Mon Mar 23 14:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Kenny Smith Abruptly Leaves NCAA Tournament Coverage, Replaced by Renee Montgomery
The Story:
During March 20, 2026, coverage of the NCAA Tournament, viewers noticed former NBA and NCAA champion Renee Montgomery had replaced Kenny Smith at the CBS broadcast desk. Adam Zucker explained that Smith was “under the weather” and had left the studio early the previous night, just before the end of the Howard-Michigan game. Charles Barkley joked that Smith might just be taking a day off for leisure, while some fans speculated his absence was related to his alma mater North Carolina’s first-round loss to VCU.
Key Points:
- Kenny Smith was absent from the March 20, 2026, NCAA Tournament coverage due to illness.
- Renee Montgomery replaced Smith at the CBS broadcast desk.
- Charles Barkley joked about Smith’s absence, suggesting he was at the beach.
- Some fans speculated that Smith’s absence was related to North Carolina’s loss to VCU.
- North Carolina’s loss marked their second consecutive one-and-done appearance in the Round of 64 under head coach Hubert Davis.
- North Carolina ended the season on a three-game losing streak with a 24-9 record.
Key Takeaways:
- Kenny Smith’s sudden departure from the NCAA Tournament broadcast raised questions about the reason for his absence.
- The timing of Smith’s absence, coinciding with North Carolina’s loss, fueled speculation about his emotional state.
- The incident highlights the intense emotions associated with college basketball and the NCAA Tournament.
- Charles Barkley’s lighthearted commentary provided a humorous counterpoint to the situation.
First Piper 