Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are presented with jerseys by LSU women's basketball team during an event. AP

Gulf Today Report

Louisiana State University (LSU) freshman Sa’Myah Smith fainted during President Joe Biden’s speech at the White House. The president started the speech, "Folks, we witnessed history… In this team, we saw hope, we saw pride and we saw purpose. It matters.”

The ceremony was halted for about 10 minutes after forward Smith appeared to collapse as she and her teammates stood behind Biden.

A wheelchair was brought in and coach Kim Mulkey assured the audience that Smith was fine.

LSU said in a statement that Smith felt overheated, nauseous and thought she might faint. She was evaluated by LSU and White House medical staff and was later able to rejoin the team. "She is feeling well, in good spirits, and will undergo further evaluation once back in Baton Rouge,” the LSU statement said.

All of the past drama and sore feelings associated with Louisiana State's invitation to the White House were seemingly forgotten or set aside as Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed the championship women's basketball team to the mansion with smiles, hugs and lavish praise all around.

The visit had once appeared in jeopardy after Jill Biden suggested that the losing Iowa team be invited, too. But none of that was mentioned as both Bidens heralded the players for their performance and the way they have helped advance women's sports.