LeBron James has come to the defense of TNT sideline reporter Allie LaForce after she was criticized for asking him a question about Erin Popovich during his post-game interview.
Erin Popovich, the wife of San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, passed away last night after an extended illness and the news broke amid the Cavs' 100-97 victory over the Pacers. Immediately after the game, LaForce asked LeBron about the heartbreaking news.
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After TNT posted that video, people from all corners of the internet condemned LaForce and the producer for asking such a question when LeBron seemingly had no prior knowledge. However, after learning of the hate being spewed at LaForce, LeBron set the record straight and revealed that he was told of Erin Popovich's passing prior to the post-game interview and had agreed to address the situation in the moment.
“Get off Allie LaForce’s back, because she followed the proper protocol and she warned me,” James says in the video. “Get off her back, man. She’s very professional and does a great job.”
“Once I started talking about it, once we were on air, actually my emotions just kind of took over,” James added, regarding his "shocked" reaction to the news. “That was just my emotions coming straight from my heart.”
LeBron and the Cavs evened up the series at 1-1 with last night's win as the series now shifts to Indiana for Games 3 & 4. The two teams will be back at it tomorrow night at 7:00pm ET. That game will air on ESPN.
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