NBA rocked by death of coach Popovic's wife
LeBron James has delivered a touching message of support after the death of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's wife.
The Spurs announced on Thursday that Erin Popovich had died, but the team did not announce details about the circumstances of her death.
The two were married for four decades and had two children together.
Spurs announce Gregg Popovich’s wife Erin has died pic.twitter.com/HnjvyM0CtD
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) April 19, 2018
ESPN reports that she had been sick for a while.
Erin Popovich, wife of San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, died today, Spurs said in a release. They were married four decades. She had been ill over an extended period.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 19, 2018
Cleveland Cavaliers star James was informed of the news following his side's win in Game 3 of their series against the Indiana Pacers.
"It's such a tragedy and my love goes out to 'Pop' and his family," LeBron said.
"When something like this happens it really puts everything in perspective."
In 2012, Popovich credited his wife for encouraging him to improve his notoriously grumpy attitude toward sideline reporters in an interview with “The Dan Lebatard Show with Stugotz.”
“It entertains everybody but my wife," he said.
"When I get home and she says ‘geez why are you so mean? You’re a jerk, people hate you.’ I go I’m sorry honey, I have to do better next time.”
"And there’s no exaggeration. Did you see that guy honey? Did you see him? All you have to do is see him, and you know why I answered the way I did. (She says) ‘That’s no excuse, you’re a grown man. Show some maturity.’ I said ‘I can’t, I can’t do it.”
The Spurs will next play Friday in Game 3 of their series against the Golden State Warriors.
The NBA family mourns the loss of Erin Popovich, wife of San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Popovich family and @Spurs organization.
— NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2018
Incredibly sad to hear the news about the loss of Gregg Popovich’ wife — Erin. Heartfelt condolences to Pop & his family. Sincerely doubt there are any words to describe what he’s going through. Many many prayers.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 19, 2018
I cannot imagine the grief that Gregg Popovich and his family must be feeling at the loss of his beloved wife Erin. My sincerest prayers and deepest condolences to the Popovich family during this tragic time.
— Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) April 19, 2018
The Timberwolves family sends our deepest condolences to @Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich and his family during this difficult time.
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 19, 2018
I was shocked and saddened to hear on @NBAonTNT of the passing of #ErinPopovich wife of @spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, died today. They were married four decades. My heart goes out to him & his family. @NBA
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) April 19, 2018