By Bill Galluccio
Long-time NCAA official
Bert Smith says that his collapse during the NCAA Basketball Tournament saved his life. Smith discussed the terrifying incident when he suddenly fell to the floor during the West Region final between Gonzaga and USC with the
Indianapolis Star.
Smith was unconscious for several moments and was confused when he first woke up on the court surrounded by the medical staff.
"I look to my left, and it's a doctor," Bert told the paper. "I say, 'What's going on, man?' And he goes, 'Bert, you passed out. You blacked out.'
"I said: 'What?'