His wife has seen it once, and shell never watch it again. I just cannot erase the pleasure from my face. Its not some routine youre doing day in and day out. Smith tested positive for the coronavirus in August, but doctors cant say whether theres a correlation between COVID-19 and his blood clot. And they heard the sound his head made I heard it too, 30 rows away when it slammed onto the court. Hed rather take the stairs, and Bert Smith doesnt walk them. Further examination revealed Smith, 56, had a blood clot in his lung, the Indianapolis St People in the building, and I was one of them, thought he was dead. Smith, who became an NCAA Division I official in 1993, said he remembers the play preceding the fall. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. Immediately after falling, Gonzaga assistant coach Tommy Lloyd ran to him and the bench waved for doctors. Smiths pausing. Every offseason lasts too long and a week off of the field makes me feel rusty. My colleagues and I have strong personalities with how were wired so being able to do a job that you know youre in a select company of people is very rewarding. Smith is back home in Kentucky with his wife, Jacquie, and his grandson, Karter. Being able to participate and watch these young men and women playing the game because they have that desire to play is a joy to me that you cannot experience through a TV or on the sidelines. But do we say I love you enough? My feelings about my whistle are still the same. Look at his scowl. Now check your email to confirm your subscription to the Referee.com Review. Managing a game and ensuring equity in your rulings between two talented, highly motivated teams is a great challenge. No one knows where the clot came from, per the Star. Smith was admitted into Methodist and put on blood thinners. I looked at him and said, Oh no you didnt , He said he told the doctor at the time, "You little SOB, you tricked me!. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. View the profiles of professionals named "Bert Smith" on LinkedIn. So when I went off to college I had to work and was asked what I might enjoy doing, I said, Sports. I was hired on the intramural staff and was paid $3 an hour to officiate co-ed flag football, womens basketball and co-ed softball. Two days later, clot gone, he was discharged. He said he'll be back officiating next season. I had grown up playing the sport, but for some unknown reason, playing was just not satisfying enough. Here's where I'mtell him about that Kelly Wilkinson picture, how he looks so angry on the stretcher. Im very grateful. I cant find that feeling anywhere else. a picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. A referee has collapsed on court during the opening stages of an NCAA Elite Eight basketball match in Indiana. 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. There is no swaying what we are attempting to do to make sure the game is played as fairly as possible. Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Twitter at @GreggDoyelStar or at www.facebook.com/gregg.doyel. He doesnt remember passing out, only that things got foggy, he says, and that his breathing didnt feel normal. April 9, 2021, 9:39 AM. Which Men's College Basketball Programs Should We Keep an Eye Out for Next Season? 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. 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. Check this out. Do we do the things with our family and friends that have value to them? There were 500 of them. They strapped me in! Whats he doing on his back? The scary moment was caught. I love being part of the game. Do we do the things with our family and friends that have value to them? Mar 31st, 2021. We get him off the floor out of sight and he just loses it, Fox recalls. Everyones joking with him now. Hes worked 17 NCAA Tournaments. Its because I was telling the doctor: You little SOB, you tricked me!. Two days later, clot gone, he was discharged. Bert Smith, Raymond Styons. Hes not wobbly, no blurry vision, nothing. 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. So was Karter. He plans to return as soon as he can to the court, and that includes ref camps this summer. I want to know why you fell. She checked a few things out, came back in, and took me through the car wash. Just a lot of tests. Usually I will leave the venue with a different outlook. Hes been friends with Smith for 30 years. March 30 (UPI) --The No. He has been in contact with his family. He rarely uses the elevator. I could be involved with 4-H. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. As you looked toward my approval Hes working Gonzaga-USC the next day, and Bert and his crew are staying in one of the NCAA bubble hotels, Le Meridien. 6 seed USC last month in the men's NCAA tournament. Being mentally ready for the game is most important. The passion and emotion of the contestants can never sway the judgment of the crew. Hes working Gonzaga-USC the next day, and Bert and his crew are staying in one of the NCAA bubble hotels, Le Meridien. Youve probably seen him. That road includes blood thinners and a trip next week to see a nearby doctor to strategize his future treatment. I look to my left, and its a doctor, Bert says, and hes laughing about it now. He was released after two days in the hospital. If hes going to walk, might as well make it a long one. By age 11, I was organizing all the neighborhood kids in pick up games and by age 14, I got certified to referee and started coaching. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Referee data is available for the 1988-89 through 2022-23 seasons. The NCAA announced later in the night that Smith was "alert and stable" and would not be transported to a hospital. I love officiating because of the rush of excitement I get every time a player rises over another for a nothing-but-net three-pointer or from two kids diving after a loose ball like its a $1 million bill. You blacked out., I look to my right, and I see a stretcher. Game official Bert Smith collapsed Tuesday evening in the first half of the men's NCAA basketball game between No. 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. Hes huffing and puffing a little, but hes running stairs in a mask. When hes saying something serious, though, he slows down. 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. Thats normal to huff-and-puff, right? Dr. Katie Trammel, hes wanting me to know, may have saved his life. The final clip in this video compilation shows Bert Smith as he collapsed during a March Madness game in April 2021. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When I am out on the field working a game I am mentally and physically completely focused on doing the job right. " OK, so the night of March 29. 