NCAA College Basketball Official Bert Smith Collapsed

NCAA College Basketball Official Bert Smith Collapsed

NCAA College Basketball Official Bert Smith Collapsed!

Scary moments during March Madness!

NCAA college basketball official Bert Smith collapsed early in the first half of Tuesday night’s Elite Eight game between USC and Gonzaga.

The good news is that he was conscious and alert when taken to the locker room.

Just 4 minutes after tipoff in the Elite Eight matchup, Bert Smith crashed to the floor in a terrifying scene, reports CelebnSports247.com.

Though, Bert Smith’s collapse triggered team trainers and other medical personnel to race to his aid.

Broadcaster Kevin Harlan said on the broadcast:

Training staffs from both teams are out there right now and I’m assuming there are doctors in that vicinity. The down official is Bert Smith. He was not hit, he was not involved in the play. He was off to the side, in the corner and collapsed. And so we have had the stoppage of play with 15:44 to go here in Indianapolis. We will step aside again as they continue to look at the downed official here in the Elite Eight.

Smith has been an NCAA ref for years … and has previously spoken about his passion for basketball and being a part of the game.

Smith said in an article on Referee.com:

I love being part of the game. The arrival at the arena, the pregame, being with various partners, the competition, the players, coaches, ambiance, the focus and concentration needed on each possession. It allows me the privilege to do something I love, being part of the greatest game, men’s college basketball. I also love the fact that no game is ever the same and allows us the ability to make constant improvements.

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