Sports
Jon Scheyer claps back at DA over UNC court-storming dispute
Jon Scheyer said he “could have said even more” in response to a local district attorney’s claims that there was “zero evidence” to support the Duke coach’s initial claim that Blue Devils staffers were punched in a recent court storming at rival North Carolina.
Jeff Nieman, the district attorney for Orange County — which includes Chapel Hill, North Carolina — disputed Scheyer’s account of the Feb. 7 court-storming incident and added that Scheyer “should exercise more discretion” in his public comments.
Scheyer fired back at Nieman after the third-ranked Blue Devils’ 101-64 victory Monday over Syracuse.
“I would like to focus on Syracuse, but I’ll tell you that I know what I saw and I know what happened with our staff after the game — and that’s the bottom line,” Scheyer said. “I’m not going to circle back or get into — I don’t know what was said or wasn’t said or what people want to claim.
“But I know what happened, and I’m always going to support our staff in those situations and, again, I could have even said more, but I’m not going to do that.”
Seth Trimble‘s game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds led to a pair of court-storming incidents for North Carolina, which defeated its archrival for the first time since the 2023-24 season.
After the loss, Scheyer claimed that some of his staff members had been “punched in the face” as UNC fans swarmed the court. A Duke spokesperson later said that one staff member had been hurt in the court storming without additional details.
Video of the aftermath appeared to show a person launching a bottle toward Duke players and staffers after the game.
Two days later, Scheyer clarified that one staff member had been hurt when they were “trampled,” adding that the staffer “looked like he had been in a complete brawl” after the game.
Nieman, a UNC graduate, originally sought video evidence of Scheyer’s claims. On Monday, he wrote on social media platform X that there was “zero evidence” of Scheyer’s original account. Furthermore, he said Scheyer’s comments could have created more issues.
“A week has passed, and what seemed likely is now patently obvious. There is zero evidence that anyone from Duke’s basketball program was ‘punched in the face’ at the Smith Center last week,” Nieman wrote. “Nor is there any evidence that a staffer was ‘trampled on the floor’ or ‘in a complete brawl,’ for that matter. Some have asked why I’m talking about this. It’s certainly not because of a sports rivalry. That’s no business of the DA’s Office. But I’ve seen firsthand how reckless accusations of violence incite more violence, and that is my business. Someone with the power and influence of a major men’s basketball coach should exercise more discretion before just saying things that can have real-world consequences.”
A week has passed, and what seemed likely is now patently obvious. There is zero evidence that anyone from Duke’s basketball program was “punched in the face” at the Smith Center last week. Nor is there any evidence that a staffer was “trampled on the floor” or “in a complete…
— DA Jeff Nieman (@JeffNiemanNC) February 16, 2026
After the game, North Carolina was fined $50,000 as part of new regulations and penalties for court storming.
“We accept the ACC’s fine for having unauthorized people on the court before Duke and the officials could completely clear the floor on Saturday,” UNC said in a statement after the fine was issued. “The video we have reviewed confirms we followed our protocols to get Duke’s players and bench personnel and the game officials off the floor safely. We will continue to review our protocols to provide the highest measures of safety in the event fans rush the court. We consider this matter closed and look forward to the rest of the season.”
After Monday’s game, Scheyer said the Blue Devils have put the UNC loss behind them.
“We’re moving on, and I’m really grateful for tonight’s win,” he said.
LAS VEGAS — Honor Huff made eight 3-pointers and scored a career-high 38 to propel West Virginia to an 89-82 overtime victory over Oklahoma on Sunday in the championship game of the College Basketball Crown Tournament.
The senior guard teamed up with Jasper Floyd to do all the scoring in a game-ending 13-0 run for the Mountaineers (21-14) after spotting the Sooners (21-16) the first six points in OT. Floyd missed his first eight shots before sinking 3-pointers on both sides of one by Huff in a 9-0 run that gave West Virginia the lead for good at 85-82. Huff scored the final four points at the foul line.
Huff made 9 of 19 shots with seven of the misses coming from beyond the arc. He made all 12 of his free throws and had four assists. Chance Moore totaled 19 points — on 7-for-8 shooting — and 10 rebounds off the bench. Brenen Lorient added 15 points and eight rebounds.
Nijel Pack led Oklahoma with 24 points and seven assists. Tae Davis had 19 points and Xzayvier Brown scored 13.
Huff hit his first five 3-pointers and West Virginia jumped out to a 26-11 lead in the first 9:25. Davis had a three-point play in a 9-0 run and another one with 22 seconds left as Oklahoma battled back to lead 41-37 at halftime.
