San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich tips $5,000 to a waiter in a Memphis restaurant.
The best and hardest interview in the NBA is San Antonio Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich. Known for his short, often sarcastic, answers to reporters between quarters or in a post-game press conference have become legendary. There is no doubting that Coach Pop can be brash.
And, he is outspoken. During the Presidential Election last year, Coach Popovich made statements against candidates due to their actions, especially toward woman. Being the first coach to hire a female assistant coach on his NBA staff, it is no shock that he would take a hard stance against disrespect of others.
Now, it appears that he has a kind side. Yes, the gray-headed curmudgeon — that we envision making a cameo on the next edition of Grumpy Old Men, whose only line will be, “Get off my lawn!” — seems to have a softer side. According to the San Antonio Express News, Coach Popovich left a $5,000 tip for a waiter in Memphis.
Earlier today, a user on Reddit posted a receipt from his night of working at McEwen’s. The picture showed a tab over $800, but a tip of $5,000. The signature appears to be that of Coach Popovich. The paper states that neither the restaurant owner or the coach confirm the report.
"Though coach Pop has not confirmed the transaction, a number of factors give this tale authenticity: The handwriting appears to match, the Spurs were in town for games on April 20 and 22 and the FedEx Forum is only blocks away from McEwen’s, which is known for its wine selection."
The post on Reddit as since been removed, but it is possible that it was true. In April of 2016, it was reported that the coach left $1,000 tip.
Maybe Coach Popovich does have a soft spot. Just don’t tell him to his face, especially when holding a microphone.