View. It has put me in the middle of so many exciting situations where my skills and knowledge have been tested and given me and my crewmates the afterglow of satisfaction when you know you nailed it in a championship atmosphere. Your heart begins to race, the adrenaline begins to run rampant throughout your body, the excitement takes over as you look around the stadium; you take a couple of deep breaths and then everything becomes so clear. Does Video Show Athletes Fainting Due to COVID-19 Vaccine? College Basketball: NCAA Referees Have Their Own Selection Sunday He said the night before the game, while running the stairs in the hotel to see his buddies or get ice, he was a little out of breath. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KVUE To me, he offers an aside: Hes taking advantage of a guy in a weakened position., The doc says, Swing your legs around. I swing my legs around, and they go:Click-click-click-click. Replay Of Referee Bert Smith Collapsing Swift Highlights 22.9K subscribers Subscribe 393 Share 158K views 1 year ago Replay Of Referee Collapsing Basketball Official Collapses Show more Show. I know his wife is going to be going bananas. Having to make those decisions in a split second is a challenge I enjoy. Earlier: Tonight's Elite Eight game between Gonzaga and USC was stopped momentarily after veteran referee Bert Smith collapsed on the court. Thats 1990. She sits down next to the bed, Smith continues, and she says: I saw your fall tonight. Heres why: The doctor said, Listen, tell you what, why dont you just sit on the stretcher? I said OK, I can do that, Smith says and now hes laughing. His wife has seen it once, and shell never watch it again. As the doctor says: Sometimes you dont get a red flag. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The scary moment was caught. He felt wobbly and the next thing he remembers seeing is the ceiling of the stadium. Referee Bert Smith is taken off the court on a stretcher after collapsing during the first half of an Elite 8 game between Gonzaga and Southern California during the first half of an Elite 8 game . When you live something like I did, it hits you square in the eyes that you really have to value each day. Whatsthatfor? Turns out, it was something worse. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. that carried high into the net. Smith abruptly collapsed during an Elite Eight game between No. The former NCAA national mens basketball officiating coordinator, John Adams, says Bert is funny but quiet, not a me-first guy. Adams was one of the 500 who reached out to Smith. Then he becomes a basketball official. I lost it, too. Well get there, but right now were moving too fast. Ncaa Referee Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Smith does remember the play before it, Gonzagas Andrew Nembhard stealing the ball and going the other way, but now the action is coming back toward the USC basket, where Smith had remained hed been unable to run the court as Nembhard finished at the rim and Smith is wondering whats going on. To me, he offers an aside: Hes taking advantage of a guy in a weakened position., The doc says, Swing your legs around. I swing my legs around, and they go: Click-click-click-click. At IU Health Methodist, the 56-year-old Smith was treated by Dr. Katie Trammel, "an important part of this story.". He mentions NCAA officiating coordinator J.D. According to the Indianapolis Star, Smith was placed on blood thinners and two days later the clot was gone. The former NCAA national mens basketball officiating coordinator, John Adams, says Bert is funny but quiet, not a me-first guy. Adams was one of the 500 who reached out to Smith. Per the Star, he was treated at the stadium for two hours with vital checks on pulse, blood pressure and oxygen level that came back normal. Katie Trammel, he tells me slowly, then repeats her name, then spells it. My uniforms were enormous, and I stepped on my flag but I felt as big as the world! When hes saying something serious, though, he slows down. And they found out. Referee Bert Smith in Stable Condition After Collapsing During Gonzaga And how did the court get so blurry all of a sudden, like someone smeared it with . I have to be ready physically, mentally and emotionally. Check this out. Hes on the stretcher, and hes not even a little bit happy about it. Hes not wobbly, no blurry vision, nothing. The 56-year-old veteran referee was carried off the court on a stretcher. and would not need hospitalization. Referee Bert Smith collapses at NCAA men's tournament game between When hes saying something serious, though, he slows down. Over the next seven years, Mike rose to become a star for both his high school and college teams, my dad became a coach and my love for the game was cemented. After his nationally televised fall, Smith had more than 500 texts, emails and calls to return, and by Wednesday hed returned them all. NCAA ref Bert Smith reveals what led to scary fall during men's Why is he lying down near the Gonzaga bench? Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Every offseason lasts too long and a week off of the field makes me feel rusty. NCAA Tournament referee Bert Smith collapse during game saved his life One of those people was Mike Fox, an independent contractor hired by the NCAA to help run the tournament and a basketball official himself. Bert Smith does. Heres why: The doctor said, Listen, tell you what, why dont you just sit on the stretcher? I said OK, I can do that, Smith says and now hes laughing. I looked at him and said, Oh no you didnt. When a situation occurs that brings the temperature of the game up, you have to control your emotions and read the emotions of the players and coaches to restore calm. This season he worked about 90 games, including dates in the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conference. 