'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

Stacey King, 3-time NBA champion with Bulls, dies at 59
Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls who became a fan favorite on their broadcast team after his playing career, has died...
Sun Jun 7, 2026

SEC, Big Ten vs. everybody? 'Protect College Sports' bill politicians rail against Power 2 leagues
For years now, the Big Ten and SEC have distanced themselves from the rest of the college sports pack. The leagues will soon distribute as...
Sun Jun 7, 2026

NC State-Virginia game set for Brazil moving to Virginia, international game could not be conducted
The N.C. State-Virginia football game set to take place in Brazil as the first college football game played in South America is being relocated to...
Sat Jun 6, 2026

Duke Howell, father of former UNC QB Sam Howell, named head football coach at Charlotte's Myers Park
Myers Park High School is hiring the father of a former UNC quarterback as its next head coach. It’s not anyone in the Maye family,...
Sat Jun 6, 2026