LINCOLN, Neb.– nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said Friday that there were chaos on the court over his dispute. iowa Fan that people watching viral social media videos can’t fully understand.
The video shows Hoiberg waving at a man turning the camera toward him during the handshake line. ninth order Cornhuskers lost 57-52 For the Hawkeyes on Wednesday night. While doing so, Hoiberg accidentally struck a member of Iowa’s staff.
Hoiberg said he is completely dependent on the pacemaker. He said his response stemmed from an awareness that close contact with cellphones could interfere with heart equipment.
“I’m 100% dependent on the pacemaker,” Hoiberg said. “I’ll never forget the conversation I had with my doctor. A cellphone could have prevented it. If something ever happens, I’m done. If anything ever happens to the pacemaker, I won’t be able to survive. I’m very aware of that, so when someone comes to me with a cellphone, of course I’ll react.”
Hoiberg said it was unlikely anything would happen, but the chances of developing a heart block in his first open heart surgery were also low.
He addressed the situation and explained that while he has no problem with court storming, he is against putting players and coaches in danger.
“It was a hot moment,” Hoiberg said. “I was walking through the handshake line congratulating the Iowa coaches on a hard-fought win, and suddenly, out of nowhere, this kid runs toward me, and I reacted. I think anybody in my position, after a game like that, would have reacted the same way.
The seventh-year Nebraska coach said he has apologized to the Iowa staff member he attacked at the time and in the days that followed. The staff member was understanding and said he would have done the same, Hoiberg said.
Iowa issued a statement apologizing for the lack of security.
“We apologize for this incident and will review our procedures and security measures to determine what adjustments may need to be made to further strengthen our protocols and help prevent similar incidents in the future,” the statement said.
Hoiberg said he appreciated Iowa’s statement and said it was a learning opportunity.
Nebraska will host Penn State on Saturday.
