'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
Bill Rasmussen Founded ESPN and Left a Year Later. It Was Long Enough to Change TV ForeverBill Rasmussen set out to create a local sports channel in his home state of Connecticut. Instead, he changed the global television landscape. Rasmussen, the...
Sat Aug 22, 2026NCAA granted stay request; some class of 2022 athletes lose fifth-season eligibility for now
In the latest back-and-forth between the NCAA and Colorado players seeking a fifth year of eligibility, the NCAA scored a significant victory Friday. The NCAA...
Sat Aug 22, 2026
Candid Coaches: Who will be the best college basketball player in 2026-27?
The combination of NIL, revenue-sharing and unlimited transfers has created a world where any college basketball player, other than something like a projected top-15 pick...
Fri Aug 21, 2026
For Field of 68, bringing back college basketball’s 24-hour tip-off marathon is a labor of love
College basketball fans rejoice. The Field of 68 is reviving college basketball’s 24-hour tip-off marathon. Remember watching games from morning to midnight? Experience that feeling...
Fri Aug 21, 2026
