NCAA News Wire

Tarkanian hospitalized in Las Vegas

Alan Draper profile picture
Sports Editor
Disclosure
We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian was hospitalized in Las Vegas after experiencing breathing difficulties and an infection on Monday.

The Naismith Hall of Famer was transported by ambulance to Valley Hospital Medical Center from his home after his blood oxygen levels dropped.

His son, Danny, called his condition minute by minute and said doctors were attempting to stabilize the 84-year-old’s condition and determine the type of infection. By Tuesday morning, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Tarkanian was resting comfortably in ICU.

“It was very scary,” Jerry Tarkanian’s wife, Lois, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Monday night. “The doctors don’t know what happened. But unfortunately that’s how these things happen.”

Tarkanian guided three schools to the NCAA Tournament and posted a 729-201 career record in 31 years at the Division I level. His UNLV team won the national championship in 1990 and he compiled a 509-105 record at the school in 19 seasons.

Since Tarkanian retired in 2002, he has dealt with several health-related issues, including pneumonia in November and a second heart attack last April.

Tarkanian, whose wins rank 12th all time, had planned to attend UNLV’s game on Tuesday night against Fresno State in the Thomas & Mack Center before becoming ill.

Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.

Trending Now