Iowa City, Iowa – Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg was caught on video swatting a phone away from a fan during a chaotic court storm following Iowa’s stunning 57-52 upset of the No. 9-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers on February 17, 2026.
The footage, filmed from the baseline seats, shows a fan approaching Hoiberg and thrusting a phone inches from his face. Hoiberg instinctively swiped the phone away, briefly grazing the back of an Iowa staff member. He then grabbed the staffer’s arm in apology while security moved to intervene.
The court was flooded with thousands of jubilant Iowa fans celebrating the upset. Players from both teams navigated through the crowded arena as fans mobbed the court. The video captures the intensity of the celebration and the sudden confrontation near the scorer’s table.
The University of Iowa athletics department issued an apology, stating that an individual gained access to a restricted area and “putting Nebraska players, coaches, and staff in a reactive situation.” The department said it will review procedures and security to prevent similar incidents.
The Big Ten Conference confirmed that no disciplinary action will be taken against Hoiberg, framing his swipe as a defensive reaction to the fan intrusion. The video has since gone viral, sparking discussions on court-storming safety in college basketball.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Leave a Reply