The Iowa State athletic department apologized Wednesday for a security breach that allowed an individual to interfere with the coaches and players’ handshake line and gain access to Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg following the Hawkeyes’ victory over the ninth-ranked Cornhuskers.
Video posted online showed the man walking out of the stands as fans flocked to the pitch. The man appeared to question and pointed his camera phone at Hoiberg, who made a swiping motion on the phone with his right hand. Hoiberg’s hand appeared to accidentally brush against an Iowa staff member who was waiting in line. Hoiberg reached back and grabbed the staffer’s arm, pointing at the man walking toward him with a camera.
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“The University of Iowa Athletic Department has implemented court invasion guidelines following last night’s Iowa-Nebraska men’s basketball game,” the athletic department said in a statement. “Unfortunately, someone entered the field through the penalty area and directly confronted Coach Hoiberg, putting Nebraska players, coaches and staff in a passive situation.
“We apologize for this incident and will be conducting a review of our procedures and security measures to determine what adjustments may be needed to further strengthen our protocols and help prevent similar incidents in the future.”
The Big Ten said it discussed the situation with both schools and will not take any disciplinary action against Hoiberg. The conference expressed appreciation for Iowa State’s efforts in addressing postgame safety protocols.
Nebraska Athletics and Hoiberg declined to comment.
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Iowa State won the game 57-52. Nebraska has lost four of its last six games after a 20-0 start.
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