Popovich jokes he received 'trinkets and gifts' for political comments

Gregg Popovich is known for being outspoken when it comes to politics, and it's earned him some mixed reactions.

The San Antonio Spurs coach hasn't been afraid to share his brutally honest opinions with the media, and even referred to President Donald Trump as a "soulless coward" in October. Though, when discussing the feedback he's received, the 68-year-old tried to keep things light.

"Every single person has agreed with everything I've said. I get flowers. I get trinkets and gifts," Popovich said sarcastically, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright.

However, Popovich did eventually come clean about how his remarks have been received, noting that he's been impressed that even those who disagree with him are open to ongoing conversation.

"Just as you would expect: A little bit of both, right? A lot of both," he said. "Some responses make you wonder what country you live in, and other responses make you very hopeful.

"But there's a lot more hopeful than, 'My gosh, how did this person come up with this?' So overall, it renews my feeling that something can be done because there are enough people willing to listen and feel and compromise."

In the case of Popovich making his own presidential bid following the end of his coaching career, he's already received endorsements from rivals around the league; Golden State Warriors duo Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr said earlier this month they would vote for Popovich if he ran for president.