Norfolk State, Illinois State coaches get into heated exchange after inappropriate fan behavior, benches clear

A hostile scene was kept from turning ugly as tensions rose during a game between Norfolk State and Illinois State on Saturday. And it all apparently kicked off with a fan saying something.

Norfolk State held a six-point lead in the second half playing on the road at Illinois State when officials whistled a common foul on the floor, stopping play. What would normally be a brief delay got drawn out, as NSU head coach Robert Jones was apparently jawing with fans in the stands. The broadcast didn’t show this, but fans could be heard booing.

Jones then was shown going on to the floor and pointing at someone, apparently in response to something they said. According to the Virginian Pilot’s Michael Sauls, the broadcast conveyed a small number Illinois State fans made comments of a “racial nature” towards NSU’s Jamarii Thomas.

Ok here’s the video from the altercation between Norfolk State and Illinois State.

Broadcast said “one or two” Illinois State fans made comments of the “racial nature” towards NSU’s Jamarii Thomas.

Fans were ejected and both head coaches got technical fouls. pic.twitter.com/3RgCIPqXRJ

— Michael Sauls (@mcsauls) December 10, 2023

Norfolk State is an HBCU.

Following Jones’ outburst, Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedon apparently took umbrage and moved toward midcourt on the sideline, as both coaches get into with each other. Then both benches followed suit.

However, it never rose to anything more than words and attempts to restrain everyone. The fans were eventually ejected and both coaches awarded technical fouls, per Sauls.

Norfolk State went on to win, 64-58.

The NSU-ISU fracas wasn’t the only heated moment on Saturday

Arkansas coach Eric Musselman was been ejected from Saturday’s game against Oklahoma after an altercation with officials. Just as the game was about to be sent to the under-16 media timeout in the second half, the Razorbacks coach became irate on the sidelines.

Musselman attempted to go after officials as players and other members of the coaching staff had to hold him back. The coach appeared to be angry that Sooners players were taunting the Arkansas bench. Sooners guard Rivaldo Soares was also assessed a technical foul as a result of the sequence.

Eric Musselman was NOT happy. pic.twitter.com/xPje91HIfg

— Mason Choate (@ChoateMason) December 9, 2023

This isn’t the first time that Musselman has been ejected while facing Oklahoma. He was also tossed out of a 2021 matchup against the Sooners that OU went on to win 88-66.

Razorbacks assistant Keith Smart took over as acting head coach with Musselman out of the game on Saturday. He brings experience as a former NBA head coach, serving stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. He was also an assistant in the NBA for several seasons.