Official collapses during NCAA basketball game

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 and the Gonzaga Bulldogs on Tuesday.

CNN reports that Smith appeared to be talking to a man walking beside him as he was being taken off the court.

“Bert is alert and stable and will not be transported to a hospital. He has been in contact with his family,” an NCAA spokesperson told CNN in a statement.

Footage of the game shows Smith taking a few steps back while observing the game before falling backward and appearing to be unable to stop his fall. The game was halted as Smith was taken off the court.

Bert Smith, veteran NCAA official, just collapsed on the court. He’s now on his feet. pic.twitter.com/BOhBvJT01U

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 30, 2021

Standby official Tony Henderson replaced Smith and the game resumed soon afterward.

Referee Bert Smith was stretched off after collapsing in the USC-Gonzaga game.

Hope he’s okay pic.twitter.com/WZXo7V7nbv

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 30, 2021