Spurs' Popovich: 'Our country is an embarrassment'

Donald Trump's presidency has consistently ruffled Gregg Popovich's feathers, so it's no surprise that the president's recent comments have the San Antonio Spurs head coach fuming.

"Our country is an embarrassment in the world," Popovich said Monday during Spurs Media Day, according to My San Antonio's Melissa Rohlin.

Trump made waves through the basketball world over the weekend when he publicly withdrew an invitation for Stephen Curry to attend the White House with the champion Golden State Warriors - an invitation the two-time MVP never intended to accept.

"I thought it was comical that it was rescinded because they (Golden State) weren't going to go anyway," Popovich said. "It's like a sixth grader is going to have a party in his backyard and he finds out somebody might not come, so he disinvites them. Although it's disgusting, it's also comical."

Popovich was immediately on edge when Trump was elected president last November, saying he was "sick to his stomach" that someone who's made the comments he has is in such a powerful position.

Fast-forward 10 months later, and Popovich is curious how Trump's supporters feel, having seen the turmoil caused by the administration.

"I wonder what the people think about who voted for him, where their line is, how much they can take ..." he said. "They wanted change, they felt ignored, they actually thought something would happen that would aid them. But at what price? That is the question."

Popovich also conveyed his support for NFL players who have chosen to protest during the playing of the national anthem, and said he'd offer the same courtesy to any of his own players who chose to do the same.

Related - Trump rips anthem protesters: 'Get that son of a b---- off the field'

"Each one of them has the right and the ability to say what they would like to say and act the way they would like to act," Popovich added. "They have our full support. No matter what they might want to do or not to do, it is important to them to be respected by us, and there is no recrimination no matter what might take place unless it's ridiculously egregious."