Iowa State men’s basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger has decided to answer to sign-stealing allegations following his unusual exchange with Kansas State’s Jerome Tang after the Cyclones’ win on Wednesday.
Addressing the media this weekend, Otzelberger had this to say about the situation:
It’s incredibly disappointing that after such an awesome game and awesome environment and atmosphere that I even have to begin by addressing something that happened earlier this week. Ludicrous, ludicrous rumors that somehow we were tyring to gain an advantage. Looking into our opponents’ huddles is an affront to our players, our fans and to me. It’s not who I am, it’s not what our program is about and I’m angry that someone would make that suggestion.
T.J. Otzelberger’s statement on accusations of cheating during the Kansas State game: pic.twitter.com/sjvztSt7wY
— Cyclone Fanatic (@cyclonefanatic) January 27, 2024
Otzelberger went on to accuse one of the Wildcats’ staffers of berating a student manager during said game.
What is factual, is one of their staff members cursed out one of our student managers who was mopping the floor under the basket. So let’s put this to bed here and now: it didn’t happen. It won’t happen. And others need to be much more careful with their words moving forward.
The two sides will meet again on March 9 in both school’s regular season finale. For now, Iowa State will celebrate its third-straight win over a ranked opponent.