Pat Haden Reportedly Collapses Outside USC Athletic Facilities

Trojan athletic director Pat Haden reportedly collapsed outside of USC’s athletic facilities Wednesday and was taken away in an ambulance.

UPDATE: USC released a statement on Pat Haden’s condition:

"Haden was walking back from an on-campus meeting this morning and felt lightheaded, similar to how he felt at the Notre Dame game last October.  He sat down outside Heritage Hall and the athletic department’s medical personnel attended to him.  Haden was alert and talking as he walked under his own power up to his office in Heritage Hall. Medical personnel continued to attend to him there before transporting him to his doctor off campus."

Pat Haden collapsed on USC’s campus Wednesday and had to be taken away in an ambulance, according to multiple reports.

A USC spokesperson confirmed that Haden received medical attention, but indicated that the AD was “alert and talking.”

Haden had announced his decision to retire later this year on Friday after six years as the athletic director for USC. He will remain on helping the school with preparations for renovations to the LA Coliseum for another year however.

Health concerns have been cited as part of that decision. During the 2015 season, Haden reportedly collapsed before the start of USC’s contest with Notre Dame in South Bend. In 2014, he was hospitalized twice as he dealt with an apparent heart condition.

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In an interview on the Mason and Ireland radio show on ESPNLA Haden also indicated that he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren.

After reports surfaced about the heavily load being carried by the 63-year-old, Haden has apparently taken steps to lighten his responsibilities. Following his health scare at Notre Dame, he stepped away from his role on the College Football Playoff Committee.

Haden replaced Mike Garrett as USC’s athletic director in 2010 just as harsh NCAA sanctions were set to hit the athletic department. During his tenure, the Trojans compliance department has been bolstered while academics have been given a renewed focus leading to all-time high scores for graduation rates and GPA among athletes.