S.C.R. 101 Enrolled

RESOLUTION HONORING UTAH JAZZ
1997 FIRST SPECIAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Craig L. Taylor
Lane Beattie
Leonard M. Blackham
David L. Buhler
Mike Dmitrich
R. Mont Evans
Lyle W. Hillyard
John P. Holmgren
Scott N. Howell
Joseph L. Hull
Lorin V. Jones
L. Alma Mansell
George Mantes
Ed P. Mayne
LeRay McAllister
Robert F. Montgomery
Robert M. Muhlestein
Alarik Myrin
Howard C. Nielson
Millie M. Peterson
Craig A. Peterson
L. Steven Poulton
David H. Steele
Robert C. Steiner
Howard A. Stephenson
Pete Suazo
Nathan C. Tanner
Michael G. Waddoups
Blaze D. Wharton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR
HONORING THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION UTAH JAZZ FOR ITS
EXEMPLARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE 1996-97 SEASON; COMMENDING
THE OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION AND FANS; AND
RECOGNIZING THE SELFLESS DEDICATION OF THE TEAM MEMBERS TO THE
STATE AND ITS COMMUNITIES.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
WHEREAS the Jazz moved to Utah from New Orleans in 1979;
WHEREAS Larry Miller purchased part ownership in the Jazz franchise in 1985, and
became sole owner in 1986;
WHEREAS the Jazz franchise is overseen by President Frank Layden, who is nationally
recognized and well-respected in the world of basketball;
WHEREAS the Jazz have reached the post-season playoffs for the past 14 seasons;
WHEREAS Jerry Sloan has coached the Jazz for the last nine years, winning three division
titles and a Western Conference title;
WHEREAS the Jazz set a franchise record in the 1996-97 season for the most wins,
including an unprecedented 38 wins at home;
WHEREAS Karl Malone was selected the National Basketball Association's 1996-97 Most

Valuable Player;
WHEREAS the Jazz rolled through the Western Conference playoffs, dropping only three
games en route to earning the 1997 Western Conference title;
WHEREAS John Stockton's buzzer-beating shot against the Houston Rockets gave the Jazz
their first Western Conference title;
WHEREAS the Jazz provided the defending champion Chicago Bulls with a very tough
championship series;
WHEREAS the majority of home games are played before enthusiastic, highly-energized,
sellout crowds in the Delta Center;
WHEREAS the consistent all-out effort of the coaching staff and players has established the
Jazz as one of the finest teams in the National Basketball Association;
WHEREAS Governor Michael O. Leavitt changed the date of his annual gala and declared
Friday, June 6 as "Support Utah Jazz Day";
WHEREAS upon the team's return to Salt Lake City on June 14, more than 20,000 fans
welcomed the Jazz home and Mayor Dee Dee Corradini declared the day as "Salt Lake City, Utah
Jazz Day";
WHEREAS in addition to their successes on the court, the team members are devoted to their
families and communities;
WHEREAS the Jazz players are actively involved in volunteer and service projects through
a wide variety of charitable and community activities throughout the state;
WHEREAS the team exemplifies the work ethic of many of its fans, thereby providing solid
role models for its youngest followers; and
WHEREAS the entire Utah Jazz organization has given the citizens of Utah not only great
basketball, but also heroes worthy of their respect and admiration:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
Governor concurring therein, honor the National Basketball Association Utah Jazz for their
extraordinary achievements in the 1996-97 season.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor pay tribute to the Utah

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Jazz organization and its players for their dedication to basketball and to the communities of Utah
and the team's fans for their loyalty and support.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be sent to each player on the
Utah Jazz roster; Jerry Sloan, head coach; Larry Miller, owner; and Frank Layden, president.

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