Popovich keeps up criticism of Trump, rips controversial appointment

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich continued his public criticism of president-elect Donald Trump Wednesday, referring specifically to the controversial appointment of former Breitbart News chairman Steve Bannon as future White House chief strategist.

"I think that's very troublesome to many of us," Popovich said, according to the Washington Post's Tim Bontemps. "It would be great if (Trump) made some statements to all of the groups he disparaged, to bring us all together, and to allay fears, because there are a lot of fearful people, and for good reason. But rather than doing that, he inflamed it even more with that appointment. It’s kind of ironic."

Under Bannon's leadership, Breitbart News shifted its focus to a more "alt-right" approach, a philosophy that has traditionally been tolerant of racist, anti-semitic, and homophobic viewpoints.

Popovich - a former U.S. Air Force officer who once considered a career in the CIA - again lambasted Trump for using racially divisive politics during his bitter election campaign against Hillary Clinton.

"I wonder sometimes if he made all those statements, he certainly whipped up the fear mongering and emotion in that base ... he's pretty good at that," Popovich said. "You can't believe anything that comes out of his mouth. It changes day to day, depending on the situation, and what he needs at the moment."