Spurs' Gregg Popovich: Fight for Equality Continues After Derek Chauvin Verdict

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich believes the guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin was just one step on the path to racial equality and justice. 

"I think it's a time to understand that was a victory in a war that's got to continue to be waged in the sense of demanding equality and justice and rights—because it hasn't happened yet," Popovich told reporters Wednesday.

Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd, per CNN.com.

"We are pleased that justice appears to have been served," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts said in a joint statement Tuesday.

The case had a far-reaching impact with worldwide protests following Floyd's murder in May 2020. Numerous athletes reacted to Tuesday's verdict on social media, including many top NBA players who took part in protests last year.

Popovich has long been vocal about social justice, including a message earlier this month following the police killing of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota:

He continued his advocacy Wednesday, noting that Chauvin's guilty verdict isn't justice on its own and the fight to end systemic racism must continue (via Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press):

"More than anything, we have to remember to be on guard, to call it out, that justice has not been realized yet. That was a victory, I'm thrilled for George Floyd's family, but he's still not with us. And it's because of the culture. It's not just a single one-off act of one man. We've seen it too many times and police unions have to be called to task. We have to be brave about it and do what needs to be done."

Last June, Popovich helped form a committee on racial injustice and reform in the National Basketball Coaches Association intended to work toward change around the country.