We wanted to give a big shout to Chad Gabbard, Outreach Coordinator at St. Vincent Sports Performance, for coming to the aid of veteran college basketball referee Bert Smith when he collapsed to the floor during the Tuesday's Elite Eight game between Gonzaga (1) and USC (6) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Chad was there providing medical attention to Smith who is said to be stable condition, as of last night, and appeared to be alert while being stretchered off the court.
Photo - CBS Sports/Getty Images
At halftime, the NCAA released a statement on Smith's condition.
"Bert Smith, an official assigned to work the Gonzaga-Southern California regional final, left tonight's game after a medical issue," the statement said. "Bert is alert and stable and will not be transported to a hospital. He has been in contact with his family."
Smith, who officiates ACC games during the regular season, fell backwards without being touched and appeared to hit his head on the floor. Medical personnel attended to him immediately. After about five minutes, he was rolled away on a stretcher as he sat up with his arms folded, appearing to speak to Chad as he was wheeled off.
We were happy Chad Gabbard was on the scene. As part of St. Vincent Sports Performance, he's been keeping players and coaches healthy during the regular season and into the post-season. And now he's keeping the refs safe, too!
Way to go, Chad!