'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

Coastal Carolina Hires Chris Lemonis As Head Baseball Coach
Former Mississippi State coach Chris Lemonis is being hired as Coastal Carolina’s next head baseball coach, the program announced. Lemonis replaces Kevin Schnall, who departed...
Wed Jun 17, 2026

A 'surreal' night with 'a cherry on top' for Carolina Hurricanes fans who have waited for years
The Lenovo Center erupted in cheers as the video board showed Brandon Bussi hoist the Stanley Cup above his shoulders from the ice in Las...
Wed Jun 17, 2026

Sorsby won’t play for Texas Tech after unprecedented legal fight over his eligibility for gambling
Transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby will not play for the Texas Tech Red Raiders this fall and instead plans to enter the NFL supplemental draft,...
Tue Jun 16, 2026

Former UNC soccer player J Batt named new Kentucky athletics director
Kentucky named J Batt its new athletics director, announcing the news Monday. Batt has been Michigan State's AD since June, 2025. Batt earned a bachelor's...
Tue Jun 16, 2026