1 . He did not go to the hospital. The NCAA announced later in the night that Smith was "alert and stable" and would not be transported to a hospital. Once hospitalizedat first, he didnt even plan to godoctors discovered a troubling issue: a blood clot in his lungs. So was Karter. Oh, Ill be back. The reason is Im saying to them, You tricked me, you little SOB!. Who parks in the farthest spot from the entrance to Kroger? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Now Bert Smith is laughing again. Dr. Katie Trammel, hes wanting me to know, may have saved his life. You went down because you had a blood clot in your lung.. I hate the fact I passed out in the Elite Eight, he says, but you know what? Copyright 2022 Referee Enterprises Inc. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He wasnt one of those guys you couldnt talk to. He runs. Gallows humor, you call it, and its pretty funny, how Bert Smiths buddies tease him. Everyones joking with him now. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Even though at this point in my career I have the experience and acceptance, there is still that constant challenge from one game to the next because you never know what is going to happen every time you step on the ice. INDIANAPOLIS Bert Smith hasnt seen the moment that made him famous. " Bert Smith, an official assigned to work the Gonzaga-Southern California regional final, left tonight's game after a medical issue ," the NCAA said in a statement. Smith revealed in a lengthy interview with the Indianapolis Star the fall may have saved him. As you looked toward my approval Further examination revealed Smith, 56, had a blood clot in his lung, the Indianapolis St Hes a motivational speaker anddiversity recruiterin addition to being an NCAA referee, and I imagine hes awfully good at both. You never know whats going to happen. Next thing he remembers, hes looking at the ceiling of Lucas Oil Stadium. Look at those crossed arms. Now he wonders. I always thought he was a good dude, Lansing says. Hes working Gonzaga-USC the next day, and Bert and his crew are staying in one of the NCAA bubble hotels, Le Meridien. Referee Fall in Gonzaga USC NCAA Game TBS Replay Gets Backlash - Yahoo! It was fun and stress-free officiating, and I was able to help pay for college. [1] It was the 68th annual edition of the tournament. Referee 'alert and stable' after collapsing during - oregonlive Devika Pawar. Bad news for ACC basketball: One of the sport's best referees is Collins and NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt, for their support and kindness to me.. I love being part of the game. Market data provided by Factset. Thats 1990. She sits down next to the bed, Smith continues, and she says: I saw your fall tonight. When you live something like I did, it hits you square in the eyes that you really have to value each day.. It puts in perspective the value of each day, because we all go through our lives were all guilty of it and we just live, right? March Madness: NCAA Ref Collapses During Gonzaga-USC Elite Eight Game 6 seed USC. I just cannot erase the pleasure from my face. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But do we say I love you enough? Hes working Gonzaga-USC the next day, and Bert and his crew are staying in one of the NCAA bubble hotels, Le Meridien. Now he wonders. I look for officials I assign to have the same respect and values for the game as I do. INDIANAPOLIS Bert Smith hasnt seen the moment that made him famous. Officiating at the professional level requires commitment to conditioning. or redistributed. For now, hes at his home in Florence, Ky., just outside of Cincinnati, relaxing and watching the Masters golf tournament while medicating an ailment that, if not caught after that fall, could have eventually been much worse. Now check your email to confirm your subscription to the Referee.com Review. The hugs were pretty intense, Smith says, and hes talking slowly again. Look at that picture again. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Something doesnt add up. This article is the copyright of Referee Enterprises, Inc., and may not be republished in whole or in part online, in print or in any capacity without expressed written permission from Referee. People often ask me how I maintain a smile throughout almost every game, however it is quite unintentional. Knowing the rules and how to implement them fairly, evenly and within the guidelines of accepted philosophy is important. Also he mentions NCAA officiating coordinator J.D. Hes huffing and puffing a little, but hes running stairs in a mask. Two days later, clot gone, he was discharged. Just 4 minutes after tipoff in the Elite Eight matchup, Bert Smith crashed to the floor in a terrifying scene -- triggering team trainers and other medical personnel to race to his aid. Referee Bert Smith is taken off the court on a stretcher after collapsing during the first half of an Elite 8 game between Gonzaga and Southern California during the first half of an Elite 8. After his nationally televised fall, Smith had more than 500 texts, emails and calls to return, and by Wednesday hed returned them all. It could have been a red flag, he said doctors told him, but then again "sometimes it just hits you.". Being part of the game is a big reason. When hes saying something serious, though, he slows down. Berts on the sixth floor, and hes putting on his mask to run the stairs down to the fifth floor for ice, or to run up to the eighth floor to see his buddies. