ncaa referee bert smith age

But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. CBS provided an update on the medical status of referee Bert Smith following his collapse on the court Tuesday. Its not some routine youre doing day in and day out. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KGW You dont know where that clot was going next, he says. Hes not wobbly, no blurry vision, nothing. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Gallows humor, you call it, and its pretty funny, how Bert Smiths buddies tease him. Gaining the best sight line on the ice requires officials to be strong skaters, agile and physically fit. Now I have hundreds of brothers around the country. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Well get there, but right now were moving too fast. I love officiating for the same reason I love my wife. We make the calls and put up with the jeers because we love officiating. 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 . Bert Smith (56) NCAA men's basketball Referee collapsed due to a blood clot in his lung during a tournament News Story. Veteran college basketball referee Bert Smith collapsed on the floor during the first half of Tuesday night's Elite Eight game between No. 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!. His wife has seen it once, and shell never watch it again. I had grown up playing the sport, but for some unknown reason, playing was just not satisfying enough. The passion I felt when I played is still there for me when I officiate and I can feel that passion on the court. The reasons for our joy when we step on the field, court or ice are vast and every reason is forged in the fire of our individual experiences. Its deep, and its contagious. When hes saying something serious, though, he slows down. When hes telling a funny story, which happens quite a bit, Bert Smith talks quickly. by Joseph Choi - 03/30/21 9:28 PM ET. a picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. Game official Bert Smith collapsed and was taken off the court on a gurney during the first half of the men's NCAA basketball game between the USC Trojans . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If hes going to walk, might as well make it a long one. After his nationally televised fall, Smith had more than 500 texts, emails and calls to return, and by Wednesday hed returned them all. Within seconds, theyd strapped the seated Smith onto it. Smith, have a good night, I thought they had done a good job, he says, but because she wanted to know why I fell, we got the answer. The doctor says, Thats what Im taking you out on., I said: Listen, Doc, Im walking out of here. So was Karter. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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! Oh, Ill be back. 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. It kept me going.. My uniforms were enormous, and I stepped on my flag but I felt as big as the world! Ref alert after collapsing during Gonzaga-USC, Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato. He'll just carry Karter on his shoulders, and yes,they'll use the stairs when everyone else rides the escalator. Shes an important part of this story.. 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. The support and love was just overwhelming. Referee Bert Smith collapses at NCAA men's tournament game between Read More Referee Bert Smith collapses on the court during the first half of an Elite 8 game between Gonzaga and Southern California in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament at Lucas Oil . but never had a chance. Next thing he remembers, hes looking at the ceiling of Lucas Oil Stadium. Unfortunately we miss plays every night, but the challenge of trying to be perfect and get every play right is why I love it so much. I want to know why you fell. She checked a few things out, came back inand took me through the car wash. Just a lot of tests. Its because I was telling the doctor: You little SOB, you tricked me!. Thats 1990. 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. People often ask me how I maintain a smile throughout almost every game, however it is quite unintentional. Referee Bert Smith's fall in men's NCAA Tournament game didn't kill him The whole thing is mysterious, because hes a sculpture of a man, 6-3 and 195 pounds. Then he becomes a basketball official. Official collapses during NCAA men's tournament game I say, Whats going on, man? And he goes, Bert, you passed out. He'll just carry Karter on his shoulders, and yes they'll use the stairs when everyone else rides the escalator. 6 seed University of Southern California and No. "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?" Official collapses during NCAA tournament, wheeled off court on And after it happens, with a replacement official stepping in for Smith, he spends two hours getting treatment at the stadium, where his vitals are normal pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level and he doesnt have a headache. Moves fast, this guy. Eades, who at age 56 has worked three Final Fours and. Im happy I did it around a bunch of people who had the ability to help me.. They strapped me in! You dont know where that clot was going next, he says. Then he becomes a basketball official. Hes feeling wobbly, so wobbly. Bert Smith doesnt remember any of that and hasnt seen a replay of his fall, though he says hes almost ready to watch. Smith, 56, regained consciousness, and he was alert as he was carried off the floor on a stretcher. Market data provided by Factset. Now Bert Smith is laughing again. Hell just carry Karter on his shoulders, and yes theyll use the stairs when everyone else rides the escalator. The arrival at the arena, the pregame, being with various partners, the competition, the players, coaches, ambience, the focus and concentration needed on each possession. Why cant he catch his breath? By 1993 hes an NCAA Division I official. 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 . Officiating at the professional level requires commitment to conditioning. Success! That is definitely what drives me. 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. There was an error submitting your subscription. Why is he lying down near the Gonzaga bench? Presently I officiate in nine D-I conferences. WATCH: 'Scary scenes' as basketball referee collapses midway - RT No matter who you meet, you have to deal with them as people who deserve the best from you. Dr. She said: I got the answer to the question. According to kenpom.com, the Gonzaga-USC game was the 70th matchup Smith worked this season. Heres why: The doctor said, Listen, tell you what, why dont you just sit on the stretcher? I said OK, I can do that, Smith says and now hes laughing. 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. Then again, isnt that what Bert Smith has always done? The hugs were pretty intense, Smith says, and hes talking slowly again. NCAA ref Bert Smith (Buffalo) said to be doing well after collapse - WGRZ 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. Youre going to get on one side, hes going to get on the other, were going to wave to the fans, and Im walking out of here.. Being able to handle situations that arise separates the average official from the capable arbiter. It does not store any personal data. As you looked toward my approval 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. Look at that picture again. OK, so the night of March 29. You have to be in excellent physical condition in order to be in the correct position to rule on plays. Hes incredibly fit, somewhat of a workout freak, and hes never really endured many traumatic health issuescertainly nothing like this. