Popovich stands up for James

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich defended Cleveland star Lebron James’ right to speak up after he was recently criticized by Fox News Laura Ingraham, who said the NBA’s most high-profile player should “shut up and dribble” after he criticized President Donald Trump.

Popovich jumped into the fray Sunday, praising James for his willingness to speak up on social issues before the two teams met at Quicken Loans Arena.

“Think about when he came into public view, how young was he? And to this day he hasn’t missed a step, he hasn’t fallen off the ledge and he’s been a brilliant example for millions of kids, especially kids with lesser opportunity and haven’t had the same advantages as others,” Popovich said.

“They see in this guy, somebody who has consistently exhibited excellence in the work place and gives them a voice and lets them know that you can speak about anything.”

More pro basketball

Colorado authorities said longtime NBA agent Dan Fegan died in a car crash Sunday. The Colorado State Patrol said that Fegan was driving an SUV when he tried to merge onto a highway and was broadsided by a commuter bus near Aspen.

Golf

Justin Thomas nearly holed a wedge that got him into a playoff, and then hit 5-wood over the water and onto the green to beat Luke List in a sudden-death playoff in the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Thomas closed with a 2-under 68 and won for the second time this season. He also won in a playoff at the CJ Cup in South Korea last fall.

• Eddie Pepperell survived a tense finish to close with a 2-under 70 and win the Qatar Masters for his first European Tour title. The 27-year-old Englishman held off Oliver Fisher at Doha Golf Club.

• Jessica Korda closed with a 4-under 67 for a four-shot victory in the Honda LPGA in Chonburi, Thailand. Korda finish at 25-under 263, breaking by three shots the 72-hole record at Siam Country Club.

Soccer

The Riverhounds downed Akron University, 4-2, in a high scoring game at Highmark Stadium. The Riverhounds notched two goals apiece in each half.