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. "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?" All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "But do we say 'I love you' enough? This season he worked about 90 games, including dates in the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conference. It is by far the most difficult thing Ive ever done. The doctors who cared for him at Lucas Oil Stadium, Pat Kersey and Luke Berghoff; he appreciates their careand understands their stretcher subterfuge. They suggest he go to the hospital to get examined for a concussion, just to be sure. Its energizing and refreshing to have that kind of focus on something. After completing my doctorate, I returned to officiating. They suggest he go to the hospital to get examined for a concussion, just to be sure. The article is made available for educational use by individuals. Hes feeling wobbly, so wobbly. Rules knowledge is a component of it. Within seconds, theyd strapped the seated Smith onto it. The reason is Im saying to them, You tricked me, you little SOB!. 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. Im happy I did it around a bunch of people who had the ability to help me.. It goes: You scored, Billy Check this out.. NCAA basketball official Bert Smith hasn't watched the moment that might have saved his life. Hes not wobbly, no blurry vision, nothing. You could talk to him during a game. When hes saying something serious, though, he slows down. Also he mentions NCAA officiating coordinator J.D. Bert Smith does. Collins and NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt, for their support and kindness to me.. The thing I enjoy most about NHL officiating is the challenge each game presents. Moves fast? 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. 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. 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. Whats that for? Gallows humor, you call it, and its pretty funny, how Bert Smiths buddies tease him. The NCAA announces that Smith has returned to the hotel, and its true. or redistributed. Thats his wife of 33 years. but never had a chance. 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 . These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. I looked at him and said, Oh no you didnt. Might as well walk fast, too. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. It could have been a red flag, he said doctors told him, but then again "sometimes it just hits you.". And they heard the sound his head made I heard it, too, 30 rows away when it slammed onto the court. 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 didn't have a headache or blurry vision. As the doctor says: Sometimes you dont get a red flag. Oh, Ill be back. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. a thrust, a dribble, a power shot At IU Health Methodist, the 56-year-old Smith was treated by Dr. Katie Trammel, "an important part of this story.". 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. Then he becomes a basketball official. After his nationally televised fall, Smith had more than 500 texts, emails and calls to return, and by Wednesday hed returned them all. He goes to IU Health Methodist. He gets exercise any time he can and officiates around 90 games a year for the NCAA. For me, it didnt seem like a red flag, Smith says. Turns out, that night probably saved Bert Smiths life. I hate the fact I passed out in the Elite Eight, he says, but you know what? A pulmonary embolism. First as an athlete growing up in Buffalo, a high school small forward, receiver and 400-meter runner, then some junior college basketball. Katie Trammel, he tells me slowly, then repeats her name, then spells it. What happens next leads to a picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. Thats his wife of 33 years. By 1993 hes an NCAA Division I official. NCAA basketball official Bert Smith lies on the court after collapsing during the Gonzaga-USC men's game in the Elite Eight. The minute my stripes are on, Im a part of a crew not an official with a disability. 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. Sometimes it just hits you. I dont know which bucket Im in.. "He's a great official, great person," Few said after his team's 85-66 win to advance to the Final Four. The doctor says, Thats what Im taking you out on., I said: Listen, Doc, Im walking out of here. I appreciate that officiating has contributed lots of exercise and has helped to keep me in good health. *. by Joseph Choi - 03/30/21 9:28 PM ET. People in the building, and I was one of them, thought he was dead. His crew comes back to Le Meridien with a doggy bag of the dinner he missed at the game, and theyre talking and laughing, but theyve seen replays of Smiths fall. Shes an important part of this story.. When you live something like I did, it hits you square in the eyes that you really have to value each day. You meet talented, mediocre and middle-of-the-road people. 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. Dr. Katie Trammel, hes wanting me to know, may have saved his life. 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. 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 . Next thing he remembers, hes looking at the ceiling of Lucas Oil Stadium. What I mean is that we are the upholders of the integrity of the game. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Dr. 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. Gaining the best sight line on the ice requires officials to be strong skaters, agile and physically fit. Check this out. Thats 1990. Before I started officiating I had a sister who lived in another county. Turns out, that night probably saved Bert Smiths life. Being part of the game is a big reason. He goes to IU Health Methodist. 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. I didnt miss a game that season, because working the games was my therapy. What happens next leads to a picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. Hes on the stretcher, and hes not even a little bit happy about it. 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 . But do we say I love you enough? "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?" 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. Smith is one of the longest tenured and most respected officials in college hoops. Two hours later, she returned into the room with the test results. 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. 10,797 Ncaa Referee Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO basketball referee 10,797 Ncaa Referee Premium High Res Photos Browse 10,797 ncaa referee stock photos and images available, or search for basketball referee to find more great stock photos and pictures. 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. A replacement official was added to the crew after Smith collapsed. 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. He runs. 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. The doctors who cared for him at Lucas Oil Stadium, Pat Kersey and Luke Berghoff; he appreciates their care, and understands their stretcher subterfuge. Sometimes it just hits you. I dont know which bucket Im in.. Everything we send is officiating specific because that's all we do. They strapped me in! The hugs were pretty intense, Smith says, and hes talking slowly again. Read More Referee Bert Smith collapses on the court during the first half of an Elite 8 game between Gonzaga and Southern California during the first half of an Elite 8 game in the NCAA men's . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I looked at him and said, Oh no you didnt. Do you know you went viral? she playfully asked. Youve probably seen him.
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