'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

Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter's suspension is a reminder how outdated NCAA 'rules' are
If you ever wanted to know how genuinely antiquated NCAA rules are in this anything-and-everything-goes world of college athletics, I offer you the maddening case...
Mon Aug 3, 2026

Kyle Whittingham came to Michigan to fix what the adults broke. His heavy lifting is underway
Kyle Whittingham's path to Ann Arbor runs through an ugly chapter Michigan would rather leave behind. Sherrone Moore was fired after a tumultuous run that...
Mon Aug 3, 2026

Arch Manning taking ownership at Texas after season of adversity
There is no bigger spotlight on a player than the one on Arch Manning, whose uncles and grandfather played and starred in the NFL. After...
Sun Aug 2, 2026

UNLV basketball program 'not for sale': Runnin' Rebels coach Josh Pastner walks back wild claim
The UNLV basketball program is, in fact, not for sale. Days after Runnin' Rebels coach Josh Pastner put a $10-12 million price tag on his...
Sun Aug 2, 2026