Popovich on Suns owner's apology: 'Surprised he didn't say it in a chicken suit'

It turns out San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich didn't take too kindly to Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver's apology to fans in Phoenix.

Sarver apologized to Suns fans on Thursday after the Spurs rested several players, including their stars, for a preseason meeting between the two teams.

Popovich then took the opportunity to clear the air on Saturday.

"I think most wise individuals would check facts before they make statements," Popovich said, according to SB Nation's Pounding The Rock.

Popovich continued.

Unless you're interested in putting on a show, in that case, the facts can get in your way, as in this case. We had five guys we didn't send: Patty Mills had a shoulder operation, Tiago Splitter has been out the whole preseason with a calf, Kawhi Leonard was out and is still out 10 more days. The other two, Duncan and Ginobili, are two of the oldest guys in the league and just came back from a 13-day European trip. The only thing that surprises me is he didn't come out and say it in a chicken suit.

The chicken comment is a reference to an incident from 2005, when Sarver made wing-flapping gestures towards the Spurs bench after Popovich rested some of his stars on that night.

Popovich certainly has a point, though.

While his resting of stars during the regular season has often been a topic of debate, there's no need for apologies when it comes to resting your most vital players during meaningless preseason games. Everyone does it.