Barstool founder and CEO Dave Portnoy sensationally launched an unprovoked attack on San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich by labeling the five-time NBA champion a “pompous a——.”
The men’s Final Four of March Madness is being staged at the Alamodome in San Antonio. As a result, Portnoy took his show to Alamo City for a live taping – and decided to engage in a vicious tirade on Popovich.
The controversial and outspoken host decided to call out Popovich before the San Antonio crowd. Renowned for his outlandish takes and over-the-top personality, perhaps Portnoy went too far this time by aiming at the vulnerable Spurs coach, who is something of a revered icon in the city given what he has achieved, winning five NBA championships.
While he has been away from the Spurs and the NBA due to health complications, Popovich remains the longest-tenured head coach in the league. During the filming of Barstool’s show in San Antonio, where the NCAA Final Four 2025 is being staged, Portnoy vented his thoughts toward Popovich and outlined why he feels the way he does.
“I hate Popovich!” Portnoy declared. “I absolutely hate Popovich. He is an absolute pompous a——.
“I respect the Spurs dynasty. I just don’t like Popovich. I like the players. I don’t like the coach. I don’t like when he grabs the microphone and he’s like, ‘Shut up everybody!’ Just coach the team. He thinks he’s God. He thinks he’s the righteous morality. He always lectures you. I always feel like Popovich is lecturing me. I don’t want to hear from you. Coach your team and shut up.”
I know I’m in the middle of a San Antonio crowd, but I just have to say I hate Gregg Popovich pic.twitter.com/3v7uIpxbzt
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 4, 2025
He added: “I did a pizza review today and he was on the window, I was like, ‘I f—— hate Popovich!’”
Portnoy ultimately believes any coach could have won with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili in the same way Popovich did. He also referenced when the 76-year-old told former Spurs star – and 2014 Finals MVP – Kawhi Leonard during his return to San Antonio with the LA Clippers.
Earlier this season, Popovich missed six games before the Spurs announced he had the stroke. It’s unclear whether Popovich will return to the Spurs or retire following his life-threatening medical condition.
Mitch Johnson has since taken over the reins in Popovich’s absence. The Spurs sit 13th in the Western Conference, but injuries to key players such as Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox have plagued the team.
The 32-45 Spurs are next in action against the 34-44 Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, April 6.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