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Thats his wife of 33 years. Subscribe to get the Referee.com Review every week plus periodic free training and special offers on the sports you officiate. Yeah man, you were staggering like you were fighting Ali., You were asking Mark Few for a job application because you were on his bench., Next thing you know, you were back in the ring again with Ali and you went down like a tree in a forest!. 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. People in the building, and I was one of them, thought he was dead. Earlier: Tonight's Elite Eight game between Gonzaga and USC was stopped momentarily after veteran referee Bert Smith collapsed on the court. Thats his wife of 33 years. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - KHOU When you are ready mentally you work with confidence. When a situation occurs that brings the temperature of the game up, you have to control your emotions and read the emotions of the players and coaches to restore calm. Check this out. Do we do the things with our family and friends that have value to them? Look at that picture again. Do we do the things with our family and friends that have value to them? NCAA ref Bert Smith says on-court collapse saved his life - Yahoo! 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 . Its because I was telling the doctor: You little SOB, you tricked me!. Do we do the things with our family and friends that have value to them? 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. Referee Bert Smith got to hear ovation of a lifetime. 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. The doctors who cared for him at Lucas Oil Stadium, Pat Kersey and Luke Berghoff; he appreciates their care, and understands their stretcher subterfuge. NCAA Referee Bert Smith Collapses On Court During Elite 8 Game, But 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 . He goes to IU Health Methodist. Hed rather take the stairs, and Bert Smith doesnt walk them. "But do we say 'I love you' enough? Soccer was now firmly in my blood and forever would help mold and shape me. Whats he doing on his back? What happened to ref in Gonzaga game? Referee Bert Smith carried on He said no. 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. 6 seed USC. Active referees are listed in bold. Smith is the college basketball official who passed out during themen's NCAA Tournamentregional final between Gonzaga and Southern California, toppling over like a fallen tree his description his body prone and unmoving, his eyes open and unseeing, a Gonzaga trainer frantically waving for help. ", NCAA tourney ref who collapsed had blood clot, From bubble struggles to NCAA seed improvement, why these final weekend games matter, Davis 3 shy of Maravich; Detroit eyes CBI bid, Son: Maravich would be 'cheering on' Davis, Vandy's Robbins out rest of season with leg injury, Sources: High Point fires Smith after one season, Davis out as Bucknell coach after 12-20 season, Grill discloses mental illness after Iowa St. exit, No. And how did the court get so blurry all of a sudden, like someone smeared it with. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM. Then again, isnt that what Bert Smith has always done? Oh, and hes also been returning those messages. Then he becomes a basketball official. NCAA basketball official Bert Smith hasn't watched the moment that might have saved his life. They were pretty intense, man. Were about to put you through the car wash of testing, she said. You dont know where that clot was going next, he says. That was the start of my passion for officiating basketball. Dr. Thats around the time he spilled onto the hardwood, awaking to a semicircle of people surrounding him. He goes to IU Health Methodist. So was Karter. I could be having the worst day possible and I still lose myself in my game that day. What happens next leads to a picture caught by IndyStar photographer Kelly Wilkinson. And they heard the sound his head made I heard it too, 30 rows away when it slammed onto the court. He said he'll be back officiating next season. The doctors who cared for him at Lucas Oil Stadium, Pat Kersey and Luke Berghoff; he appreciates their careand understands their stretcher subterfuge. In 1973, my older brother Mike introduced the game to our family by joining the high school team as a freshman. Officials figure they run at least four miles during a game, and its not a jog but a series of sprints. , 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. She sits down next to the bed, Smith continues, and she says: I saw your fall tonight. 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. Thats 1990. Another year passed and my father finally allowed me to become a certified referee. The scary moment was caught. I am also in my first year as the coordinator of officials for the NE-10 Conference, the largest Division II conference in the country. Do we give an extra hug enough? Smith tested positive for the coronavirus in August, but doctors cant say whether theres a correlation between COVID-19 and his blood clot. 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 . NCAA Tournament referee Bert Smith collapse during game saved his life Im very grateful. But slow down, OK? Fox News' Daniel Canova contributed to this report. Bunch of sixth-graders at Garfield Park in Chicago. Heres why: The doctor said, Listen, tell you what, why dont you just sit on the stretcher? I said OK, I can do that, Smith says and now hes laughing. Smith abruptly collapsed during an Elite Eight game between No. When I enter the field, theres more bounce in my step, my senses are heightened and my competitive juices start flowing. A referee has collapsed on court during the opening stages of an NCAA Elite Eight basketball match in Indiana. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Katie Trammel, he tells me slowly, then repeats her name, then spells it. This was evident five years ago when my mother died in September and my father died in October during the football season. This season he worked about 90 games, including dates in the ACC, Big East, Big 12 and Missouri Valley Conference. For now, hell continue to return new messagesstill flooding inand relax while, yes, watching golfs first major championship. 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. Referee Bert Smith says blood clot in lung caused his fall at NCAA men Thats normal to huff-and-puff, right? 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. They poured into Smiths phone after he collapsed on national television during Gonzagas eventual win over USC in a mens Elite Eight game on March 30. Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital. Jacquie was waiting at the door. Referee Bert Smith's fall in men's NCAA Tournament game didn't kill him As soon as I arrive and begin preparing for the game, my day, my life, enters a new and exciting realm. Moves fast? Smiths pausing. Referee Bert Smith collapses at Gonzaga-USC March Madness game - WCNC-TV . Thats normal to huff and puff, right? Legal Statement. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. I didnt miss a game that season, because working the games was my therapy. 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. A few hours later, his officiating friends joined him at the hotel and suggested he go to the hospital to be evaluated for a concussion, just in case.