Duke’s Scheyer: Staff ‘Punched’ in Court Storm; UNC AD Apologizes

Following a thrilling matchup between the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels, tensions escalated during the post-game celebration. Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer reported that some of his staff members were physically assaulted as UNC fans stormed the court after a last-minute victory.

Duke’s Scheyer: Staff ‘Punched’ in Court Storm Incident

The game took place in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where the Tar Heels managed a surprising 71-68 win over the fourth-ranked Blue Devils. The climactic moment came with just 0.4 seconds remaining when Seth Trimble made a pivotal three-pointer. Initially, it seemed the shot occurred after time had expired, leading to an ecstatic rush from the crowd.

Apologies from UNC’s Athletic Director

In response to the chaos, UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham publicly apologized, expressing concern for the safety of everyone associated with the game. He acknowledged incidents of physical injury during the celebration but did not provide specific details regarding the individuals affected.

• Cunningham confirmed that some fans were knocked over during the court rush.
• He noted that a system was in place to safely clear the court but failed during this incident.
• UNC will examine video footage to better understand what transpired.

Concerns Over Player Safety

Coach Scheyer emphasized the pressing need for safety amid the excitement of court-storming events. He shared his worries about the well-being of his players and staff after the game concluded. He stated, “I got staff members that got punched in the face,” reflecting on the dangerous environment created by the situation.

In the past, similar incidents have raised questions about the safety of players in college basketball, including a collision involving Duke player Kyle Filipowski during a previous game. Scheyer highlighted this ongoing concern, stating that while he has no issues with celebrations, they should not compromise safety.

Reactions and Future Considerations

Despite the violent outburst, Scheyer still recognizes fans’ excitement in celebrating their team’s victories. “They should celebrate,” he stated, “but let’s get our guys off safely.” His comments underline the need for improved safety measures during future court-storming events.

The conversation around the safety of players and staff during such celebrations continues to grow, suggesting that changes may be necessary to ensure these high-stakes sporting events remain safe for everyone involved.