Nebraska's Hoiberg cites pacemaker as reason for swiping at fan's phone - ESPN
ESPN
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg has provided insight into an altercation with a court-storming Iowa fan following his team's loss to the Hawkeyes. Hoiberg admitted that his reaction, which resulted in accidentally striking an Iowa staff member, was influenced by his reliance on a pacemaker. He explained that close contact with cellphones can interfere with the device, potentially causing serious harm. Hoiberg emphasized that while the likelihood of such interference is low, he remains highly cautious due to his medical condition.
The incident occurred during the handshake line after Nebraska's 57-52 loss on February 16. A viral video showed Hoiberg swiping at a fan pointing a camera near him. Although Hoiberg does not typically have an issue with court storms, he stressed that player and staff safety must always be prioritized. He described the moment as "heated," explaining that the unexpected rush of a fan toward him led to his instinctive reaction.
Hoiberg apologized to the Iowa staff member struck during the incident, both immediately afterward and in subsequent days. The affected staff member reportedly understood Hoiberg's actions and even expressed empathy for his situation. In response, Iowa issued a statement apologizing for the lack of security and pledged to review their protocols to prevent similar incidents.
This situation highlights the intersection of sports, health, and safety. Hoiberg's explanation underscores the importance of understanding medical conditions that may influence behavior in high-pressure situations. The incident also raises questions about venue security and the responsibilities of both fans and organizers during post-game interactions. As Nebraska prepares for its next game against Penn State, Hoiberg's story serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges coaches face, even off the court.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/20/2026