TMZSports.com
UPDATE
5:25 PM PT — Sa’Myah Smith appeared to be in great spirits with Angel Reese and the rest of her teammates after collapsing at the White House earlier on Friday … even stopping to pose for a snap with a fan as the Tigers made it to their team bus.
UPDATE
Smith was carrying a special gift she received from POTUS himself — a signed basketball with a special message on it.
Scary moment during the LSU women’s hoops team’s visit to the White House on Friday — freshman forward Sa’Myah Smith passed out during President Joe Biden‘s speech … but thankfully, head coach Kim Mulkey says she’s doing okay.
The incident happened just minutes ago … when Biden was at the podium honoring the Tigers’ historic NCAA title win over the Iowa Hawkeyes in April.
The White House’s stream of the ceremony showed several players suddenly look toward the middle of the group as Biden spoke .. and seconds later, staffers rushed onto the stage.
The stream was quickly cut off, but the audio was still running … and you can hear Biden say, “Folks, it’s okay.”
After a brief delay, the stream was live again … and Coach Kim Mulkey provided an update on Sa’Myah’s status.
“For those of you who are concerned, Sa’Myah is fine. I’ll assure you of that,” Mulkey said at the podium.
“She’s kind of, right now, embarrassed. She doesn’t want to leave. She wants to stand with us, but she needs to be checked out.”
After everything calmed down, LSU star Angel Reese handed Biden and the First Lady custom Tigers jerseys … and even gave Jill Biden a hug.
Angel Reese shares a hug with Jill Biden: pic.twitter.com/14G6vZ8m5C
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 26, 2023
@Phil_Lewis_
It was an interesting moment for Reese and Jill. Remember, Reese was initially hesitant about going to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave after FLOTUS showed interest in inviting Iowa as well.
Reese later changed her mind … and said she was excited to go along with Coach Mulkey, Flau’Jae Johnson and her teammates.
In fact, Reese, Flau’jae and Mulkey pulled up with some iced-out watches … and showed ’em off while inside the White House.
Congrats again to the Tigers … and feel better, Sa’Myah.