Spurs unsure when Popovich will return after recent medical episode

SAN ANTONIO >> The San Antonio Spurs are unsure when, or if, Gregg Popovich will return as coach this season.

Popovich suffered an undisclosed medical episode last Saturday about 2 1/2 hours prior to the Spurs’ home game against Minnesota.

San Antonio acting head coach Mitch Johnson said Popovich was “not feeling well,” but would not elaborate on what happened hours earlier.

Popovich has missed three games since, including Thursday’s home game against Portland. When asked if there was any clarity about Popovich returning this season, Johnson could not provide an answer.

“I would say that … he’s doing good,” Johnson said Thursday. “We’ve been talking. I’ve had my hands full with this, in trying to stay above water. So, have not talked details and I’m not sure, about anything … that I’m … no details.”

Cink shoots 64 to take 1st-round lead in Charles Schwab Cup Championship

PHOENIX >> Stewart Cink shot a 7-under 64 on Thursday to take a three-stroke lead after the first round of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the final PGA Tour Champions event of the season.

The 51-year-old Cink had eight birdies and a bogey at Phoenix Country Club. The Ally Challenge winner in August in Michigan for his first senior title, Cink entered the week 12th in the season standings.

K.J. Choi was second after a 67. Jerry Kelly, Paul Broadhurst and Stephen Ames shot 68.

Streelman, Whitney, Hoey share lead at World Wide Technology Championship

LOS CABOS, Mexico>> Kevin Streelman, Tom Whitney and Rico Hoey each shot 5-under 67 in windy conditions Thursday to share the first-round lead in the World Wide Technology Championship.

Winless on the PGA Tour since 2014, the 46-year-old Streelman opened his afternoon round at Tiger Woods-designed El Cardonal at Diamante with an eagle and a birdie.

NASCAR trucks driver Ty Majeski fined for missing media session to vote

AVONDALE, Ariz. >> NASCAR Truck Series championship contender Ty Majeski was fined $12,500 by the stock car series this week after missing media obligations to vote in his home state of Wisconsin on Election Day.

Majeski is one of four drivers who can win the truck title at Phoenix Raceway on Friday night. Majeski talked with Thorsport Racing owners and all agreed he would cast his ballot in person on Tuesday.

Majeski called the penalty “unprecedented” and said he will appeal the decision.

A NASCAR spokesman said the team never disclosed Majeski was not available because he was voting.

Analyst Herbstreit’s popular dog, Ben, dies

Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced Thursday that his beloved dog, Ben, died at age 10.

Ben was a golden retriever who gained fame for regularly accompanying Herbstreit to games and even appearing on set and the sideline.

Herbstreit, who calls college football on ESPN and NFL games on Amazon Prime Video, posted on X that cancer had spread through his dog’s organs and “there was nothing left we could do — we had to let him go.”

— The Associated Press