College basketball

Coach K downplays fainting

By wire services
Published February 6, 2005

DURHAM, N.C. - Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski seemed more embarrassed than concerned after he collapsed during a first-half timeout.

He called his fainting episode in Saturday's ACC victory against Georgia Tech "a minor thing."

Krzyzewski said he got light-headed because he stood up fast, and he fell because he was off-balance.

His biggest concern appeared to be the ribbing he would take from his wife, Mickie, and daughters.

"I felt like a chump, like somebody hit me with an air punch and I'm out," Krzyzewski said. "I'm on the floor and I'm thinking, "What an idiot.' "

Krzyzewski, who will turn 58 on Feb. 13, was arguing a call during a media timeout 8:30 into the first half when he slumped to the floor in front of the Duke bench and lay on his right side.

A team trainer attended to him immediately, and Krzyzewski regained consciousness quickly enough to instruct the team during the timeout.

He wiped his head with a towel and resumed his conversation with referee Reginald Cofer as play resumed. He said doctors examined him, asking him if he had eaten.

"I'm Polish," he said, laughing. "I eat."

[Last modified February 6, 2005, 00:23:11]