Market data provided by Factset. When he retired as an official to take the ACC job in 2016, he immediately had to replace one of the conference's best referees: himself. By 1993, hes an NCAA Division I official. you knew we kicked it in together. Katie Trammel, he tells me slowly, then repeats her name, then spells it. My Investigation into the WVU/Pitt Officiating - Mountaineer Sports It goes: You scored, Billy Officiating for me has always been the ultimate escape. I came off the field and I was so pumped up. Do you know you went viral? she playfully asked. Now Bert Smith is laughing again. For now, hell continue to return new messagesstill flooding inand relax while, yes, watching golfs first major championship. First as an athlete growing up in Buffalo, a high school small forward, receiver and 400-meter runner, then some junior college basketball. For now, hes at his home in Florence, Ky., just outside of Cincinnati, relaxing and watching the Masters golf tournament while medicating an ailment that, if not caught after that fall, could have eventually been much worse. I say, Whats going on, man? And he goes, Bert, you passed out. March 30 (UPI) --The No. He plans to return as soon as he can to the court, and that includes ref camps this summer. At the core of the reasons why I love to referee is a passion for the sport of soccer. After all, he hit the court hard, so hard that it left a giant bump on the back of his head. And they heard the sound his head made I heard it, too, 30 rows away when it slammed onto the court. Here's where I'mtelling him about thatpicture, how he looks so angry on the stretcher. March Madness roundup: Gonzaga, UCLA advance to Final Four He rarely uses the elevator. that carried high into the net. If youve ever experienced a buzzer-beater, thats what Im talking about. He is the current president of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, was the 2020 winner of the National Headliner Award as the country's top sports columnist and has twice been named North. Smith abruptly collapsed during an Elite Eight game between No. 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. Soccer has enriched my life ever since that fateful day in 1973 when my brother came home and said he made the high school soccer team. . 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. What happened to ref in Gonzaga game? Referee Bert Smith carried on He said he'll be back officiating next season. Officials figure they run at least four miles during a game, and its not a jog but a series of sprints. . I had grown up playing the sport, but for some unknown reason, playing was just not satisfying enough. Bert Smith told the publication the fall might have saved his life. Officials figure they run at least four miles during a game, and its not a jog but a series of sprints. NCAA basketball official Bert Smith hasn't watched the moment that might have saved his life. Now Bert Smith is laughing again. The scary moment was caught. That was the start of my passion for officiating basketball. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It puts me in the zone! This week, Gonzaga and Southern California faced off during the Elite Eight matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium. Bunch of sixth-graders at Garfield Park in Chicago. 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. For someone like me who has been in the game for a long time, there is a certain level of expectation on the part of players, coaches and my supervisors. Game official Bert Smith collapsed Tuesday evening in the first half of the men's NCAA basketball game between No. INDIANAPOLIS Bert Smith hasnt seen the moment that made him famous. Each week, Id tag along with dad and his crew to whatever game they had scheduled. According to kenpom.com, the Gonzaga-USC game was the 70th matchup Smith worked this season. This was evident five years ago when my mother died in September and my father died in October during the football season. Now Bert Smith is laughing again. 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. March Madness referee Bert Smith collapses during USC-Gonzaga Hed rather take the stairs, and Bert Smith doesnt walk them. Everything we send is officiating specific because that's all we do. He was officiating the Elite Eight matchup last month in Indianapolis when he suddenly collapsed near the Gonzaga bench. Which Men's College Basketball Programs Should We Keep an Eye Out for Next Season? " Bert is alert and stable and will not be transported to a hospital. 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. Not one of these men or women is without the utmost class and integrity, and I hope by associating with them some of their class and integrity has rubbed off on me and made me a better person. "You don't know where that clot was going next," Smith told the Star's Gregg Doyel. When hes telling a funny story, which happens quite a bit, Bert Smith talks quickly. Having good presence, working with pride, acting professional and enjoying the challenge of the job is what I love most about officiating hockey. Im happy I did it around a bunch of people who had the ability to help me.. Within seconds, theyd strapped the seated Smith onto it. After his nationally televised fall, Smith had more than 500 texts, emails and calls to return, and by Wednesday hed returned them all. So was Karter. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Later during the broadcast, they announced he was feeling OK and resting in the arena. Referee collapses during USC-Gonzaga Elite Eight matchup - ABC7 Los Angeles Hes worked 17 NCAA Tournaments. It does not store any personal data. Knowing the rules and how to implement them fairly, evenly and within the guidelines of accepted philosophy is important. As the doctor says: Sometimes you dont get a red flag. Whatsthatfor? A referee has collapsed on court during the opening stages of an NCAA Elite Eight basketball match in Indiana. 