Don't expect any more ESPN or TNT interviews with a jovial Gregg Popovich for the rest of the 2013-14 NBA season.
Popovich, the San Antonio Spurs head coach, has become infamous for his sideline interviews during NBA telecasts on TNT and ESPN. Earlier this month, Popovich showed his lighter side with former NBA coach-turned ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy.
Van Gundy told Popovich how nervous he was because of Popovich's usual ire in response to questions during the sideline interviews, and Popovich reached over and gave Van Gundy a hug.
But USA TODAY's For the Win posted a Youtube.com video showing Popovich back to his aversion for the sideline interview.
ESPN sideline reporter Mark Jones tried to use a vague question with Popovich during the third quarter of the Spurs home game against the Chicago Bulls. The Spurs trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter.
Jones asked, "Your thoughts on the third quarter?"
Popovich's response: "We're behind."
Popovich obviously doesn't want to do the interviews but is playing by the rules the NBA has set forth in regards to its two biggest broadcast partners. But if Popovich really wanted the NBA to stop the process, he should try a strategy in which his every sideline interview now is being recorded for a possible YouTube moment.
NBA fans now look forward to Popovich's antics, whatever they might be. The Spurs coach has made the sideline interview a must-see event. Even if the rest of the NBA coaches respond with dry or canned answers, Popovich could be keeping the sideline interviews afloat all by himself.
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