Iowa vs Minnesota delay: Hawkeyes cheerleader stretchered off following scary fall

An Iowa cheerleader had to be stretchered off the court after a scary fall in Tuesday evening’s game against Minnesota. The cheerleader landed on his neck while attempting to make a tumbling pass during a timeout and needed medical assistance.

The fall caused the game to be delayed momentarily while he received attention for his injuries. Thankfully, the Big Ten Network broadcast reported that he was moving his arms and responding to questions from medics.

Oh no. One of the Iowa cheerleaders got injured on a tumbling pass and landed on his neck. He was able to nod his head when being asked a question.

Sending all the love and healing to him as they’re taking him out on a stretcher. So much bigger than this game. Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/o3spR0vkCe

— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) January 22, 2025

The man gave a thumbs up and waved to the crowd as he was taken out of the arena. That’s a positive sign for his status, and hopefully more good news is to follow.

Play resumed with 2:42 left in the game following what was around a 10-minute delay.

Iowa trailed by 16 points with just six minutes remaining but rallied back to make it a three-point game with 30 seconds remaining. The Hawkeyes had a chance to tie things up but missed the potential game-tying 3-pointer as Minnesota would go on to a 72-67 win.

The Iowa sports information department did not have an update on the cheerleader’s condition immediately after the game.

“Thoughts and prayers to the young guy who comes to support our players and our coaches,” Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said. “Obviously, he suffered a serious injury and we’re all thinking about him.”

Scott Dochterman of The Athletic later posted a picture from a hospital room, sharing an apparent update on the Iowa cheerleader. The picture read, “The Iowa cheerleader is OK!!! He appreciates all your support, Hawkeye Nation.” In the picture, he does appear wearing a neck brace. Despite that, the Iowa sports information department did not have an immediate update on his status following the game against Minnesota.