San Antonio Coach Gregg Popovich Won't Discuss Victory After Shooting

Ron Dicker

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich isn’t shy about speaking his mind on matters beyond the court, whether it’s about President Donald Trump or racial inequality.

But after his team defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 112-95, Sunday night, the coach figured it wouldn’t be the right time to talk basketball, either. Not after 26 people lost their lives when a gunman opened fire on First Baptist Church in nearby Sutherland Springs, Texas.

And he politely but firmly told reporters so.

“We won a basketball game but considering what’s gone on today, it’s pretty meaningless,” he said. “When you think about the tragedy that those families are suffering, it’s just inconceivable and impossible to put your head around. So I think talking about basketball tonight is probably pretty inappropriate. You guys have a good night.”

One of Popovich’s players was particularly vocal in addressing the tragedy before the game. Pau Gasol, a native of Spain, said that “something has to change.”

“At what point do we say enough?” Gasol, a veteran center, asked, per MySanAntonio.com. “I don’t know. Again, I know it’s a delicate subject but I hate for innocent people to get killed and for families to pay that price and carry that burden for the rest of their life. It’s sad. It’s really sad. It needs to be addressed. I hope that it is. I hope we see change and progress to prevent this from happening so often.”

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Law enforcement officials investigate a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. 
Law enforcement officials investigate a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. 
Members of the Wilson County Sheriff's Office stand just inside a taped-off area near the First Baptist Church.
Members of the Wilson County Sheriff's Office stand just inside a taped-off area near the First Baptist Church.
Law enforcement officials gather near the First Baptist Church following a shooting on Nov. 5, 2017, in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Law enforcement officials gather near the First Baptist Church following a shooting on Nov. 5, 2017, in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Law enforcement officials gather near the First Baptist Church. 
Law enforcement officials gather near the First Baptist Church. 
A sign at the First Baptist Church. 
A sign at the First Baptist Church. 
Law enforcement officials continue their investigation at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Law enforcement officials continue their investigation at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas.
A gunman killed 26 people at the church and wounded many more when he opened fire during a Sunday service. 
A gunman killed 26 people at the church and wounded many more when he opened fire during a Sunday service. 
View of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.
View of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.
A woman and her children take part in a vigil for victims of a mass shooting in Sutherland Springs. 
A woman and her children take part in a vigil for victims of a mass shooting in Sutherland Springs. 
Michaun Johnson attends a candlelight vigil.
Michaun Johnson attends a candlelight vigil.
Danny Barker, his wife Tomie and grandson Gage attend a candlelight vigil after a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church.
Danny Barker, his wife Tomie and grandson Gage attend a candlelight vigil after a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church.
Sofia Martinez, 9, attends a candlelight vigil after a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church.
Sofia Martinez, 9, attends a candlelight vigil after a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church.
Bailey Lejeaune and David Betancourt attend a candlelight vigil after a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church.
Bailey Lejeaune and David Betancourt attend a candlelight vigil after a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church.
Local residents take part in a vigil for victims of a mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Local residents take part in a vigil for victims of a mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.