College basketball may have its own sign-stealing scandal brewing.
A report Thursday in The Wichita Eagle claims that Kansas State coaches believe Iowa State had team representatives sitting behind their bench when the teams played in Ames Wednesday. Those people then allegedly watched K-State team huddles and texted information to the Iowa State coaches.
The Cyclones defeated the Wildcats, 78-67.
Kansas State coach Jerome Tang and Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger exchanged words a couple of times, once midway through the second half then again immediately after the game. The Eagle reported those conversations involved the alleged observers sitting in the stands.
Kansas State coaches informed officials during the game about their concerns. Tang could reportedly be seen saying to the officials, “They’ve got three guys in the stands videoing our huddle.”
These are obviously serious allegations, and the college basketball world strongly felt Tang was wrong in implying Iowa State did anything wrong.
However, coming on the heels of the recent Michigan Wolverines sign-stealing scandal, which proved these things happen, anything is possible.
Lol Kansas State is the last team I would expect somebody to be stealing signs from
Probably heard a lot of Tang telling Tylor Perry and Arthur Kaluma to “go get you a bucket” https://t.co/EBpdQVeSF2
— Christian Odjakjian (@OdjHoops) January 26, 2024
Logistically — pulling off this type of scheme feels challenging for a somewhat limited reward. But ISU certainly wouldn’t be the first to get… creative to attempt to get an edge. Don’t foresee this becoming Connor Stalions 2.0, but Big 12 teams will certainly be on high alert.
— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) January 26, 2024
Kansas State deserves some sort of punishment for throwing out false allegations like this. I hope that programs burns to the ground. https://t.co/3Sf6HORRGV
— Cade Thompson (@Cade4ISU) January 26, 2024
Not shocked, Tang was classless in the line after and lost the game for his team on a technical foul (that shouldn’t have happened) – regardless – his inability to keep a level head hurt his team and rather than taking personal accountability he goes after Otz. https://t.co/LuQi7sos56
— Jake Smith (@ShakeNJake31) January 26, 2024
@franfraschilla How does this get put back in the bottle when it is disproven or put to bed? https://t.co/3i20xqyYB4
— Mark Wills (@MarkJ_Wills) January 26, 2024
At its most simplistic level, anyone who’s ever been in hilton would know that recording video during a game and sending it anywhere would be near impossible. Cell service is absolute trash during games
— Alex Larson (@alarsonisu) January 26, 2024
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.