Joakim Noah on being benched by his Chicago Bulls teammates in 2008: “What do you want me to say?” originally appeared on Basketball Network.

Under normal circumstances, it’s the head coach who decides whether a player sits on the bench. But in January 2008, the Chicago Bulls challenged that norm.

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The players themselves chose to bench rookie Joakim Noah, who had just won two NCAA titles with the Florida Gators. According to ESPN, the decision came after Noah had gotten into an argument during practice — and, in true bureaucratic style, the team voted on what to do with their young teammate.

Handing over the reins

A head coach’s decision to give players some leeway usually depends on the team and the personalities involved. After evaluating that, some coaches prefer to stay in full control, while others take a step back and let the locker room handle certain things on its own.

When Jim Boylan took over the struggling Bulls in late December 2007, just days after Scott Skiles was dismissed, he chose the second approach.

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Still finding his footing as interim head coach, the New Jersey native may have sensed that the players, already familiar with the locker room’s rhythm and chemistry, were in a better position to manage certain internal issues. That could explain why he allowed them to handle a situation involving rookie Noah.

The 6’11” center, known for letting his emotions get the better of him, had gotten into a reported clash with then-assistant coach Ron Adams during practice. It certainly didn’t help Joakim’s already tough rookie season.

The former Gator was dealing with injuries and struggling to find his rhythm on the court, averaging just 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game.

Related: Michael Carter-Williams recalls how Giannis Antetokounmpo fought Mike Dunleavy after he punched – “He shifted some of my teeth”

Team unity

The practice incident happened shortly before the Bulls’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 11. What followed was something rarely seen.

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After Noah was ruled inactive for that night due to internal discipline, his teammates took it a step further. In a unanimous vote, they agreed he should miss two more games.

Veteran guard Adrian Griffin spoke for the group, saying the Bulls were focused on saving their season and needed everyone on the same page. He added that they all knew what Joakim could bring and looked forward to his return.

Head coach Boylan later confirmed it was the players’ decision, saying he fully supported it and appreciated the leadership they showed.

“It was the whole team that felt that way,” he said.

The now 70-year-old coach also mentioned that Noah’s occasional lateness and not always properly representing the team had also played a role — something he wanted the rookie to learn sooner rather than later.

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“This isn’t college anymore,” Boylan pointed out. “It’s the NBA. This is professional sports.”

Noah, meanwhile, seemed to handle the situation calmly. He said the team told him his behavior was unacceptable and that he had to deal with it and move on.

“I’ve just got to accept it. What do you want me to say? I’ve just got to move on. There’s nothing I can do about it,” said the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year.

Noah played in 31 games after the suspension. During that stretch, he averaged 8.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 block and 1.0 steal per game.

Related: Joakim Noah reveals what was his issue with LeBron during their rivalry: “He was arrogant, and he is a stunner”

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.