Gregg Popovich was ‘barely responding’ during April medical incident, chilling 911 audio reveals

The 911 call from Gregg Popovich’s April medical emergency has emerged. 

TMZ released audio of the incident on Friday, providing more details of the night the legendary Spurs coach fainted in a San Antonio steakhouse before being taken away in an ambulance.

The man on the 911 call initially said a “guest” was “non-responding” before updating the dispatcher, saying Popovich was “barely responding” and had “passed out for a little bit.”

Gregg Popovich reacts after a call by the official, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in Salt Lake City. AP

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:20 p.m. on April 15 after Popovich, who suffered a stroke before a game in November and was away from the team for the rest of the season, was reportedly “alert and talking” by the time he reached the ambulance. 

Popovich had been inside the restaurant for two hours, and the incident was labeled a “non-life-threatening injury or illness” at the time.

A couple of weeks later, the Spurs announced that Popovich would be stepping down as the team’s head coach and would transition into a full-time role as the team’s president of basketball operations.

“While my love and passion for the game remain, I’ve decided it’s time to step away as head coach,” Popovich said in a statement posted by the Spurs on May 2. “I’m forever grateful to the wonderful players, coaches, staff and fans who allowed me to serve them as the Spurs head coach and am excited for the opportunity to continue to support the organization, community and city that are so meaningful to me.”

Gregg Popovich unveils his clever new t-shirt that shows “El Jefe” written on it. AP

A few days later, during a press conference to announce Mitch Johnson as San Antonio’s new head coach, Popovich flashed his familiar humor while taking the podium to pass the torch before unveiling a new T-shirt that displays the words “El Jefe,” which translates from Spanish to “the boss.”

“l’ll have a new job and I just want to make sure everyone understands what that new job is,” Popovich said as he unzipped his jacket.

“I’m no longer a coach, I’m ‘El Jefe.’”