'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

How free-throw rates might lead men's college basketball to four quarters
Once a team picks up its 10th foul, it has reached compound interest. Every foul from that point forward results in two free throws for...
Fri Jul 3, 2026

How Donnie Freeman's season-ending injury impacts Rick Pitino, St. John's entering 2026-27
New St. John's forward Donnie Freeman will miss the entire 2026-27 season after suffering a torn Achilles injury, Rick Pitino revealed Wednesday. Freeman was a...
Fri Jul 3, 2026

Florida State linebacker 'beat death,' vows to walk into stadium a year after being shot in head
Nearly a year after being shot in the head, Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard plans to walk onto the field at Doak Campbell Stadium for...
Thu Jul 2, 2026

Mike Golic, Mike Golic Jr. returning to ESPN Radio with new morning show
Mike Golic Sr. and Mike Golic Jr. are going back to ESPN. The network announced that the father-son duo will host The Golics, a new...
Thu Jul 2, 2026