A tale about former Spur Dejounte Murray has been circulating online and provides another proof of the generosity of a recently retired coach. A brief comment from former Spur Dejounte Murray, who was discussed in a recent episode of The Pivot Podcast, is included in a number of publications, but it was sufficient to spark my curiosity about Gregg Popovich’s connection with yet another player.
Murray shared another story with us about Pop’s incredible role as a father figure and how we went above and above to support his family at a very trying time:
He therefore acted as a father figure to me. There are countless tales; if he could sit here and speak, he would tell you that he has never had a player sob on his shoulder about the several murders he had to handle in his native Seattle or the numerous funerals I had to cover. Many of my folks are unaware of this, which is why it was so insane. From friends, relatives, and the prison… My father did not want me to travel to Seattle. I refused to travel to Seattle when I was first drafted. He was a man who was concerned about me. That man wanted me to be the best version of myself, first in life and then as a basketball player. He’s so real.
After my mother was shot, he attempted to use his own funds to relocate her to San Antonio. During my first year, my mother was shot in the leg. I didn’t find out till later that he had called her himself. We’d like to relocate you here. No, not with his funds, but with mine. That guy seems like he loves and cares about me, doesn’t he?
Murray addresses the challenging topic with a level of composure that belies the gravity of his situation. His narrative about Pop starts around minute 36 of the full podcast, which is available below. Listening to the final ten or so minutes is also worthwhile since it documents Murray’s transformation into a seasoned professional and his bond with current Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, who played a pivotal role in his growth later in high school.
Pounders! I hope you are as thrilled about tomorrow night’s Game 6 of the Finals as I am!
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