I love the smell of the grass when you first walk out on the field when you get to the stadium. Bad news for ACC basketball: One of the sport's best referees is 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. He works his first game at age 24. Thats 1990. Theres no room in your head for thinking about cutting the grass, what you need from the store or how you have to finish your taxes. Being part of the game is a big reason. Everyones joking with him now. I looked at him and said, Oh no you didnt. Youve probably seen him. Check this out. Youve probably seen him. 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 flat and unmoving, his eyes open and unseeing, a Gonzaga trainer frantically waving for help. The 56-year-old veteran referee was carried off the court on a stretcher. And how did the court get so blurry all of a sudden, like someone smeared it with . I love officiating because of the challenge. He doesnt remember passing out, only that things got foggy, he says, and that his breathing didnt feel normal. I just cannot erase the pleasure from my face. He said no. All rights reserved. Hell just carry Karter on his shoulders, and yes theyll use the stairs when everyone else rides the escalator. According to the Indianapolis Star, Smith was placed on blood thinners and two days later the clot was gone. After completing my doctorate, I returned to officiating. "He's a great official, great person," Few said after his team's 85-66 win to advance to the Final Four. Referee data is available for the 1988-89 through 2022-23 seasons. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Follow every game: Latest NCAA Men's College Basketball Scores and Schedules. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He did not go to the hospital. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KARE 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 . NCAA Tournament referee Bert Smith collapse during game saved his life 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. It and she have made me a better person. When I enter the field, theres more bounce in my step, my senses are heightened and my competitive juices start flowing. All rights reserved. Smiths also grateful that his health scare, if it was going to happen, took place during the NCAA Tournament and not when he was driving or sleeping. He later regained consciousness and was stretchered off the . I'm committed to it year round. but never had a chance. Hed been duped. NCAA basketball official Bert Smith lies on the court after collapsing during the Gonzaga-USC men's game in the Elite Eight. The passion and emotion of the contestants can never sway the judgment of the crew. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KGW Turns out, that night probably saved Bert Smiths life. Gallows humor, you call it, and its pretty funny, how Bert Smiths buddies tease him. There is no better feeling then walking back into the locker room with your partners and knowing that we worked together as a team and that we gave everything we had for those 48 minutes. We enjoyed working four football seasons together before his retirement. Hospitalized with a blood clot. " 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. It goes: You scored, Billy the college basketball official who passed out during themen's NCAA Tournamentregional final between Gonzaga and Southern California, Latest NCAA Men's College Basketball Scores and Schedules, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. March 30 (UPI) --The No. First as an athlete growing up in Buffalo, a high school small forward, receiver and 400-meter runner, then some junior college basketball. Why is he lying down near the Gonzaga bench? 1 seed Gonzaga and No. "It puts in perspective the value of each day, because we all go through our lives -- we're all guilty of it -- and we just live, right?" 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. Hes worked 17 NCAA Tournaments. Smith tested positive for the coronavirus in August, but doctors cant say whether theres a correlation between COVID-19 and his blood clot. You meet talented, mediocre and middle-of-the-road people. The arrival at the arena, the pregame, being with various partners, the competition, the players, coaches, ambience, the focus and concentration needed on each possession. As you looked toward my approval Sometimes it just hits you. I dont know which bucket Im in.. Trammel was at Methodist the night of March 30. They released him to return to his hotel. The minute my stripes are on, Im a part of a crew not an official with a disability. It offers a chance to lead by example. Smith was admitted into Methodist and put on blood thinners. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. Being able to handle situations that arise separates the average official from the capable arbiter. That was one of the few times I remember getting in trouble with my father for kicking his car door as hard as my little legs could out of anger. After that he studies business administration at SUNY-Buffalo, gets a job at Avis Budget Group, moves fast up the ranks as his career takes him to Chicago, Houston and finally the Cincinnati area. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Why cant he catch his breath? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The referee who collapsed during Gonzaga 's matchup against USC in the NCAA men's basketball tournament had a blood clot in his lung, The Indianapolis Star reported Friday. I hear (other officials) say, I do it for the kids. Im not disagreeing with them when they say that and I enjoy being around the kids too, but theres a hundred other things I could do if I was doing it for the kids. I love officiating for the same reason I love my wife. Whatsthatfor? The NCAA announced later in the night that Smith was "alert and stable" and would not be transported to a hospital. Trammel had seen the video. You also have to ensure that your mental preparation is exceptional in order to be effective. Smith abruptly collapsed during an Elite Eight game between No. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KVUE His wife has seen it once, and shell never watch it again. I always thought he was a good dude, Lansing says. The action was moving away from his baseline position after a Gonzaga steal, but he said he couldn't move or catch his breath. He didn't have a headache or blurry vision. Every chance I get, I want to get my heart rate up, says Smith, 56, who takes the court 90 times a year with elite NCAA athletes. Knowing the rulebook and being able to execute decisions in a split-second. Its the best seat in the house. The unnecessary replay of Bert. Hes working Gonzaga-USC the next day, and Bert and his crew are staying in one of the NCAA bubble hotels, Le Meridien. The article is made available for educational use by individuals. Managing a game and ensuring equity in your rulings between two talented, highly motivated teams is a great challenge. Oh, and hes also been returning those messages. No matter who you meet, you have to deal with them as people who deserve the best from you. His wife has seen it once, and shell never watch it again. 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. I look to my left, and its a doctor, Bert says, and hes laughing about it now. Who parks in the farthest spot from the entrance to Kroger? Referee Bert Smith says blood clot in lung caused his fall at NCAA men Official collapses, wheeled off court on stretcher from NCAA tournament Hes not wobbly, no blurry vision, nothing. This was evident five years ago when my mother died in September and my father died in October during the football season. I love that we are the only participants who are not allowed to fail. . Turns out, nope, no concussion. There was an error submitting your subscription. I say, Whats going on, man? And he goes, Bert, you passed out. Hes huffing-and-puffing a little, but hes running stairs in a mask. Hes on the stretcher, and hes not even a little bit happy about it. March Madness: Bert Smith diagnosed with - New York Post You are expected to be perfect and improve after that. Referee Bert Smith's fall in men's NCAA Tournament game didn't kill him. NCAA ref Bert Smith says on-court collapse saved his life - Yahoo! Off the court, doctors checked his vitals: blood pressure, heart rate, etc. It would've been about NCAA basketball official Bert Smith, how he'd been used dishonestly as a pawn by the anti-vaccine movement to prove the unprovable: that COVID vaccines were causing. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. I also love the fact that no game is ever the same and allows us the ability to make constant improvement. 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. Hes on the stretcher, and hes not even a little bit happy about it. The scary scene unfolded with 15:44 to play in the. Has it cued up on his iPad and everything. 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 . 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. Bert Smith, the NCAA official who fainted during an Elite Eight matchup between Gonzaga and USC last week, said Friday he collapsed over a blood clot in his lung. Referee Bert Smith was taken off the court on a stretcher after collapsing to the court during the first half of the NCAA men's tournament Elite Eight matchup between USC and Gonzaga on Tuesday. All rights reserved. Smith, who'ddriven a rental car into town after working the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Dayton, Ohio, was driven to his home in Florence, Ky., by Eric Lowe, a Central Indiana-based referee. Nobody can say. I love officiating because it has a Zen aspect to it: for those two hours, you are completely focused on the task at hand. Smith abruptly collapsed during an Elite Eight game between No. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KUSA.com The challenges of officiating are a great motivation and fun you gotta love it! Two days later, clot gone, he was discharged. Everything was normal. And after it happens, with a replacement official stepping in for Smith, he spends two hours getting treatment at the stadium, where his vitals are normal pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level and he doesnt have a headache. It took me a few days, he says. 6 seed USC. They strapped me in! As a note, the first four are crew chiefs in any list. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. Dr. Unfortunately we miss plays every night, but the challenge of trying to be perfect and get every play right is why I love it so much. But slow down, OK? The doctor says, Thats what Im taking you out on., I said: Listen, Doc, Im walking out of here. Another was former Indiana State coach Greg Lansing. This season he worked about 90 games, including dates in the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conference. Then he becomes a basketball official. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; INDIANAPOLIS -- A referee collapsed early in the first half of Tuesday night's Elite Eight matchup between Gonzaga and USC . Katie Trammel, he tells me slowly, then repeats her name, then spells it. Smith was taken off the . Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Another was former Indiana State coach Greg Lansing. Later during the broadcast, they announced he was feeling OK and resting in the arena. Bert Smith doesnt remember any of thatand hasn't seen areplay of his fall, though he says he's almost ready to watch. Theres video of me with my arms crossed on the stretcher, he says. NCAA ref Bert Smith says on-court collapse saved his life - Yahoo! Its a wonderful place to be. Look at those crossed arms. There were no signs in the preceding days of this happening, even when he was running up and down three flights of stairs, with a mask, the day before. He said he'll be back officiating next season. After all, he hit the court hard, so hard that it left a giant bump on the back of his head. Hes not wobbly, no blurry vision, nothing. 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. His wife has seen it once, and shell never watch it again. Bert Smith: Blood clot caused NCAA tournament ref collapse - Sports It was fun and stress-free officiating, and I was able to help pay for college. and would not need hospitalization. *. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KHOU Smith, whod driven a rental car into town after working the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Dayton, Ohio, was driven to his home in Florence, Ky., by Eric Lowe, a Central Indiana-based referee. It puts me in the zone! . Now he wonders. He works his first game at age 24. I always thought he was a good dude, Lansing says. 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 . This season he worked about 90 games, including dates in the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conference. Something doesnt add up. Referee Bert Smith says blood clot in lung caused fall at NCAA tourney Every chance I get, I want to get my heart rate up, says Smith, 56, who takes the court 90 times a year with elite NCAA athletes. Its because I was telling the doctor: You little SOB, you tricked me!. He started on the lowest levels as a youth league official in 1990, began working Division I games in 1993 and. If youve ever experienced a buzzer-beater, thats what Im talking about. Hes worked 17 NCAA Tournaments. 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 . I could be having the worst day possible and I still lose myself in my game that day. Rules, interpretations, mechanics, philosophies and other information may or may not be correct for the current year. The challenges are different for each level of refereeing and the emotional payoffs vary, but the reason for being in the game is the same: Passion for soccer runs through my veins. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Were about to put you through the car wash of testing, she said. Now Bert Smith is laughing again. Dr. Smith, 56, regained consciousness, and he was alert as he was carried off the floor on a stretcher. Well get there, but right now were moving too fast. 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 flat and unmoving, his eyes open and unseeing, a Gonzaga trainer frantically waving for help. Jacquie was waiting at the door. Has it cued up on his iPad and everything. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. My father was a basketball official and one of the founding members of the local IAABO board in Lowell, Mass. The doctor says, Thats what Im taking you out on., I said: Listen, Doc, Im walking out of here. Katie Trammel, he tells me slowly, then repeats her name, then spells it. After college, I had the great privilege of joining his football crew and kick-starting my own football officiating career. You dont know where that clot was going next, he says. Where did it come from? You never know whats going to happen. Official collapses during NCAA tournament, wheeled off court on NCAA Referee Bert Smith Collapses During March Madness. You went down because you had a blood clot in your lung.. When hes telling a funny story, which happens quite a bit, Bert Smith talks quickly. Bert Smith does. by Joseph Choi - 03/30/21 9:28 PM ET. What happens next leads to a picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. Bunch of sixth-graders at Garfield Park in Chicago. Over the years Ive been blessed with so many highlights but have found a simple phrase that sums it all up: Special Soccer Moments, derived from the poem June Goal, written by my Dad in 1976.
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