In a press release sent out Wednesday, the Spurs Sports and Entertainment organization announced the passing of Erin Popovich, head coach Gregg Popovich's wife of more than 40 years.
Erin had been ill for some time and passed away on Wednesday.
"We mourn the loss of Erin," said general manager RC Buford. "She was a strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent woman who provided love, support and humor to all of us."
She and the Spurs coach had two children and two grandchildren.
While the Spurs organization nor any of the key players have shared condolences on their social media channels, league community members and other celebrities have taken to Twitter to express well-thoughts to Coach Pop.
TheWades family Prayers goes out to Coach Popovich and his family!!!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 19, 2018
Knowing Pop, it’s fair to assume Erin Popovich was an absolute legend. My deepest sympathies to Pop and his daughters.
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) April 19, 2018
Cookie and I send our thoughts and prayers to Coach Gregg Popovich and his family on their loss of his wife Erin. May she rest in peace.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 19, 2018
Just sick over the news about Erin Popovich. Pop went out of his way to make sure our family knew we had his support when my father passed...
— Kacy Sager (@THESagerbomb) April 19, 2018
...I hope the Popovich family are also able to find strength in all of the love this community has to give.
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
Man, I just want to cry for Gregg Popovich. One thing you could tell about him is the man's love for his wife ran quite deep.
— Kelly Scaletta (@KellyScaletta) April 19, 2018
Praying for Coach Pop and his family! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 19, 2018
Sports journalists and networks also noted how colleagues were reacting to the news.We’re all with you coach pop.
— Aaron Gordon (@Double0AG) April 19, 2018
Steve Kerr, understandably, didn’t have it in him to speak about the wife of Gregg Popovich passing away.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 19, 2018
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
The NBA community mourns the passing of Erin Popovich, wife of @spurs HC Gregg Popovich. pic.twitter.com/n6QijU2ynh
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 19, 2018
The TNT family mourns the loss of Erin Popovich, wife of Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich. pic.twitter.com/UnWl3eXi6b
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 19, 2018
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
Some journalists took the news as a way to get real-time reactions from players on the sidelines, which has garnered much criticism.
Kevin Durant visibly shaken up when informed of the passing of Gregg Popovich’s wife: pic.twitter.com/9lvtZ7zKPF
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) April 19, 2018
An emotional LeBron finds out live on air that Gregg Popovich’s wife Erin has passed away. pic.twitter.com/GNtRVWZ86I
— Chris Martin Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) April 19, 2018
TNT getting Allie Laforce to ask Lebron James how he felt about Gregg Popovich's wife dying when he didn't even know yet, is a dick move. People are obsessed with getting a real-time reaction. Thoughts go out to coach pop and his family
— Dan Felton (@danfelton11) April 19, 2018
James shared a video to clarify that Laforce had informed him of the news and asked if it was okay to question him on air. He said his reaction during the interview was the result of his emotions overcoming him.Never been a sideline reporter. I know its a tough gig. But dont think that was the right time to ask that question to LeBron about Gregg Popovich's wife. LeBron just finished a game. Had no idea that news/question was coming. Credit to LeBron for handling the question with class
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) April 19, 2018
Condolences to Gregg, the Popovich family and the Spurs community..@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
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