Popovich Dishes on Mike Rice and Tony Parker

Rice was terminated by Rutgers after a video surfaced of him cursing, essentially assaulting and throwing balls at his players.

Based upon recently revealed information and a review of previously discovered issues, Rutgers has terminated the contract of Mike Rice.

— Rutgers Athletics (@RUAthletics) April 3, 2013

The footage was despicable. Absolutely pathetic.

But, back to Popovich.

We all know that Coach Pop has a mean streak and can get pretty emotional. We also (probably) know that he’s one of the most honest sideline presences there is. This is the same guy who benched Tim Duncan last year on account of him being old, and then put it in the box score.

Knowing this, it should come as know surprise that Popovich admitted that he has thought about pelting Tony Parker with basketballs on occasion.

Pop expressed disappointment at Mike Rice-Rutgers situation, but admits occasionally wanting to throw a ball at Tony Parker.

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 3, 2013

Rice’s antics were effectively abuse and thus, no laughing matter. We cannot say the same about Popovich’s comments.

He acknowledged that the situation was disappointing, but was brutally and comically honest in divulging that Parker sometimes makes him that angry. Again, this is no surprise.

Point guards have the ball in their hands all the times. They make a majority of the offensive decisions. For a perfectionist like Pop, anyone who makes a mistake is bound to get under his skin, including a perennial All-Star like Monsieur Parker.

Could we construe this as Popovich’s attempt to make light of an extremely heavy situation? Sure, but that’s not necessarily what it was. He himself said that he hoped the Rice debacle would be an “isolated incident.” This was just Pop being Pop.

Pop on Rice-Rutgers: “The fact that it happened is shocking. Beyond that, I guess one has to hope that is a very, veryisolated incident.”

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 4, 2013

Let’s not neglect to mention the most important thing here either: Popovich has never chucked any basketballs or other objects at his floor general…that we’re privy to, of course.

Thinking and even conspiring to do something is far different from actually doing it. Far different.

Which Popovich himself explained.

Pop, on if he’d ever wanted to hurl ball at Parker: “You can’t be convicted of murder until you murder somebody. We all have thoughts.”

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) April 4, 2013

Overly graphic? Absolutely, but spot on nonetheless.

In so many ways, Popovich is animated on the sidelines, in the huddles and on his assessment of players. And on so many nights, he looks livid, like a hit man closing in on his prey. Not unlike Rice did.

The difference?

Popovich’s methods to his madness don’t consist of physical abuse, and his displays are ones of passion, of dedication not misplaced rage and utter stupidity.

So here’s to hoping that Coach Pop continues to be Coach Pop.

And also to Parker wearing pads at practice. Just in case.