Chest surgery for Robinson

LAS VEGAS, March 4 (UPI) -- John Robinson, the football coach at Nevada-Las Vegas, had an artery in his chest unblocked Monday after feeling discomfort during a routine examination.

Robinson, who also is the school's Athletic Director, mentioned he was experiencing discomfort in his chest during his exam, and was referred to a cardio consultation. A cardiogram was performed and some blockage was found in his right artery.

The blockage was opened successfully at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, which is on UNLV's Rose de Lima campus in Henderson, Nev., a suburb of Las Vegas. Robinson, who is 67, was resting comfortably Monday night.

"Everything went perfectly," said Dr. Joe Johnson. "Coach Robinson will make a full recovery, and is generally in excellent health. He should be released in two to three days."

Robinson's wife, Linda, also has been experiencing "health problems," according to the school.

"Our thoughts are with them, and we are confident they will make speedy recoveries," said UNLV President Carol Harter.

Robinson is just 20-27 in four years at UNLV, but is 10th among active college football coaches with a lifetime winning percentage of .663, going 124-62-4 in two stints with Southern California and one with the Rebels.

He was the 1979 Coach of the Year on the college level, and also spent nine seasons with the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL, compiling a 79-74 mark from 1983-91.

Robinson took over as AD at UNLV on Jan. 1, 2002.