Fast action from JCU Sports Medicine saves the life of college basketball official

JCU Sports Information

Dr. Breanna Kebort ,Tim Radley and John Carroll Athletic Trainer Michelle Fowler on Wednesday, Jan. 26 before the John Carroll Women’s Basketball game

Anna Meyer, Sports Editor

On Wednesday, Jan. 19, two John Carroll University Sports Medicine staff members rushed into action to save the life of longtime college basketball referee Tim Radley. 

 

Radley, an officiator for the Ohio Athletic Conference, was refereeing a women’s basketball contest between John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace University. 

 

Moments before taking the court for the second half of the game, Radley suddenly collapsed on the side of the court. 

 

John Carroll team physician Dr. Breanna Kebort and John Carroll Athletic Trainer Michelle Fowler immediately came to Radley’s aid, providing emergency medical care.

 

Throughout the whole medical emergency, John Carroll University Sports Medicine staff remained calm and composed.

 

When the University Heights paramedics arrived, they transported Radley to a local hospital, where he underwent further treatment and evaluation. 

 

While medical professionals worked to save Radley’s life, a packed Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center remained silent and soundless. 


Fans from both sides came together to show their respects applauding as Radley was taken off the court by stretcher. 

 

“The quick actions of the JCU Sports Medicine team helped to save the referee’s life in a heroic fashion,” said John Carroll Sports Information Director Joe Ginley. “Their quick work in the moment is very commendable, and we are fortunate to have such amazing medical professionals with JCU Sports Medicine.” 

 

According to Ginley, Radley is stable and is hoping to make a full recovery. 

 

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, Radley returned to John Carroll University. Prior to the women’s basketball game, Radley presented Fowler and Kebort with flowers, thanking them for their life-saving efforts.

 

Anna Meyer is a Senior at John Carroll University and is the Sports Editor of The Carroll News. She can be reached at [email protected] or @ByAnnaMeyer on Twitter.