Gregg Popovich obliterates Fox News ‘talking head’ over LeBron James comments
By Josh Hill
Gregg Popovich is a national treasure, one that we don’t deserve but somehow keep being blessed with.
If there’s a gift that keeps on giving in the NBA — a world that in of itself is a bottomless pit of enjoyment — it’s probably Gregg Popovich. The San Antonio Spurs coach isn’t just one of the greatest minds to ever grace the game, but consistently pushes social boundaries that need pushing.
Even before the election of Donald Trump as President, Pop has been out front leading the social charge when it comes to being the voice of reason we need. If there was a cause that rallied NBA players to speak out, Pop has had their back every single time.
That hasn’t changed with the latest NBA pushback. Comments made by Fox News commentator Laura Inghram — where she told LeBron to ‘shut up and dribble’ — have lit a fire under players and encouraged them to once again speak out.
As usual, Pop has everyone’s back. He spoke to ESPN about the comments and proceeded to verbally rake Inghram and Fox News over the coals.
Some of the highlights:
"“I don’t pick and choose what LeBron should talk about any more than any talking head should try to pick and choose what he talks about. To me, when I heard about that, it was like an unbelievable show of arrogance for a talking head to try to tell someone else if they can speak, what they can speak about, when and where to do it."
Pop also went in on his (and LeBron’s) first amendment rights when it comes to speaking out:
"“There really is a first amendment, and I can have opinions as a coach, as a plumber, as an astrophysicist, as a lowly reporter. I can have whatever opinions I want. And that’s what’s amazing about this. When you look at this guy, how many tens of millions of dollars he’s given? Tens of millions of kids that see him, that are inspired by him."
Of the major American sports leagues, the NBA has long proven to be the most progressive. While it’s a group effort, calling Pop the elder statesman of the progression is an easy argument to make.
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We’re all only here for moments — life isn’t a permanent thing. But certain things will be cemented in history, and every time Popovich speaks out is another etching in the annals.