200+ "Bert Smith" profiles | LinkedIn Smith abruptly collapsed during an Elite Eight game between No. 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. I appreciate that officiating has contributed lots of exercise and has helped to keep me in good health. As you looked toward my approval Dr. The hugs were pretty intense, Smith says, and hes talking slowly again. By Bert Smith, NCAA D-I men's basketball official from Florence, Ky. Gaining the best sight line on the ice requires officials to be strong skaters, agile and physically fit. All rights reserved. Bert Smith doesnt remember any of thatand hasn't seen areplay of his fall, though he says he's almost ready to watch. But do we say I love you enough? His wife has seen it once, and shell never watch it again. More than a week later, he hasnt watched the moment. We won't send you spam. Referee Bert Smith said he was 'tricked' into getting on the stretcher after his collapse . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Just 4 minutes after tipoff in the Elite Eight matchup, Bert Smith crashed to the floor in a terrifying scene -- triggering team trainers and other medical personnel to race to his aid. The thing I enjoy most about NHL officiating is the challenge each game presents. More Doyel:Referee Bert Smith got to hear ovation of a lifetime. NCAA Referee has SCARY COLLAPSE! Doctor examines WHY?? 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. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. CBS provided an update on the medical status of referee Bert Smith following his collapse on the court Tuesday. He goes to IU Health Methodist. The whole thing is mysterious, because hes a sculpture of a man, 6-3 and 195 pounds. I joined a rec team and Mike spent hours showing me how to play. 6 seed USC at Lucas Oil Stadium in . Note: This article is archival in nature. A scary moment interrupted the Elite Eight on Tuesday, as NCAA official Bert Smith abruptly collapsed during a game between No. "He's a great official, great person," Few said after his team's 85-66 win to advance to the Final Four. If you saw it, you understand. I realized, even back then, how fun and rewarding each officiating experience was for the crew. 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. Bad news for ACC basketball: One of the sport's best referees is Im very grateful. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The doctor says, Thats what Im taking you out on., I said: Listen, Doc, Im walking out of here. The whole thing is mysterious, because hes a sculpture of a man, 6-3 and 195 pounds. 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. Whats he doing on his back? The unnecessary replay of Bert. Might as well walk fast, too. The NCAA announces that Smith has returned to the hotel, and its true. A pulmonary embolism. Who parks in the farthest spot from the entrance to Kroger? NCAA basketball official Bert Smith lies on the court after collapsing during the Gonzaga-USC men's game in the Elite Eight. 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. Hes not wobbly, no blurry vision, nothing. They strapped me in! Moves fast? If they had done that and said, Mr. 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. Hes on the stretcher, and hes not even a little bit happy about it. This season he worked about 90 games, including dates in the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conference. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. As the doctor says: Sometimes you dont get a red flag. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. But slow down, OK? 6 seed USC. You dont know where that clot was going next, he says. It and she have made me a better person. Smith was admitted into Methodist and put on blood thinners. 2 Alabama erases 17-point deficit, wins SEC, All in the family: how three generations of Jaquezes have ruled West Coast basketball. Do we give an extra hug enough? View the profiles of professionals named "Bert Smith" on LinkedIn. Im happy I did it around a bunch of people who had the ability to help me.. Do we give an extra hug enough? He said the fall was related to a blood clot in his lung. The NCAA even distributed a statement announcing the news: Smith was O.K. Since I'm involved in an athletic contest I want to be able to participate to the full, and working out, proper nutrition and recovery allow me to be able to keep up with the players and game. Now he wonders. I have known that I wanted to referee long before I owned my first whistle. Moves fast? I hate the fact I passed out in the Elite Eight, he says, but you know what? Might as well walk fast, too. Then he becomes a basketball official. Look at those crossed arms. The hugs were pretty intense, Smith says, and hes talking slowly again. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. In a scary moment, Smith passed out cold during a recent Elite Eight game. He has been in contact with his family. As a child, I know that I enjoyed every minute of it. 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. But first, Smith had to get stretchered off the floor, something he was adamantly against. Presently I officiate in nine D-I conferences. Find IndyStar columnist Gregg Doyel on Twitter at@GreggDoyelStar. 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. Look at that picture again. INDIANAPOLIS Bert Smith hasnt seen the moment that made him famous. Medical personnel and other staffers rushed toward him. Referee OK after collapsing on sideline during Gonzaga-USC Elite Eight For me, it didnt seem like a red flag, Smith says. So was Karter. I just cannot erase the pleasure from my face. I look to my left, and its a doctor, Bert says, and hes laughing about it now. a picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. I love the challenge of being in complete control of your emotions, maintaining the calmness and the challenge to make a split-second decision in front of 60,000-100,000 screaming fans and knowing you have six crewmates that have your back in the heat of the battle. Theres video of me with my arms crossed on the stretcher, he says. Its because I was telling the doctor: You little SOB, you tricked me!. 