LSU freshman Sa’Myah Smith fainted and was helped off a stage during Friday’s ceremony with President Joe Biden at the White House to celebrate the Tigers’ women’s basketball national championship.
Medical personnel were rushed into the East Room after Smith fainted while Biden called for year-round support for women’s sports. Smith, who was standing in the risers behind the podium, slunk downward and was helped off the stage as the ceremony was halted for about 10 minutes.
“It’s a lot of standing,” Biden said. “I apologize. It’s OK. It’s happened lots of times.”
LSU coach Kim Mulkey said Smith was fine as personnel wheeled her out, and Smith later told NOLA.com that she was “way better” after being released from the White House’s care.
“I’m great, better — way better than earlier,” said Smith, who made her way back to the team’s hotel. “I don’t quite remember how everything happened. I just remember waking up pretty scared. The last thing I remember is telling one of my coaches, ‘Hey, I think I’m going to pass out.'”
LSU said in a statement that Smith felt overheated, nauseous and thought she might faint. The school also said Smith would undergo further evaluation in Baton Rouge.
Joked Mulkey: “As you can see, we leave our mark where we go.”
Biden signed…
