Spurs coach 'disappointed' by NBA fine

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SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- San Antonio Spurs head Coach Gregg Popovich says he is "disappointed" by the NBA's decision to fine the team after he sent four healthy stars home to rest.

Popovich sent Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Danny Green were sent home before the Spurs were to play their fourth road game in five days -- a nationally televised contest against the Heat Thursday in Miami.

NBA Commissioner David Stern issued a $250,000 fine to the Spurs Friday for inflicting "a disservice to the league and our fans."

Popovich told reporters before the Spurs' home victory over Memphis Saturday he was "disappointed" by the fine, The San Antonio Express News reported.

"What I do from my perspective is a coaching perspective," he said. "I think the league operates from a business perspective, and that's reflected in the action they took. That's that, and we move on."

Popovich wouldn't discuss a potential appeal, saying any further communication between the Spurs and the NBA will remain private, the newspaper said.