Spurs' Gregg Popovich Suffers April Medical Scare After Stroke

Legendary San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich experienced a serious medical emergency on April 15 at a local steakhouse, where he was found barely conscious and reportedly passed out briefly before being rushed to a hospital. This incident was connected to lingering effects from a mild stroke he suffered in November, which had already sidelined him for the rest of the previous season. Despite the scare, Popovich showed resilience, appearing publicly at a press conference in early May to introduce Mitch Johnson as the new Spurs head coach while transitioning to a full-time role as the team's president of basketball operations. During the press event, Popovich humorously unveiled a shirt labeled "El Jefe" (the boss), symbolizing his new leadership position off the court. After nearly three decades as head coach, during which he led the Spurs to five NBA championships and became the winningest coach in NBA history, Popovich expressed gratitude for the support he received and affirmed his ongoing passion for basketball. The strong camaraderie within the Spurs organization was evident as many former players attended the press conference, highlighting Popovich's enduring influence and legacy.