The Sacramento Kings’ decision to part ways with head coach Mike Brown has sparked a firestorm of speculation and rumors, particularly surrounding star player De’Aaron Fox. As one of the team’s key figures, Fox has found himself at the center of theories suggesting his role in Brown’s dismissal, fueled by reports of a December meeting between Fox and the Kings’ front office, as well as his subdued reaction to the coach’s exit.
With the chatter intensifying, Fox decided to address the rumors directly. Taking to social media on Monday, the 27-year-old guard set the record straight in a blunt and unequivocal statement.
“There was never any pushback about anything,” Fox wrote. “This narrative of us butting heads or me going to management saying anything is bulls—. So you can run with that if you want to.”
Fox’s response was a direct rebuttal to comments made by former NBA guard Lou Williams during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. Williams suggested that there had been tension between Fox and Brown, which contributed to the front office’s decision to dismiss the coach.
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“There was just some pushback from how De’Aaron Fox was continuously being singled out,” Williams said, adding that the Kings’ management faced a difficult choice: support their All-Star talent or back their coach, who had recently signed a three-year extension. Williams called this dynamic one of the “severe missteps” that led to Brown’s firing.
Fox wasn’t having it. His fiery response left little doubt about how he felt about the speculation. However, Williams quickly clarified his remarks, defending his position and insisting that he didn’t create any rumors.
“I never said you went to management, my brother,” Williams wrote in reply to Fox. “I spoke on what was already being reported and said. I ain’t created no narratives. That ain’t my place. Nothing more, nothing less.”
The public exchange underscores the tension surrounding the Kings as they navigate a tumultuous season. At 13–19, Sacramento’s performance has fallen short of expectations, and the decision to fire Brown—widely regarded as a skilled and experienced coach—has only amplified scrutiny on the organization.
Amid the drama, the Kings now face a critical juncture. The team must not only regroup on the court but also stabilize its locker room and public narrative.
Whether Fox and the rest of the Kings’ roster can rally under a new coach remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Fox is determined to keep his name out of the blame game as the franchise attempts to turn its season around.