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KSDK Video shows Cowboys Prescott taking snaps, moving well, Thamel: Millers firing tells truth about coaching in NCAA, Former Florida State, Giants WR arrested on murder charges, Rapinoe blasts Warriors Green for takes on womens sports, abruptly collapsed during an Elite Eight game, Smith told the Indianapolis Star's Gregg Doyel, later in the night that Smith was "alert and stable. This week, Gonzaga and Southern California faced off during the Elite Eight matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium. Smith's fall to the ground. Scary video shows the ref falling backwards and hitting his head on the hardwood floor just four minutes into the March Madness game as other officials pause the match and run to his aid. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Which Men's College Basketball Programs Should We Keep an Eye Out for Next Season? More than a week later, he hasnt watched the moment. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Smith, 56, regained consciousness, and he was alert as he was carried off the floor on a stretcher. Trammel had seen the video. Whats that for? You cant get any closer to the ballgame. Smith trains year round on a treadmill or stationary bike, and gets in other workouts like when the family goes to Disney World in Florida and Smith says they dont need a stroller for their grandson, Karter. I hate the fact I passed out in the Elite Eight, he says, but you know what? To me, he offers an aside: Hes taking advantage of a guy in a weakened position., The doc says, Swing your legs around. I swing my legs around, and they go: Click-click-click-click. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KHOU NCAA Referee Bert Smith Collapses During March Madness. Read More Referee Bert Smith collapses on the court during the first half of an Elite 8 game between Gonzaga and Southern California in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament at Lucas Oil . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Katie Trammel, he tells me slowly, then repeats her name, then spells it. Smith fell and was immediately attended to by medical personnel. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Smith was put on blood thinners and discharged two days later with the clot gone. Eades, who at age 56 has worked three Final Fours and. March Madness roundup: Gonzaga, UCLA advance to Final Four Referee, the worlds original sports officiating magazine, educates, challenges and inspires officials at all levels. Who will win each 2023 conference tournament? It pushes you to be on top of your game. He runs. Smiths pausing. It has helped me to handle stressful situations and taught me how to remain calm in the midst of the storms of life. I say, Whats going on, man? And he goes, Bert, you passed out. You blacked out., I look to my right, and I see a stretcher. Look at that picture again. Moves fast? Referee alert after collapsing on sideline during Gonzaga - ESPN.com Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Something doesnt add up. Smith tested positive for the coronavirus in August, but doctors cant say whether theres a correlation between COVID-19 and his blood clot. When you are ready mentally you work with confidence. We make mistakes but we make them with the honest attempt to be right 100 percent of the time; I like being held to that high standard. Smith is the college basketball official who passed out during the 2021 NCAA region final between Gonzaga and Southern California, toppling over like a fallen tree his description his body. Dr. I am blessed that I have been able to enjoy two passions and carry on the Aldrich Hoop Family tradition. Where did it come from? CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. Smith trains year-round on a treadmill or stationary bike, and gets in other workouts, like when the family goes to Disney Worldand Smith says they dont need a stroller for their grandson, Karter. Officiating for me has always been the ultimate escape. I still play in a mens league, have refereed more than 700 NCAA games and am in my 17th season as an MLS official. Do we give an extra hug enough? You went down because you had a blood clot in your lung.. Michael Conroy/AP. Referee Bert Smith says blood clot in lung caused his fall at NCAA men Its hard for me to talk about now. Referee collapses during USC-Gonzaga Elite Eight matchup - ABC7 Los Angeles You went down because you had a blood clot in your lung.. A former employee at Avis Car Rental, he dropped that job to officiate full time in 2010. Check this out. Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Twitter at @GreggDoyelStar or at www.facebook.com/gregg.doyel. For me, it didnt seem like a red flag, Smith says. Official collapses, wheeled off court on stretcher from NCAA tournament She said: I got the answer to the question. I always thought he was a good dude, Lansing says. He goes to IU Health Methodist. " Moves fast? 6 seed USC last month in the men's NCAA tournament. He started on the lowest levels as a youth league official in 1990, began working Division I games in 1993 and now does as many as 80 games a year. Smiths pausing. For now, hell continue to return new messagesstill flooding inand relax while, yes, watching golfs first major championship. Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital. I love officiating for the same reason I love my wife. I look to my left, and its a doctor, Bert says, and hes laughing about it now. Within seconds, theyd strapped the seated Smith onto it. They released him to return to his hotel. Two days later, clot gone, he was discharged. The hugs were pretty intense, Smith says, and hes talking slowly again. Bert Smith does. OK, so the night of March 29. Video: Referee Collapses In Scary Scene During Gonzaga-USC Game Everything was normal. Well get there, but right now were moving too fast. Hospitalized with a blood clot. A replacement official was added to the crew after Smith collapsed. Referee Bert Smith got to hear ovation of a lifetime. Oh, and hes also been returning those messages. Its deep, and its contagious. Todays game is so fast and the players have such a high skill set that its very important to be in the best possible position to judge a play and make a call. Shes an important part of this story.. Bert. I cant find that feeling anywhere else. Were about to put you through the car wash of testing, she said. Hes worked 17 NCAA Tournaments. Are you going to tell Bert Smith hes out of shape? For someone like me who has been in the game for a long time, there is a certain level of expectation on the part of players, coaches and my supervisors. 29/08/21, Germany (unknown age) Unnamed Germany C-League Dillenburg a player from Hirzenhain collapses, game . Officials figure they run at least four miles during a game, and its not a jog but a series of sprints. NCAA basketball official Bert Smith lies on the court after collapsing during the Gonzaga-USC men's game in the Elite Eight. See Bert Smith? Berts on the sixth floor, and hes putting on his mask to run the stairs down to the fifth floor for ice, or to run up to the eighth floor to see his buddies. I continue to coach high school soccer. As the doctor says: Sometimes you dont get a red flag. Why is he lying down near the Gonzaga bench? You know the rules, have studied the pregame intel and use your experience to go read and react to the actions. Bert Smith NCAA men's basketball official, 27th season My fitness is important to me. Jacquie was waiting at the door. You dont know where that clot was going next, he says. Before I started officiating I had a sister who lived in another county. Hed rather take the stairs, and Bert Smith doesnt walk them. The scary scene unfolded with 15:44 to play in the. I thought he was a good official, a fair official, and when you saw him at a game, you knew you were going to get a good whistle from him., Smith says well see him at games next season I could work again in seven to 10 days, he says but for now he wants to thank some people publicly. Smiths pausing. He rarely uses the elevator. Referee Bert Smith said he was 'tricked' into getting on the stretcher after his collapse . The whole thing is mysterious, because hes a sculpture of a man, 6-3 and 195 pounds. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. So was Karter. People in the building, and I was one of them, thought he was dead. What happens next leads toa picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. The clot restricted enough oxygen to Smith that he passed out during the game. Smith was admitted into Methodist and put on blood thinners. What happens next leads to a picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. If you saw it, you understand. Smiths pausing. NCAA Referee Bert Smith Collapses On Court During Elite 8 Game, But Officiating is similar to playing the game full of emotion, both highs and lows. They were pretty intense, man. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KGW Youve probably seen him. He agreed. Referee OK after collapsing on sideline during Gonzaga-USC Elite Eight He rarely uses the elevator. Smith does rememberthe play before it:Gonzagas Andrew Nembhard stealing the ball and going the other way, but now the action is coming back toward the USC basket, where Smith had remained hed been unable to run the court as Nembhard finished at the rim and Smith is wondering whats going on. I could be having the worst day possible and I still lose myself in my game that day. I realized, even back then, how fun and rewarding each officiating experience was for the crew. Do we give an extra hug enough? Do we do the things with our family and friends that have value to them? a thrust, a dribble, a power shot Hes not wobbly, no blurry vision, nothing. Hes worked 17 NCAA Tournaments. Youve probably seen him. Legal Statement. They strapped me in! Medical personnel take care of a NCAA referee after he fell on the court during the first half during the game between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the USC Trojans in the Elite Eight of the 2021 NCAA . Why cant he catch his breath? I look to my left, and its a doctor, Bert says, and hes laughing about it now. He told the Star he's happy it happened during the Elite Eight when he could get the right help he needed rather than during an instance when he was driving or sleeping.