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. Who parks in the farthest spot from the entrance to Kroger? When hes saying something serious, though, he slows down. Bert Smith does. Hes working Gonzaga-USC the next day, and Bert and his crew are staying in one of the NCAA bubble hotels, Le Meridien. Bert. Hes a motivational speaker anddiversity recruiterin addition to being an NCAA referee, and I imagine hes awfully good at both. Officiating In Perspective with Barry Mano, Amid cancer fight, NBA ref Tony Brown returning to work, Recruiting & Retention: What WorkedWhat Didnt, Next Level Softball Umpiring Free Email Series, High School Volleyball Officials Quiz 2023. The doctor says, Thats what Im taking you out on., I said: Listen, Doc, Im walking out of here. Hed rather take the stairs, and Bert Smith doesnt walk them. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KARE "I mean, I was just shocked and scared for him, but I was able to stick my head in there a little bit and see that he was talking and coherent and tried to say a quick prayer for him and just wished him the best. He wasnt one of those guys you couldnt talk to. 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. Smith is back home in Kentucky with his wife, Jacquie, and his grandson, Karter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. My dad always said, You do not always win, but you can always be a good sport and, You should conduct yourself on the court, the way you would conduct yourself in life. In addition, I have two brothers and a sister who were also officials we were known as the Aldrich Hoop Family.. and would not need hospitalization. I looked at him and said, Oh no you didnt. You meet talented, mediocre and middle-of-the-road people. " For me, it didnt seem like a red flag, Smith says. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. But do we say I love you enough? Hed been duped. He agreed. A replacement official was added to the crew after Smith collapsed. Look at those crossed arms. Rules knowledge is a component of it. Add to that the extreme climate conditions that officials encounter and you quickly understand the importance of physical conditioning for officials. You dont know where that clot was going next, he says. Referee Fall in Gonzaga USC NCAA Game TBS Replay Gets Backlash Sports A Referee Collapsed at an NCAA Basketball Game. I am blessed that I have been able to enjoy two passions and carry on the Aldrich Hoop Family tradition. You never know whats going to happen. Add to that the fact that we actually get paid to exercise, and I cant think of a better way to spend a spring afternoon than on a lacrosse field! Check this out.. Being able to handle situations that arise separates the average official from the capable arbiter. 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. Bert Smith was involved in a controversial ending to a Kansas and Iowa State game that led to the Big 12 Conference punishing Smith for a call that cost the Cyclones a win against the Jayhawks. The board presents an award in his name each year to the area high school that exemplifies sportsmanship. First as an athlete growing up in Buffalo, a high school small forward, receiver and 400-meter runner, then some junior college basketball. After his nationally televised fall, Smith had more than 500 texts, emails and calls to return, and by Wednesday hed returned them all. I have to be ready physically, mentally and emotionally. He runs. Official collapses, wheeled off court on stretcher from NCAA tournament Follow every game: Latest NCAA Men's College Basketball Scores and Schedules. According to the Indianapolis Star, Smith was placed on blood thinners and two days later the clot was gone. The scary scene unfolded with 15:44 to play in the. Smith tested positive for the coronavirus in August, but doctors cant say whether theres a correlation between COVID-19 and his blood clot. If you saw it, you understand. Official collapses during NCAA tournament, wheeled off court on Bert Smith (56) NCAA men's basketball Referee collapsed due to a blood clot in his lung during a tournament News Story. Eades, who at age 56 has worked three Final Fours and. 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. Look at his scowl. He wasnt one of those guys you couldnt talk to. NCAA basketball official Bert Smith hasn't watched the moment that might have saved his life. "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?" When I became old enough to referee, in my opinion, at the ripe age of nine I told my father my intentions and he explained that I was still too young to take an entry-level class. There is no other avocation that I can think of that requires the level of physical and mental preparation that officiating mandates, and you have to dedicate yourself in order to be successful. March Madness: NCAA Ref Collapses During Gonzaga-USC Elite Eight Game Smiths pausing. All Rights Reserved. Bunch of sixth-graders at Garfield Park in Chicago. There were 500 of them. 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. When hes saying something serious, though, he slows down. Smith was taken off the . Has it cued up on his iPad and everything. As the doctor says: Sometimes you dont get a red flag. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Video shows Cowboys Prescott taking snaps, moving well, Thamel: Millers firing tells truth about coaching in NCAA, Former Florida State, Giants WR arrested on murder charges, Rapinoe blasts Warriors Green for takes on womens sports, abruptly collapsed during an Elite Eight game, Smith told the Indianapolis Star's Gregg Doyel, later in the night that Smith was "alert and stable. As soon as I arrive and begin preparing for the game, my day, my life, enters a new and exciting realm.
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