![Bruins '[expletive] embarrassed' after Game 4 disaster](https://www.audacy.com/media-library/buffalo-sabres-v-boston-bruins-game-four.jpg?id=66356812&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=0%2C53%2C0%2C54)
LeBron James says TNT sideline reporter Allie LaForce did nothing wrong when she asked him about the death of Gregg Popovich's wife after the Cavaliers' win over the Pacers Wednesday.
LaForce was roundly criticized on social media for broaching the subject of Erin Popovich's passing with James, who's a close friend of the family. James reacted emotionally to the question.
"I love Pop. That's such a tragedy," James said. "My best wishes go out to Pop and his family. That's devastating news."
LeBron James after the game finding out about the horrible news of Erin Popovich's passing pic.twitter.com/2hz7z2ysWp
— ⓂarcusD (@_MarcusD2_) April 19, 2018Shortly after the exchange, TNT studio host Ernie Johnson clarified that LaForce notified James about the news before the interview began.
Confirmed: pic.twitter.com/IWCPe0NE4V
— TheMantisU (@TheMantisU) April 19, 2018James defended LaForce's professionalism in a video he recorded on the ride home from Quicken Loans Arena.
"A lot of people think I was blindsided. That is absolutely false," he said. "Allie LaForce told me she was going to ask me the question and if it was OK. Once I started talking about it on air, actually my emotions kind of took over and that was just my emotions coming straight from the heart.
"Get off Allie LaForce's back. She followed the proper protocol and she wanted me. So get off her back. She's very professional and does a great job with her work."
.@KingJames sends his thoughts and prayers to the family of Gregg Popovich, sets record straight on reporter's question. pic.twitter.com/VCsFuEtFVU
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) April 19, 2018It is troubling that many in the media appeared to instinctually side against LaForce. Now that James has defended her, some apologies are in order.
