'I’m on the Road to Recovery:' Collapse of NCAA Tourney Ref Bert Smith Caused by Blood Clot

Posted Apr 20, 2021
Bert Smith just now finished returning the text messages. There were 500 of them. There were ones from coaches, ones from colleagues, ones from family. We’re praying for you. We’re rooting for you. Get better. They poured into Smith’s phone after he collapsed on national television during Gonzaga’s eventual win over USC in a men's Elite Eight game. (Sports Illustrated)

Related: Other News

College basketball Saturday winners and losers
Saturday began with six undefeated teams in college basketball. Only five remain. That's because Wisconsin -- 19.5-point road underdogs vs. No. 2 Michigan -- pulled...
Sun Jan 11, 2026

UNC Basketball Transfer Tracker: Cadeau ties career-high; Tyler Nickel stays hot from 3
Elliot Cadeau scored 19 points and dished out three assists, but No. 2 Michigan lost 91-88 to Wisconsin. Tyler Nickel continues to be one of...
Sun Jan 11, 2026

The inside story of the Chicago Bears' 'Good, better, best!' craze
Chase Rice was a star linebacker and co-captain for A.C. Reynolds High School alongside Ben Johnson. As a freshman, he couldn't wait to make the...
Sat Jan 10, 2026

What is the meaning of ‘Keep Pounding’ for the Carolina Panthers?
Fans of the Carolina Panthers likely have heard the Panthers’ team motto of “Keep Pounding” at some point in their lives, but do you know...
Sat Jan 10, 2026