Updating a previous story, it appears that the reports of Mark Dantonio suffering a heart attack are indeed true.
According to the Associated Press, and citing a person with knowledge of the situation, the Michigan State head coach had a stent implanted in a blocked artery near his heart Following the Spartans’ 34-31 overtime win over Notre Dame.
The school has subsequently confirmed the earlier reports.
“The procedure was successful and blood flow to the heart muscle was restored,” Dr. Chris D’Haem said in a statement on MSU’s official website. “I’m very pleased with the outcome of the procedure. Coach Dantonio is resting comfortably following his procedure and is expected to make a full recovery.
“He is young, in excellent shape, and the damage to his heart was minimal. Coach Dantonio made the right decision to come in and get checked out immediately.”
Dantonio, who’s in his fourth season as MSU’s coach, will be sidelined indefinitely and offensive coordinator Don Treadwell will step in as interim coach until Dantonio returns to health. He will remain hospitalized for a few days for monitoring, the school said.
""Mark Dantonio is our head coach,” MSU Athletics Director Mark Hollis said. “Throughout his recovery process, offensive coordinator Don Treadwell will assume the day-to-day responsibilities of the head coach. This is a time for Spartan Nation to rally around Coach D and the football program. We all look forward to his return to the sidelines. The thoughts of the entire Spartan family are with Coach D, his wife Becky and his daughters Kristen and Lauren.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach D and his family,” Treadwell said. “We wish him a full and speedy recovery, so he can rejoin us on the sidelines. In the interim, the vast majority of this coaching staff has been together for seven years, so we won’t miss a beat as we move forward and build upon the momentum of last night’s thrilling victory.”
A press conference has reportedly been scheduled for one p.m. ET, but we have yet to get official confirmation. The AP’s report simply states that a press conference will be held later today.