'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

AJ Dybantsa, Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings are stars on historic day for freshmen
A special freshman class added another chapter to an all-time season Saturday. Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler waltzed into Mackey Arena and delivered a 46-point performance...
Tue Jan 27, 2026

ACC Football title game moves to earlier timeslot on championship Saturday
The Atlantic Coast Conference football championship game is moving from its traditional primetime spot to noon, a move that means it will no longer be...
Mon Jan 26, 2026

Dabo Swinney accuses Ole Miss, Pete Golding of tampering after portal signee Luke Ferrelli flipped
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney came to his Friday news conference with receipts. He rifled through them while accusing Ole Miss and its new head...
Mon Jan 26, 2026

College basketball Saturday winners, losers, scores
Saturday proved to be a special showing for the dominant Class of 2025. Illinois' Keaton Wagler, Houston's Kingston Flemings, and BYU's AJ Dybantsa all cracked...
Sun Jan 25, 2026