The embattled Kelvin Sampson, who was asked to step down as Indiana University’s coach after committing recruiting violations, is spending time with the Spurs, observing the team for coach Gregg Popovich.
Sampson, who went to the Final Four as the coach at Oklahoma, became friends with Popovich while on the 2002 FIBA World Championships coaching staff. Sampson also coached Nuggets forward Eduardo Najera at Oklahoma.
“I talked to Eddie about doing what Pop did, and Eddie brought it back to me that Pop had already called Kelvin,” Karl said. “Kelvin Sampson is a great basketball guy, deserves to be in basketball. And if it has to be pro basketball, then so be it. If the NCAA is going to be hard on him with the rules and regulations, the 575 pages of interpretation of how you should practice, when you should practice, who’s allowed to practice and how many dribbles you’re allowed to take in the practice . . . it’s gotten too crazy.”
