Legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich experienced a medical emergency on Tuesday night while dining at a steakhouse in San Antonio. The 76-year-old was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after reportedly fainting at the restaurant, raising concerns about his health as he continues to recover from a mild stroke suffered in November 2024.
According to reports, Popovich had been at the restaurant for approximately two hours before the emergency occurred. Witnesses described seeing him on a stretcher as he was placed into the ambulance around 8:20 PM. Officials responded to a call regarding an elderly individual who had fainted, and Popovich was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries or illness.
Sources close to the situation indicated that the incident may have been related to lingering effects from his previous stroke. Despite the scare, Popovich was reportedly alert and talking by the time he entered the ambulance, and he has since returned home and is said to be stable and doing fine.
Popovich’s health has been a topic of concern since his stroke last year, which led to his indefinite leave from coaching. In February, he announced that he would not return to the sidelines for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season, citing his focus on recovery. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been serving as interim head coach in his absence.
Popovich’s statement earlier this year reflected his optimism about returning to coaching in the future:
“I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future,” he said.
As the winningest coach in NBA history, Popovich’s impact on the sport is immeasurable. With five NBA championships and an Olympic gold medal under his belt, he has been a cornerstone of the Spurs organization since 1996. His leadership and dedication have earned him widespread respect, not only as a coach but as a mentor and advocate for social justice.
While Popovich’s recent health scare has raised questions about his long-term future, fans and colleagues remain hopeful for his recovery. The Spurs organization has yet to comment on the incident, but the basketball community has rallied around Popovich, sending well-wishes and support.
As Popovich continues to focus on his health, his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in NBA history remains intact. Whether or not he returns to the sidelines, his contributions to the game and his influence on players and fans will endure.
