Nuggets' Issel takes leave to ponder future

DENVER -- Denver Nuggets 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, though 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 against visiting Golden State on Saturday night.

Issel was suspended Dec. 12 for remarks he made as he walked off the court after a loss to the Charlotte Hornets 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 team suspended Issel for four games without pay, costing him more than $112,000. He could have returned to the sideline on Saturday night.

He apologized publicly and then met with Hispanic leaders.

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

Issel has been a player, general manager and president of the Nuggets in addition to coach. He's 178-205 as the team's coach, the third-most wins with the Nuggets.