League mourns Popovich’s wife, a ‘real star’

SAN ANTONIO » LeBron James fought back tears. Former President Bill Clinton offered condolences. Craig Sager’s daughter tweeted that she was “just sick” over the news.

Such is the regard that so many, from so many walks of life, have for San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, whose 67-year-old wife, Erin, died Wednesday after a long battle with a respiratory problem.

Spurs star Manu Ginobili says the team is “devastated, we are all hurting.” But the players will “go out there and compete” and respect Popovich’s philosophy of playing with “fire” and “determination.”

Added San Antonio’s Tony Parker: “It puts everything in perspective. It’s way bigger than basketball.”

The Spurs trail the Golden State Warriors 2-0 in the first round, with the playoff series shifting to San Antonio on Thursday night. The 69-year-old coach ran practice Wednesday but will not be on the sideline for Game 3. Assistant Ettore Messina will coach the team.

Clinton reached out on Twitter to the coach and his daughters: “I join the NBA family and countless fans across the country who are thinking of you, Jill, and Micky tonight as you mourn the loss of your Erin.”

The Spurs asked the media to respect the family’s privacy. General manager RC Buford said at Thursday’s shootaround he spoke to Popovich, who is “overwhelmed by the support” but “wants our focus to be about the game today.”

“Erin and Gregg were best friends who were together for 40 years, and Erin’s impact and influence on our organization, on our families, on our players and their families will be felt for years to come,” Buford said.

Popovich has been a mentor to countless players and coaches, never afraid to speak out on social issues or rebuff a wayward question from a reporter. His humor is sharp, and just the other day he was the one in the film room who shouted “Go Warriors!” Ginobili had to contain tears at the shootaround. “We all know the type of guy Pop is,” he said. “Not many people know the type of gal that Erin was. It’s painful and having to go through this is always tough. There is never a good time.

“We want to be next to Pop, we want to support him, but we’ve got to go out there and compete today. But, for sure, we are toiling. It’s not an easy day to be here.”

After Popovich ran practice Wednesday, Ginobili and Parker spent time with the coach that evening.