LSU Lady Tigers player Sa’Myah Smith fainted during the team’s controversial visit to the White House.
The scary moment was captured on the event’s live stream as President Joe Biden gave a speech in the East Room. While the ladies stood behind the podium listening to him speak, Smith appeared to sway back and forth. Several people next to her took notice and began looking toward her. Suddenly, Smith’s eyes rolled back, and she dropped to the floor, sending gasps and panic throughout the crowd. People rushed to help her while Biden stood by closely. She was placed in a wheelchair and taken out of the room after several minutes.
Update on Sa'Myah Smith 👍 pic.twitter.com/uoa96OA5i6
— LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) May 26, 2023
Smith was checked out and was found to be okay after the incident. LSU coach Kim Mulkey took the podium and assured onlookers that Smith was “in good spirits.” The freshman remained at the White House and traveled back home to Baton Rouge with her team. She spoke with sports reporter Michael Cauble briefly on camera, confirming that she felt better. The team declined to speak with reporters following the visit, though LSU did release a formal statement following the medical emergency.
I’m was able to catch up with Sa’myah Smith after her White House visit.
She’s doing alright, just a little groggy. #LSU. pic.twitter.com/TwBe80lA2m
— Michael Cauble (@Cauble) May 26, 2023
“Sa’Myah Smith started feeling overheated, nauseous, and like she might faint before being helped down,” they confirmed that she would be seeking an additional medical evaluation in Baton Rouge.
Smith’s sudden illness is ironic considering that the team was not even supposed to be at the White House; at least, that is what Lady Tigers star Angel Reese stated after their championship win. She shot down the visit after Dr. Jill Biden initially invited both LSU and the Iowa Hawkeyes to visit, despite Iowa losing. Reese eventually obliged, stating that she would go to support her team.
