A college basketball referee is in stable condition after collapsing on the court early in Tuesday’s Elite 8 matchup between Gonzaga and USC in Indianapolis. Veteran official Bert Smith hit his
A college basketball referee is in stable condition after collapsing on the court early in Tuesday’s Elite 8 matchup between Gonzaga and USC in Indianapolis.
Veteran official Bert Smith hit his head on the baseline and laid face up for about five minutes before being stretchered off with 15:44 remaining in the first half of the 2021 March Madness game.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the fall.
Smith was alert as he was removed from the game and at one point was able to stand near the stretcher.
Referee Bert Smith just collapsed during Gonzaga vs. USC game. 🙏pic.twitter.com/CYE1uzBcya
— . (@_CoronaLime_) March 30, 2021
The NCAA said Smith was in stable condition and did not require hospitalization.
Smith was officiating his second Elite Eight. He was replaced by standby official Tony Henderson.
This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Mark Fischer