Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich is praising the fans for their response to the team's 'unity demonstration' before last night's season opener at the AT&T Center, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The team stood for the National Anthem, and after the anthem had played, the team stood and linked arms as a message was shown on the Jumbotron:
"We understand your desire to attend our games is an escape and a chosen form of entertainment. In fact, we feel that there is a sufficient commonality in all of us that allows our community to be special. We ask that you join with us in your daily lives in the pursuit of equality."
The Spurs fans cheered the display of unity and the message, many of them standing and cheering. The police officers at the game and other Spurs officials linked arms as well.
"I'm so proud to be in this city where you have fans that understand that it is important for everybody," Pop said after the game. "Kudos to our fans."
Players also said they were pleased to hear the fans cheering in support
."I want to congratulate our fans for the way they reacted, when the National Anthem was played at the beginning of the game," Pop said. "They obviously buy into the message that was shown on the Jumbotron."
The team didn't say whether the message will be repeated at future home games.