SAN ANTONIO (AP) LeBron James fought back tears. Former President Bill Clinton offered condolences. Craig Sagers daughter tweeted that she was just sick over the news.
Such is the regard that so many, from so many walks of life, have for San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, whose 67-year-old wife, Erin, died Wednesday after a long battle with a respiratory problem.
Spurs star Manu Ginobili says the team is devastated, we are all hurting. But the players will go out there and compete and respect Popovichs philosophy of playing with fire and determination.
Added San Antonios Tony Parker: It puts everything in perspective. Its way bigger than basketball.
The Spurs trail the Golden State Warriors 3-0 in the first round after losing in San Antonio 110-97 on Thursday night. The 69-year-old coach ran practice Wednesday but was not on the sideline for the game. Assistant Ettore Messina coached the team.
Clinton reached out on Twitter to the coach and his daughters: I join the NBA family and countless fans across the country who are thinking of you, Jill, and Micky tonight as you mourn the loss of your Erin.
The Spurs asked the media to respect the familys privacy. General manager RC Buford said at Thursdays shootaround he spoke to Popovich, who is overwhelmed by the support but wants our focus to be about the game.
Erin and Gregg were best friends who were together for 40 years, and Erins impact and influence on our organization, on our families, on our players and their families will be felt for years to come, Buford said.
Popovich has been a mentor to countless players and coaches, never afraid to speak out on social issues or rebuff a wayward question from a reporter. His humor is sharp, and just the other day he was the one in the film room who shouted Go Warriors!
Warriors coach Steve Kerr is one of those mentored by Popovich, and he knows the family well, having played for the Spurs in the late 1990s before being traded by Popovich.
Erin was sort of the balance that Pop needed, Kerr said with a laugh. She was part of the family, but shes dealt with a lot over the last few years health-wise and has been very courageous.
Warriors star Stephen Curry tweeted that he is lifting up prayers for the coach and his family.
Ginobili had to contain tears at the shootaround.
We all know the type of guy Pop is, he said. Not many people know the type of gal that Erin was. Its painful and having to go through this is always tough. There is never a good time.
We want to be next to Pop, we want to support him, but weve got to go out there and compete today. But, for sure, we are toiling. Its not an easy day to be here.
