Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 22
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Distraction; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure; Weather
Working [two] sector(s) combined; there was weather near ZZZ1 with no major deviations. Some aircraft going northbound were deviating prior to the ZZZ VOR but not in a consistent manner. One particular aircraft; Aircraft X asked for 10 right or direct ZZZ2 or ZZZ3 for further an 'overhang' as he stated. I tried to route the aircraft (Aircraft X) direct ZZZZZ intersection which should have been on his route of flight but was not; I told Aircraft X to standby to put in direct ZZZZZ [intersection] (in the computer) and issue it to him. A nasty back and forth initiated by Aircraft X and myself ensued resulting Aircraft X squawking emergency after demanding a 090 heading for weather. I did not give Aircraft X the 090 heading he viciously demanded instead I gave Aircraft X direct ZZZZZ [intersection] and the rest of the arrival into ZZZ. From My summation Aircraft X never deviated from direct ZZZZZ [intersection] for weather nor did Aircraft X ask for further deviations east off that particular course. As a result of Aircraft X squawking emergency and the verbal sparring between Aircraft X & myself I have been put on administrative duties and not allowed to conduct operations as an air traffic controller pending and awaiting a Weingarten Investigation.The fact that I'm being subjected to this investigation and scrutiny by the FAA and The southern Region is in my opinion totally irresponsible and ridiculous. Aircraft X never complained of chop; turbulence or any other adverse effect on his aircraft passengers etc. I've never knowing and/or willingly (nor would I) put an aircraft; its crew and/or its passengers in harm's way to weather or anything else. I'd really like to know what is the reason for the action being taken against me. We as air traffic controllers in [my Center] and the south area which I represent are asked; encouraged and often required to push and get aircraft too close to weather that makes them and us as controllers uncomfortable. If this is something that needs attention and fixing fine but with this situation there seems to be a double standard going on.
After several requests to ATC; extraneous radio chatter; and a seemingly lack of concern by the controller [I exercised Captain's authority and] deviated around an anvil cloud near ZZZ [VOR]. Once clear of the weather threat and after resolution with the controller we received direct routing to ZZZZZ [intersection] and terminated the [authority].
ZZZ ARTCC Controller reported of a pilot that requested a deviation for weather 10 degrees right. Controller issued direct to a fix not on the pilots clearance after a verbal altercation.