TJ Otzelberger addresses report of Iowa State spying on Kansas State huddles

Iowa State should be celebrating right now, coming off two huge wins. The latest came against Kansas on Saturday in Hilton Coliseum, again holding down home court. But it’s what occurred against Kansas State earlier in the week, with reports claiming the Cyclones were spying into the Wildcats huddle.

Head coach TJ Otzelberger addressed the situation following the Kansas win, saying they are far from true. He did not seem too thrilled to be discussing the matter, being offended by the fact that Iowa State was even in this position.

“Ludicrous rumors earlier this week that somehow, we were trying to gain an advantage looking into our opponent’s huddles,” Otzelberger said. “It’s 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 am angry that somebody would even make that suggestion.

“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.”

According to the Wichita Eagle’s Kellis Robinett, Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang was worried Iowa State was getting an inside look at the huddles during timeouts. Tang reportedly believes it was coming from the stands, with Iowa State placing managers behind the bench and relaying the information to the other side.

Otzelberger and Tang even had a moment in the second half, talking to one another.

“Nothing happened,” Tang said during his postgame press conference on Wednesday. “We talked about a situation that took place during the game and he said he would check into it. Then I told him, ‘Thank you,’ and went on. I love TJ. He does a great job. What an unbelievable environment it was out there.”

Iowa State and Kansas State will play each other at least one more time this season, coming on the final day of the regular season. However, the Wildcats will play host, with both teams coming to Manhattan. A lot of time will pass between the two games, maybe with more information on the situation being released. There could be a personal sense during the matchup on March 5.

Either way, Otzelberger is adamant what his program is being accused of is false.