Iowa Coach Fred Hoiberg Smacks Fan’s Phone Amid Court Storm After Upset Win Over Nebraska
IOWA CITY, Iowa — A jubilant celebration following Iowa’s surprising 57-52 victory over ninth-ranked Nebraska took a chaotic turn when Hawkeyes head coach Fred Hoiberg appeared to smack a phone out of a student’s hand during a court storm on February 17, 2026. The incident unfolded moments after the final buzzer at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, as excited fans and students rushed the court to celebrate the upset win.
The student, who had gained access to the court through a restricted area, approached Hoiberg and held a phone near the coach’s face, seemingly attempting to record video. In response, Hoiberg reached out and knocked the phone away. The student was quickly escorted off the court by Iowa staff amid a tense atmosphere involving players and coaches from both teams.
The University of Iowa issued a formal apology, acknowledging the breach of security and the resulting “reactive situation” that endangered the safety of Nebraska players, coaches, and staff. “We apologize for this incident and will conduct a review of our procedures and security measures to determine what adjustments are necessary,” the statement read.
This incident highlights the challenges universities face in managing enthusiastic crowds during high-stakes games. Court storms, while a traditional expression of fan excitement, carry inherent risks when individuals gain unauthorized access to players and coaches. The NCAA has long cautioned about maintaining safety and order during such events.
Fred Hoiberg, a former NBA player turned coach, has been known for his passionate leadership style. His reaction, though criticized by some, was described by Iowa officials as a defensive response to an unexpected intrusion. The university’s commitment to reviewing security protocols aligns with broader efforts across collegiate sports to prevent similar incidents.
Fans of the Hawkeyes celebrated the upset over Nebraska, a team ranked ninth nationally, marking a significant achievement for Iowa’s basketball program this season. Forward Cooper Koch was among those who shared in the excitement, celebrating with the crowd after the game.
Security at college sporting events is overseen by campus police and event staff, often in coordination with local law enforcement agencies. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasizes the importance of crowd control and safety measures to prevent incidents that could escalate into violence or injury.
As the University of Iowa conducts its internal review, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between fan enthusiasm and maintaining a secure environment for players, coaches, and spectators alike. The Hawkeyes’ victory will be remembered for both the thrilling upset and the unexpected confrontation that followed.
For more information on sports event safety and crowd management, visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s guidelines on public event security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s resources on violence prevention in community settings.
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