Oklahoma condemns fans throwing beer can at Kentucky players, working to identify culprit

After a heated ending to Kentucky‘s 83-82 win over Oklahoma on Wednesday, a Sooners fan threw a beer can at the Wildcats as they walked back toward their locker room. The can narrowly missed Kentucky forward Brandon Garrison‘s head. On Thursday, Oklahoma Athletics released a statement regarding the incident.

“We are aware of an incident that occurred following last night’s men’s basketball contest against Kentucky involving the throwing of a beverage can toward players,” the statement read. “We are closely reviewing all available footage and are working to identify involved parties. We are also in communication with the Southeastern Conference. Anyone with information regarding the incident should provide that by emailing [email protected].

“The University of Oklahoma does not in any way condone this type of fan behavior and it will not be tolerated. We will take appropriate and necessary action against anyone who conducts themself in such a manner. We apologize to University of Kentucky players, coaches and fans.”

It was a back-and-forth game between the two teams. Kentucky guard Otega Oweh, who transferred to UK ahead of this season after spending two years with the Sooners, scored 21 of the Wildcats’ final 23 points to lead his team to victory.

His stunning performance was capped off by a game-winning finish in traffic with six seconds left. Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears drove the ball down the court but his shot was blocked and Kentucky escaped Norman with a victory.

As soon as the buzzer sounded, Garrison turned toward Fears and seemingly began to verbally berate him. Kentucky center Amari Williams pulled Garrison away, but the officiating crew reviewed the footage to ensure that Garrison hadn’t committed a technical foul before the clock had run out.

The officials ruled Garrison hadn’t begun the heated exchange with Fears until after the game was over. The two teams didn’t shake hands after the game as Garrison and several Oklahoma players were trying to fight with one another.

Oklahoma fans showed disdain for Kentucky after the game by booing the Wildcats. Obviously, one fan took it too far by hurling a can at the team. Following the win, Brandon Garrison explained his side of the events.

“Just me being back home, they tried to get up under my skin from right when I got in the game. But, you know, things got a little chippy at the end,” Garrison said. “But, you know, it’s just basketball, nothing more, nothing less. It’s just part of it.

“My emotions got a little high when I got the block and realized we got the win.”