On Wednesday night, news broke that Erin Popovich, the wife of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, had died. As condolences and tributes began appearing, one group of people who hadn't heard right away were some NBA players themselves.

Following the Cavaliers' 100-97 Game 2 win over the Pacers, LeBron James was told about Erin's passing on air by TNT reporter Allie LaForce. James appeared shocked, as was Warriors star Kevin Durant, who found out from media during shootaround in San Antonio.

However, later Wednesday, TNT's Ernie Johnson stated that LaForce had notified James before asking him about the death on live television. James also confirmed that he was forewarned.

Still, reactions seemed negative by many on social media.

Warning: Some tweets contain coarse language

I know we're living in a digital age but not everything needs to be broadcasted. I don't need to see Durant and LeBron's reaction to the Popovich news after you spring it on them while they're being recorded.
— Abigail A. (@aamartey1) April 19, 2018

Why do they keep asking these guys about Pop’s wife like this? LeBron handled it well, but I’m just not feeling putting these guys on the spot and expecting them to process it on live TV/with cameras rolling. I know it’s a story, but it’s not cool!
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) April 19, 2018

Filming Kevin Durant's reaction to the Gregg Popovich news is pure shitbaggery.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) April 19, 2018

Gotta let LeBron decompress, hear the news from a team official and then ask him about it at the podium. And I'm not gonna blame Allie LaForce because I'd assume that question was requested from the top.
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) April 19, 2018

I’m not blaming Allie LaForce for asking LeBron about Popovich’s wife. I blame the producer who wanted her to ask.
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) April 19, 2018