Menu

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


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:

Former NC State basketball star Cozell McQueen dies at 64
Cozell McQueen, one of the pivotal basketball players on NC State's 1983 national championship team, died at the age of 64 years old, the university...

Boston College fired MBB broadcasters. New coach Luke Murray didn’t want anyone tied to old staff
Boston College fired its longtime men’s basketball radio broadcasters, telling both that the decision came directly from new head coach Luke Murray, who didn’t want...

Miami basketball’s Marcus Allen out for season with ACL tear after recovering from cancer
Hurricanes forward Marcus Allen was hoping to return to the court this year after missing most of the 2025-26 season as he battled cancer. His...

College football fall camp preview: Hot seats, QB battles, title contenders & more
College football fall camps begin in earnest across the country this week, the sign that the season is quickly approaching. August brings some uncertainty before...

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