Nebraska Bans Fan for Throwing Object at Purdue Basketball Bench

University takes action against multiple spectators for unsportsmanlike conduct during close game

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Nebraska has announced penalties against two spectators at a recent Purdue-Nebraska basketball game, including permanently banning one fan who threw an object that hit the Purdue bench. The university is also investigating a third incident where something was thrown onto the court in the final seconds, leading to a key turnover that helped Purdue win the close 81-78 overtime game.

Why it matters

Fan behavior and safety at sporting events is an ongoing concern, especially when objects are thrown that could potentially injure players or coaches. Nebraska is taking a strong stance to address these incidents and protect the integrity of the game.

The details

In the first incident, a fan in the student section was ejected and permanently banned from attending any Nebraska athletic events after throwing an object that hit the Purdue bench during the first half. In a separate incident, another fan was ejected and received a one-year ban for continuing to use inappropriate language towards the Purdue bench and throwing water bottles from the team area into the crowd.

  • The incidents occurred during Nebraska's 81-78 overtime loss to Purdue on February 10, 2026.
  • Nebraska announced the penalties against the two spectators on February 18, 2026.

The players

Jamarques Lawrence

A Nebraska player who slipped on the court in the final seconds of overtime, leading to a key turnover that helped Purdue win the game.

Pinnacle Bank Arena

The venue where the Nebraska-Purdue basketball game was played, and where Nebraska worked with law enforcement to investigate the fan behavior incidents.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Nebraska.”

— Robert Jenkins, Nebraska resident

What’s next

Nebraska said it is continuing to investigate a separate incident involving a still-unidentified individual who threw something towards the Purdue bench in the final seconds of overtime, leading to a key turnover.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in maintaining order and safety at sporting events, and the need for strong policies to address fan misconduct that could put players, coaches, and other spectators at risk.