kudos to a recent feature article on Larry H. Miller in The Salt Lake Tribune. The article devotes at least one paragraph to the darker side of the Jazz owner.
It was one more than every other story combined.
I can forgive sports columnists and editorialists. They can write whatever they want from the angle they choose. Many reporters, though, paint a picture of Miller as a man without fault.
There is no discrediting what Miller has done for the community. He amassed a fortune with his business prowess and used much of that fortune on philanthropy. He did give back. He did do great things. He should be remembered by his friends, family and the general population as a good person.
Journalists are a different matter. Ethically, it’s our responsibility to report both sides of the story. Those given the assignment of reporting on the life of such a controversial figure have written articles that look like half complete jigsaw puzzles.
Sure, it isn’t easy talking poorly of the recently deceased, but that’s the job. Good reporting isn’t eating chocolate cake. A story about the passing of President Richard Nixon isn’t a reflection on his foreign policy. The man was a crook. A story about Charlton Heston isn’t a reflection on Moses. The man was an NRA apologist.
Miller, may he rest in peace, was a businessman who wore his religion proudly. It was his right, though he was criticized for pushing his choice onto others.
In 2000, he was a supporter of Senate Bill 163, a bill that found its way around Blue Laws by requiring dealerships to choose either Saturday or Sunday to close. It effectively stopped all sales on the Sabbath.
Miller missed game four of the Jazz playoffs against the L.A. Lakers last year for religious reasons. It was only the second game the Jazz have played at home on a Sunday. If you look closely at Utah’s schedule, every Sunday game is on the road, a choice of Miller’s and the organization. Many analysts consider this the hardest schedule in the league year in and year out. It calls for more back-to-back contests. During the lockout shortened season, the Jazz also had extra back-to-back-to-back games, a schedule that wore on older players like Stockton and Malone. Miller saved the franchise. It wouldn’t be here without him, yet his religious choice could have been detrimental to the team’s success.
The most controversial story, though, has little to do with money or sports. Sticking firmly to faith, Miller banned “Brokeback Mountain”8212;a film that portrayed a loving gay couple8212;from his Megaplexes.
“Hostel” was playing at the time, a movie with rape and torture. Miller’s choice was comparable to saying that violence and abuse are more acceptable than two men having intercourse. In his defense, he later apologized for his action after meeting with members of the gay and lesbian community.
In the end, Miller did what he felt was right in his heart and his religion. With the family taking over the operation of his businesses, I hope they will choose not to make the same mistakes and will instead build on the positive legacy he has made in Utah.
Do I state these things because I disliked Miller? No. I state these things because they are true. It’s up to the readers to decide for themselves.
Nick Pappas