Menu

'I’m on the Road to Recovery:' Collapse of NCAA Tourney Ref Bert Smith Caused by Blood Clot


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:

2026 NCAA Tournament West Region bracket preview: Predictions, sleepers, players to watch
Arizona enters the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the West Region, and the Wildcats might have the clearest path to ending one...

How To Win Your NCAA Bracket With A Data-Driven Approach
Want to win your NCAA bracket challenge? Here is a simple, time-tested, four-step process to maximize your chance of winning your NCAA Tournament bracket contest...

2026 NCAA Tournament Midwest Region bracket preview: Predictions, sleepers, players to watch
Michigan enters the 2026 NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region, and Dusty May's team looks every bit the part of...

2026 NCAA Tournament East Region bracket preview: Predictions, sleepers, players to watch
The East Region of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket is where you can find the likely National Player of the Year, a potential...

'I’m on the Road to Recovery:' Collapse of NCAA Tourney Ref Bert Smith Caused by Blood Clot