Erin Popovich, the wife of San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, died Wednesday, the team announced in a statement.
In a statement to to Bleacher Report, Spurs general manage RC Buford said, “We mourn the loss of Erin.” He further added that “She was a strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent woman who provided love, support and humor to all of us.”
Both Erin and Gregg Popovich were married for four decades, showing a true example of marriage. She is survived by the Spurs head coach, two children and two grandchildren.
Gregg Popovich is well known for his contentious relationship with sideline reporters, and his wife let him hear it as well about his attitude. “It entertains everybody but my wife,” Popovich said on Dan Le Batard’s radio show (via USA Today). “When I get home and she says, ‘Geez, why are you so mean? You’re a jerk, people hate you.’ I go, ‘I’m sorry, honey, I have to do better next time.'”
“And there’s no exaggeration. ‘Did you see that guy, honey? Did you see him? All you have to do is see him and you know why I answered the way I did.’ [She says], ‘That’s no excuse, you’re a grown man. Show some maturity.’ I said, ‘I can’t, I can’t do it.'”
