While donating his time at the San Antonio food bank over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Gregg Popovich was asked about his stance on the current government shutdown. The outspoken coach responded:
“It’s just a shame so many people are affected by what President Trump and our politicians have done. (We) all know it’s really for no good reason – it’s a problem- its a hostage situation. It’s childish, its petty, but everybody else pays. It’d be nice if all the congressmen and congresswomen didn’t accept any paychecks while (anybody) else is getting them. I think that would be pretty cool.”
Many people seemed outraged and frustrated with Coach Pop’s comments and have accused him of being a “far leftist”. This may stem from his previous outspoken disdain of President Trump.
However, considering Gregg Popovich as a far leftist because of his comments about the current shutdown simply isn’t a feasible theory. His public comments may often lean towards the left side, but he is not afraid to hold Democrats under the fire. He made similar comments about the government shutdown during the Obama administration stating:
“(It’s like) children fighting over toys. It has nothing to do with the public or what is good for the country – it’s about winning and losing- that doesn’t do any of us much good. Hopefully, they are going to get to some sort of agreement in the next couple of days… It’s funny how much of them talk about what the American people want… how the hell do these people know what we want.. its kind of comical if it wasn’t so dramatically devastating for so many people.”
Coach Popovich’s political views have been under scrutiny throughout the years. Whether his outspoken views are accepted or not, he is allowed to have his opinion and give a statement if he is asked.
Based on his consistent comments on his contempt for politicians, my perspective is that Coach Popovich just wants the government to do what they are paid to do – make smart decisions in a timely manner and focus on the impact of the American people- regardless if they fall on the left or right side.
