Nebraska Coach Hoiberg Cites Pacemaker as Reason for Swiping at Fan's Phone

Hoiberg says he was concerned about cell phone interference with his heart device during court-storming incident.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:40pm

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Nebraska basketball coach Fred Hoiberg said his reaction to swipe at a fan's phone during a court-storming incident was due to his reliance on a pacemaker and concerns about cell phone interference. Hoiberg explained that close contact with cell phones can potentially disrupt his pacemaker, and he was trying to protect himself in the heated moment.

Why it matters

Hoiberg's comments shed light on the unique health challenges faced by coaches and players with medical devices like pacemakers, and how that can impact their reactions in high-intensity situations. The incident also raises questions about security protocols during court-storming events to protect both participants and fans.

The details

Video showed Hoiberg making a swiping motion at a person pointing a camera at him during the handshake line after Nebraska's loss to Iowa. In doing so, Hoiberg accidentally struck a member of Iowa's staff. Hoiberg said he fully relies on a pacemaker and was concerned about cell phone interference, which his doctor has warned him can potentially disrupt the device.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 20, 2026 after Nebraska's 57-52 loss to Iowa.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

The seventh-year head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers men's basketball team, who has a pacemaker and was concerned about cell phone interference during the court-storming incident.

Iowa Hawkeyes

The opposing team whose fans stormed the court after defeating Nebraska, leading to the altercation with Hoiberg.

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What they’re saying

“I am 100% reliant on a pacemaker. I'll never forget a conversation with my doctor. A cell phone can put it off. If anything ever happens, I'm done. I will not survive if something ever happens to a pacemaker. I'm very cognizant of that, so when somebody rushes up on me with a cell phone, of course I'm going to react.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska Cornhuskers

What’s next

Nebraska hosts Penn State on Saturday, February 22, 2026, in their next game following the incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the unique health challenges faced by coaches and players with medical devices like pacemakers, and how that can impact their reactions in high-intensity situations. It also raises questions about improving security protocols during court-storming events to protect both participants and fans.