Gregg Popovich, the renowned former head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, has etched his legacy not only in the annals of basketball history but in the realm of social justice advocacy. During his long tenure as a coach, he used his powerful platform to speak about racial, social, and political injustice. His outspoken nature and willingness to tackle difficult topics have made him a notable figure both on and off the court.
Popovich is officially retired from coaching, though he will continue to serve as the Spurs’ president of basketball operations. He has been an ardent critic of intercity and intra-city inequities and injustices. He was convinced that white Americans simply did not know the level of pain and stress inflicted on African Americans. This conviction prodded him both personally and professionally to help his players examine themselves and enter deep discussions around race and injustice.
In a strong move, Popovich followed this up by providing his players with Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me.” He urged them to explore the complexities of race in America. His dedication to promoting the arts and humanities extended beyond the written word. He brought in former track star John Carlos, best known for his legendary Olympic protest at the 1968 Games, to talk with his team.
As he did during his remarkable career, race was the elephant in the room with Popovich, and he pound the table for honest conversations about it. He stated, “It’s pretty obvious that the national stain of slavery continues to permeate our social system in this country.” He recognized the discomfort surrounding these discussions, remarking, “People want to ignore it, don’t want to talk about it, because it’s inconvenient.”
Apart from racial justice, Popovich was one of the most outspoken proponents for gun control. In a blistering nine-minute address prior to a 2023 game in Dallas, he pulled no punches. He condemned what he called “selfish cowardly legislators” for not passing stricter gun legislation. His five years of active-duty service as an Airman helped to lay the foundation for his perspective. His military service shaped his fierce sense of civic duty and engagement.
Popovich’s concern on social issues translated to his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump and other political issues. He noted the chaotic political climate, stating, “That conviction combined with, let’s say, the shenanigans of this country politically — really all the BS started right around that time, the turn of the century.” His comments speak to all of us who feel an urgency to intervene against this rising tide of societal injustice.
His advocacy was not without its challenges. Most notably, critics completely twisted his support of athletes such as Colin Kaepernick who knelt in protest during the national anthem. At the time, Popovich had stood up for Kaepernick, making the case that his protest wasn’t an affront to the military. “A pretty good group of people immediately thought he was disrespecting the military,” he explained. He clarified that Kaepernick’s actions were rooted in a quest for justice rather than a slight against those who serve.
Popovich’s influence on his players is evident. In a post on social media, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr thanked Popovich for his bravery to call out injustice. “I was 100% inspired by Pop to have the courage to speak out and take the hits that you do,” Kerr remarked. He recognized Popovich’s influence as a trailblazer among a new breed of NBA coaches who will confront political and social issues directly.
The legacy of Popovich’s advocacy reaches far beyond the game of basketball. He always had an eye towards empathy and understanding, and he always said that should be at the forefront. “It’s easier for white people because we haven’t lived that experience,” he stated. His personal anecdotes reflected a broader societal issue: “I didn’t talk to my kids about how to act in front of a policeman when you get stopped. I didn’t have to do that.”
His coaching legacy is equally remarkable. He led San Antonio to five NBA titles from 1999 to 2014. In New England, he was the architect behind one of the most successful dynasties in sports history. His talent for reaching his players on more profound subjects made him unique. That unique ability is what made him such an incredible and transformative leader.
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