An Elite Eight recreation in Indianapolis was marred by a scary incident when veteran school basketball referee Bert Smith, who was officiating on the match, collapsed on the ground through the first half.
The scary episode occurred on Tuesday when top-seed Gonzaga have been enjoying in opposition to the sixth-seed USC at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Smith was observing the motion standing exterior the three-point space close to the baseline when he all of a sudden dropped to the ground, hitting the bottom along with his head.
A scary scene in Indy. Official Bert Smith, in his 2nd Elite eight, has simply collapsed on the court docket. Medical personnel on scene bringing out the stretcher. Hope he’s okay 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/oggWUIMizJ
— Anthony Bellino (@ACBellino) March 30, 2021
Bert Smith, veteran NCAA official, simply collapsed on the court docket. He's now on his ft. pic.twitter.com/BOhBvJT01U
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 30, 2021
The sport was instantly stopped as medical personnel rushed to assist the referee, who was mendacity flat on the onerous ground.
Smith obtained medical consideration earlier than being stretchered off the court docket for additional remark.
Replace on official Bert Smith. He's "alert and secure" and won’t be transported to the hospital. Nice information after a scary scene.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 31, 2021
He gave the impression to be responsive whereas being taken away from the stadium, as he was sitting on the stretcher along with his arms crossed.
The referee reportedly felt “lightheaded” earlier than falling, however was stated to be in a secure situation as he was checked by medical employees within the locker room.
“Bert Smith, an official assigned to work the Gonzaga-Southern California regional ultimate, left tonight’s recreation after a medical situation,” the NCAA stated in an announcement.
“Bert is alert and secure and won’t be transported to a hospital. He has been involved along with his household.”
The sport resumed quickly after the incident with alternate match official Tony Henderson changing Smith.
