'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

Florida State fires football coach Mike Norvell: Top candidates and personnel moves
Florida State football coach Mike Norvell entered this season on the hottest of seats. The September firing of athletic director Michael Alford signaled Norvell would...
Sun Nov 1, 2026

Sources: Philip Rivers in talks about NC State football coaching job
Former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers has engaged in serious discussions about returning to coach his alma mater, though sources have told ESPN that a...
Sat Oct 31, 2026

Tracking transfers: Trimble, Cadeau, Dixon, Evans directing offenses; Jackson returning leader
Seth Trimble spent four seasons at UNC. At Louisville, he is getting an opportunity to help run the show. The former Tar Heel guard has...
Fri Oct 30, 2026

Tracking transfers: Ian Jackson scores 18 in win over No. 7 Texas; Ven-Allen Lubin nets 22
Ian Jackson’s best game at St. John’s and Ven-Allen Lubin’s perfect shooting day at N.C. State led a weekend of exhibition play for former UNC...
Mon Oct 26, 2026