Duke Staffer Recovers from UNC Court Storm; Tar Heels Fined by ACC

A staff member from Duke University’s men’s basketball team was injured during a recent court-storming incident after a game against the University of North Carolina (UNC). Duke coach Jon Scheyer reported that the individual is recovering well following the incident that occurred Saturday night.

Duke Staffer Recovers from Court Storming Incident

During the post-game celebration at the Dean Smith Center, a chaotic scene unfolded as UNC fans rushed the court after a dramatic win. A 3-pointer by UNC guard Seth Trimble led to an apparent game-winner, prompting fans to invade the court. However, an official review revealed that 0.4 seconds remained on the clock, leading to a second rush of fans after the game concluded.

Injuries and Response

Scheme explained how one of their staff was hit in the face and trampled in the ensuing melee. Duke has chosen not to disclose the name of the injured staff member, citing privacy concerns. Coach Scheyer emphasized that such incidents should never occur at sporting events.

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) responded to the incident by imposing a fine of $50,000 on UNC for violating their court-storming policy. In a statement, North Carolina acknowledged the ACC’s decision and expressed their commitment to safety protocols during future games.

North Carolina’s Statement

• North Carolina accepted the fine for unauthorized fan presence on the court.
• They stated that their protocols for clearing the court were followed appropriately.
• UNC plans to review their safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

UNC’s head coach, Hubert Davis, confirmed he had spoken with Scheyer since the incident. He refrained from discussing specifics but supported the athletic director’s comments regarding the event.

Previous Incidents

This is not the first time Duke staff have faced injuries related to court storms. In February 2024, another court invasion occurred after a game against Wake Forest, resulting in injuries to then-Duke forward Kyle Filipowski.

This recurring issue highlights the need for improved safety measures at college basketball games. As the season progresses, both Duke and North Carolina aim to enhance their protocols to ensure the well-being of players and staff.