CBS and TNT Sports had to make a quick adjustment for Friday’s NCAA Tournament coverage, swapping out Kenny Smith due to illness. Smith, a two-time NBA champion, was part of the Thursday studio team alongside Charles Barkley, Nate Burleson, and Clark Kellogg. After the Howard-Michigan game, Smith headed home feeling under the weather.
Stepping in for Smith is former WNBA star Renee Montgomery, bringing her expertise to the March Madness festivities. Despite Smith’s absence, Barkley couldn’t resist a little friendly ribbing, joking, “Keep your shirt on at the beach, Kenny,” during Friday’s pregame show.
Some college basketball fans speculated that Smith might be avoiding the spotlight after his alma mater, North Carolina, suffered a tough 19-point loss to VCU. Social media buzzed with comments like, “Pretty funny that everyone on Planet Earth knows the exact reason Kenny isn’t there lol,” and “UNC losing hurt Kenny this much? Come on my guy.”
While the idea of Smith dodging work due to North Carolina's exit is amusing, there’s no real evidence to support it. Smith is well aware that once he’s back, Barkley will be ready with more jokes. It’s all in good fun, and Smith’s return will surely be met with the usual camaraderie and banter.