San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich receives COVID-19 vaccination

By Blake Harper | Last updated 1/28/21

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich received the COVID-19 vaccine, and he used the opportunity to advocate for others to get vaccinated as well, hoping to spread awareness while dispelling misinformation about how safe and easy the procedure is.

Pop released the video on his 72nd birthday through the NBA, similar to what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did when he received the vaccine. The video showed him receiving the shot and saying that he "didn't even feel it" after a health care worker gave him a dose of the vaccine. The five-time NBA champion said getting vaccinated was a "no-brainer."

"It's the right thing to do so we can all get on track again,'' Popovich said in the video.

The government is currently attempting to raise awareness about the vaccine to ensure that everyone who is eligible to receive it does. Current CDC guidelines suggest that the vaccine should first be given to health care personnel, people living in long-term care facilities, front-line essential workers, those over the age of 65 and people "with underlying medical conditions'' that increase their vulnerability to COVID-19.

In the video, Popovich noted that getting a vaccine was the best way to ensure his safety and the safety of others.

"It will keep me safe, keep my family safe and keep other people safe," Popovich says. "Wearing masks is important, and to get the vaccine does give you an added level of assurance."

The NBA has considered the idea of vaccinating players to raise awareness, though commissioner Adam Silver says he does not want players to jump in line ahead of health care workers and others who have been prioritized.

More must-reads: