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Gene named after Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich

A tongue-in-cheek nod for an isolated gene that controls the development of columbine spurs.

Memphis Grizzlies v San Antonio Spurs Photos by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images

Scientists named a critical gene for columbine flowers after San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

Scientists isolated one gene that was key to the development of the spurs in the long tubes of the columbine. The connection to Popovich came about from its pertinence to the word “spur.”

Pun or not, Evangeline Ballerini, an assistant professor of biological sciences at California State University, Sacramento laid the honor on the Spurs coach despite being a Golden State Warriors fan, quite a statement on the validity of Popovich’s place within the NBA.

Congratulations to the scientists as well as Coach Pop who will now forever be remembered through science as well as basketball.


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