The San Antonio Spurs announced on Wednesday night that the wife of Gregg Popovich had passed away. Erin Popovich was 67. She and Gregg had been married for four decades and had two children and two grandchildren.
Gregg Popovich is the highly successful long-time head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. His side are currently facing the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA's Western Conference playoffs.
Following last night's Eastern Conference game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers, TNT reporter Allie LaForce asked LeBron James about the death of Erin Popovich. James's words were heartfelt.
LeBron James after the game finding out about the horrible news of Erin Popovich's passing pic.twitter.com/2hz7z2ysWp
— arcusD (@_MarcusD2_) April 19, 2018
LaForce later received some unwarranted criticism for the question - some felt she had blindsided James. That was not the case. As revealed by TNT presenter Ernie Johnson Jr. during the broadcast of the game, LaForce had asked James prior to the interview if he wanted to address the Popovich family's loss.
In a video released via his Uninterrupted platform, James called for people to "get off Allie LaForce's back".
.@KingJames sends his thoughts and prayers to the family of Gregg Popovich, sets record straight on reporter’s question. pic.twitter.com/VCsFuEtFVU
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) April 19, 2018