Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Rushed to Hospital After Medical Scare Amid Stroke Recovery

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was taken to the hospital following a medical emergency on Tuesday night while dining at a steakhouse in San Antonio. The incident comes as Popovich, 76, continues to recover from a mild stroke he suffered last November.

According to reports, Popovich left the restaurant in an ambulance after officials responded to a call about an elderly individual fainting. Thankfully, Popovich was alert by the time he was taken to the hospital, and sources have confirmed there were no life-threatening injuries or illnesses involved. A close call, but it looks like the legendary coach is still in the game—just not the one with a basketball.

Popovich, who had already missed six games earlier this NBA season due to his stroke, hasn’t coached since the incident. He managed the Spurs for their first five games before stepping away to focus on his health. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has been leading the team during Popovich’s absence.

After the initial stroke, the Spurs announced that Popovich was expected to make a full recovery. In true Popovich fashion, he joked six weeks later about how his rehabilitation team probably found him less than coachable—proving his wit is just as sharp as ever.

By late February, Popovich officially stated he would not return for the remainder of the season, praising Johnson and the Spurs players for their resilience and professionalism during a challenging year. "I will continue to focus on my health with the hope that I can return to coaching in the future," Popovich said in a statement.

With an NBA record of 1,401 career victories, 170 postseason wins, and five championship titles, Popovich remains an icon in his 29th season—all with the Spurs. The team missed the playoffs this year, but his impact on the organization and the league is undeniable.