Gregg Popovich Hospitalized After Restaurant Collapse—What’s Next for the Spurs?
Exclusive scoop: Spurs legend Gregg Popovich, 76, was rushed out of a downtown San Antonio eatery in an ambulance Friday evening after suffering a sudden medical emergency, TMZ first reported. According to on‑the‑scene eyewitnesses and a statement from a Spurs spokesperson, Popovich—widely revered as the NBA’s longest‑tenured coach—suddenly wilted at his table just after 7:30 p.m. No foul play suspected, per local EMS logs (San Antonio Fire Department report, April 18).
Sources tell People Magazine that restaurant staff immediately called 911 when Popovich appeared dizzy and unresponsive. Video footage reviewed by ESPN cameras outside the venue shows paramedics securing him on a gurney before whisking him away under blue lights. While the exact diagnosis remains private, the team’s official statement confirms Popovich is in stable condition and under observation at University Health Hospital.
Spurs general manager Brian Wright issued a brief but reassuring note: “Coach Pop is resting comfortably. We appreciate the outpouring of support from fans and the league.” League insiders tell The Athletic that Popovich’s health scare has sparked urgent conversations within the organization about succession planning—especially since he’s under contract through the 2026 season.
This isn’t Popovich’s first high‑stress moment. The coaching legend has shrugged off back surgery in 2017 and misses occasional games due to minor injuries. But this on‑camera collapse marks the first time fans worldwide have seen him incapacitated, raising questions about his future behind the bench. Are we witnessing the beginning of the end for the Spurs’ silver‑haired icon, or just another speed bump in his storied career?
As speculation mounts around who might take over if Popovich needs extended leave—Assistant Coach Becky Hammon’s name is already floating up in social feeds—San Antonio’s locker room is bracing for potential changes. The Spurs, known for loyalty and long runs with Popovich at the helm, could be on the cusp of a seismic coaching shift.
Stay tuned: will Popovich make a quick comeback or shift to an advisory role? This saga is far from over—and the NBA community won’t let it fade quietly.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, ESPN, San Antonio Fire Department report
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
