Gregg Popovich Rushed to Hospital After Fainting at Restaurant

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was taken to a hospital on Tuesday night, April 15, 2025, after fainting during dinner at a local steakhouse. Emergency responders received a call around 8:20 PM regarding an elderly person who had fainted at the restaurant.

Video footage obtained by TMZ shows Popovich, 76, being placed on a stretcher and transported to an ambulance. Fortunately, sources indicated that he was alert and talking when he entered the vehicle, with medical personnel classifying his condition as non-life-threatening.

By Friday, April 18, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Popovich was back home and doing fine. This latest health scare follows a mild stroke he suffered in November 2024, which had previously caused him to step away from coaching for the rest of that season.

Popovich, who is the oldest coach in NBA history, has led the Spurs since the 1996-97 season, achieving five NBA championships along with becoming the winningest coach in league history with 1,412 regular-season victories and 170 playoff wins. His iconic coaching skills also contributed to Team USA winning a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

During Popovich’s absence, assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been serving as the interim head coach. The Spurs have faced difficulties this season, finishing with a disappointing record of 34-48, landing them in 13th place in the Western Conference. Star player Victor Wembanyama was also sidelined for the remainder of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

In December 2024, Popovich expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during his recovery, stating, “This has certainly been an unexpected six weeks for my family and me. The outpouring of support we’ve received during this time has been truly overwhelming in the best possible way.” He emphasized his commitment to focusing on his health.

Despite challenges within the organization this season, the Spurs remain hopeful for Popovich’s return for the 2025-26 season. CEO R.C. Buford previously mentioned that Popovich has been actively pursuing a comeback, but with this recent incident, the team’s priority will continue to be the coach’s health.

Notably, Popovich has won NBA Coach of the Year three times, alongside coaching legends Don Nelson and Pat Riley. The anticipation surrounding his return grows as the basketball community rallies support for his recovery.

As the Spurs prepare for the upcoming playoff season without their legendary leader, the organization emphasizes its commitment to supporting Popovich and maintaining the franchise’s spirit. Fans and players alike continue to send their best wishes for his health and potential return to the sidelines.

With Popovich’s future coaching decisions unclear, his profound impact on the game and the Spurs organization remains indisputable, leaving many hopeful for his presence in the upcoming seasons.