Beleaguered Issel Takes Leave of Absence

Denver Nugget Coach Dan Issel took a leave of absence Saturday, the day he was to return from a four-game suspension for shouting an insensitive ethnic remark at a fan.

No timetable was set for Issel’s return; General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he believed Issel would need only a day or two to make a decision on whether to come back to the team.

Vandeweghe said Issel requested “some additional time to consider his future in terms of coaching the Nuggets. He wants to make sure his return to the sidelines is in his best interest and the best interest of the organization.”

Assistant Mike Evans, who replaced Issel during the suspension, coached Denver in its 105-101 loss to Golden State on Saturday night.

The team suspended Issel Dec. 12 for remarks he made as he walked off the court after a loss to Charlotte the night before. The coach responded to a taunt from a fan by yelling back, “Go drink another beer, you Mexican ... ,” adding an expletive.

The four-game suspension without pay cost him more than $112,000. He apologized publicly and met with Latino leaders.

Issel has acknowledged that he has trouble controlling his temper and plans to do something about it, but has not been more specific.