A college basketball match in the United States has been overshadowed by a controversial on-court celebration, sparking widespread condemnation and a social media storm.
The Controversial Incident
During a tense Friday night fixture, the Nebraska Cornhuskers clinched a narrow 58-56 victory over the Michigan State Spartans. The win, however, was quickly forgotten after an incident involving Huskers forward Braden Frager. After sinking a three-point shot, Frager appeared to direct a 'gun' celebration towards Spartans defender Jeremy Fears Jr.
This action was deemed particularly insensitive because Fears was shot in the leg in December 2023 near his hometown of Joliet, Illinois, an incident that required surgery but was non-life-threatening. The 18-year-old later returned to play for Michigan State's 2024 season opener on November 4.
Backlash and Apology
Frager was immediately handed a technical foul for the gesture. The controversy escalated when, after the game, he posted a picture of the celebration on his Instagram account with the caption 'Fear none'. The post, which has since been deleted, ignited fury online.
Fans flooded social media to criticise the act as 'classless' and 'nasty'. One supporter wrote, 'Shooting an imaginary gun at Jeremy Fears is nasty man. Be better,' while another stated, 'Posting a celebration of pointing a fake gun at someone who was actually shot 2 years ago is as dumb and classless as it gets.'
Some observers suggested Frager's three-fingered gesture was merely a reference to his three-point shot, but the damage was done. Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg publicly condemned his player's actions. 'It is a teachable moment. He will be better because of it,' Hoiberg told media. 'He knew he messed up.'
According to a report from Husker Online reporter Robin Washut, Frager subsequently 'reached out to Fears directly to express remorse and talk it out'.
Broader Context and Fallout
The incident raises questions about sportsmanship and sensitivity in high-stakes collegiate athletics. Jeremy Fears Jr., a promising talent, has a younger brother, Jeremiah Fears, who is a guard for the New Orleans Pelicans.
While Coach Hoiberg acknowledged Frager's error, he also noted the team's support, saying his teammates 'rallied around him, & he made some big plays down the stretch.' The episode serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a moment of poor judgement can eclipse athletic achievement and dominate the post-game narrative.
