San Antonio Spurs: Gregg Popovich praises Air Force actions against racism

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 22: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks to the media during a press conference after Game Four of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 22, 2017 AT
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 22: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks to the media during a press conference after Game Four of the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 22, 2017 AT /
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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, who made headlines for his words at media day, commented on the Air Force Academy’s actions against racism.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has been all over the news recently. Due to his remarks against the United States and President Trump at the team’s media day.

Popovich has made his way into this news again. But, this time for a different reason.  Via Tom Orsborn of mysanantonio.com, Popovich was quoted for his recognition towards Air Force Academy Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria. There was an incident that happened that involved racism at the academy. Silveria discovered racist notes written on the chalkboards towards some African-American students.

#Spurs notes: Pop applauds AFA boss' speech against racism, newcomers shine at scrimmage https://t.co/TKPzGNxJ8p via @expressnews

— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) September 30, 2017

As a result, Silveria gathered all of the academies faculty, administrators and athletic coaches for a speech addressing the situation and how he wanted it handled.

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“That kind of behavior has no place in the prep school, it has no place in a USAFA and it has no place in the United States Air Force,” Silveria said. “If you can’t treat someone with dignity and respect, get out.”

Popovich was asked about this situation on Saturday at the Spurs’ Silver and Black scrimmage. He gave a strong stance and praised the work of Silveria, how there was “no hesitation.”

“I thought he was great,” Popovich said. “There was no hesitation. It was obviously a disgusting situation and he didn’t wait, he didn’t equivocate, he didn’t cover for anybody. He just hit it right on the nail and said what he needed to say because it’s a zero tolerance sort of situation, especially with the mood of the country these days.”

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Popovich is a 1970 graduate of the academy and also served five years of active duty. Hence why he was asked about the topic in the first place. His opinions are passionate and will continue to stay this way for any interview that centers around these sensitive topics, which could arise as the regular season nears. That will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 18 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.