Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images. Pictured: Bert Smith
NCAA Tournament official Bert Smith collapsed in a scary moment during the Elite Eight game between Gonzaga and USC on Tuesday night.
Early in the first half with 15:44 remaining, Smith was seen falling backwards and lay unconscious as trainers quickly attended to him as a stretcher was immediately brought out as coverage went to a commercial. When the break ended, Smith was seen awake sitting up being wheeled off the court.
A replay later showed Smith also hitting his head on the court as he fell.
To see the fall as shown on TV, click here.
Referee William Henderson replaced Smith to keep three officials on the floor.
TBS relayed information that Smith was alert as he left the court.
CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported Smith was underdoing further evaluation but his vitals were stable. Andy Katz added he would not be transported to the hospital.
The Action Network will update this story as more information becomes available on Smith’s condition.