Nebraska player apologizes after controversial celebration in win over Michigan State

Key Highlights

• The gesture immediately sparked backlash because Fears survived being shot in the leg in 2023, an incident that required surgery and forced him to miss significant time. Officials assessed Frager a technical foul for the celebration.
• Moments later, he committed another foul that sent Fears to the free-throw line multiple times, allowing Michigan State to cut into Nebraska’s lead and nearly steal the game late. The situation escalated further after the game when Frager posted a photo of the celebration on Instagram with the caption “Fear none.” Screenshots of the post quickly spread on social media, leading to heavy criticism.
• Many fans called the act disrespectful and classless, arguing Frager should have been more aware of Fears’ past.
• Some defended Frager, saying the gesture could have been a reference to a three-point shot rather than a gun, but the criticism continued to grow. Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg addressed the situation after the game and made it clear the celebration was unacceptable.
• Hoiberg described it as a “teachable moment” and said Frager understood he made a mistake.