Pack sank a 3-pointer 3:31 into the second half to give Oklahoma its first double-digit lead 52-42.
Huff hit a 3 and two free throws and Lorient scored after a Sooners’ shot-clock violation to tie it 71-all with 1:45 remaining.
Pack and Huff traded 3-pointers, but Davis turned it over and then fouled Huff, who hit both free throws with 33 seconds remaining. Davis tied it at 76 with a layup, forcing OT.
Sports
UNC set to hire Michael Malone as next men’s basketball coach after firing Hubert Davis: report
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The UNC Tar Heels are dipping into the NBA pool for its next men’s basketball coach.
After Hubert Davis was fired following a shocking loss to VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament earlier this month, the Tar Heels are set to hire Michael Malone, according to ESPN.
North Carolina was previously linked to top college coaches, including Michigan’s Dusty May, who will be competing for an NCAA title on Monday night against UConn. But May took his name out of any running across college, while Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd and Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger were also rumored to be in the Tar Heels’ favor.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Head Coach Michael Malone claps on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., on April 6, 2025. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
But Malone, who the past 10 seasons leading the Denver Nuggets, is the man they’re settling on to lead the Tar Heels back to greatness.
Malone is the winningest coach in Nuggets history, tallying 471 career wins across his career there, while also winning an NBA title in 2023.
VCU COACH PRAISES STUDENT JOURNALISTS AFTER HISTORIC MARCH MADNESS COMEBACK: ‘BEST IN THE COUNTRY’
However, Malone, despite what he means to the franchise record books, was fired by the Nuggets in April 2025. He quickly entered the sports media space, joining ESPN in May 2025, but he’s back in the saddle now in a whole new collegiate world compared to the pros.
Perhaps North Carolina wouldn’t have been searching for another head coach if Davis and the Tar Heels didn’t collapse against No. 10 VCU in the first round, as the Rams mounted the biggest first-round comeback in tournament history to ultimately defeat No. 6 UNC in overtime, 82-78.
“We appreciate all that Hubert has done for Carolina as a player, assistant coach, head coach and community leader – he has helped make special memories we will never forget,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision because of Hubert’s tremendous character and all he has given to the program, but we must move forward in a way that allows our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.”
Davis, who made four NCAA Tournaments, including the last three seasons, over his five campaigns with the Tar Heels, released his own statement on the matter.
Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets watches the game against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on April 4, 2025. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
“Tonight, I was let go by the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill,” he wrote. “My desire was to continue to coach here. This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together.”
BILL SELF ANNOUNCES RETURN TO KANSAS SIDELINE, SET FOR 24TH SEASON DESPITE HEALTH ISSUES
Davis added that he hopes to be coaching “in the very near future.”
Davis, who played for UNC from 1988-92 before being a first-round pick by the New York Knicks in 1992, left the program with about $5.3 million still guaranteed from his contract, per ESPN.
Davis went 125-54 during his 179-game tenure with his alma mater, which included a first-year Final Four appearance during the 2021-22 campaign. The Tar Heels reached the national championship game, falling to the Kansas Jayhawks, who also overcame a double-digit deficit to be crowned champions.
Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on April 4, 2025. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
After missing March Madness in 2023, the Tar Heels earned themselves a No. 1 seed in 2024, but they were taken down by No. 4 Alabama in the Sweet 16, cutting their national title hopes short. Still, Davis earned himself the ACC Coach of the Year Award that year.
The Tar Heels want to get back to the Roy Williams days, as the legendary UNC head coach led his squad to six NCAA titles during his tenure, the most recent coming in 2017.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence reportedly requested a trade from the team and has made clear to the organization he will not be at the team’s offseason workouts.
Lawrence has been trying to “negotiate a contract reflecting his value to the Giants” the last two years but talks have remained stagnant, ESPN reported on Monday. Discussions about a new deal reportedly haven’t moved forward even with John Harbaugh coming in as head coach.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 26, 2025. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)
The burly 340-pound defensive lineman is a three-time Pro Bowler and has been with the Giants through some rough seasons. Despite that, he’s been one of their better defensive players since the team selected him in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Clemson.
Lawrence has 30.5 sacks, 15 pass break-ups and 341 tackles in 109 career games with New York.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II gestures during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 9, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Last season, Lawrence played in all 17 games for the first time in his career. He had an interception to go along with 31 tackles and a half-sack.
The 28-year-old player signed a four-year contract extension with the Giants in 2023, reportedly worth $87.5 million. He has two years left on his current deal. He would be paid $18.5 million in 2026 and $15.5 million if a new deal isn’t negotiated.
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II returns an interception during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sept. 28, 2025. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
It’s unclear what team would be interested in trading for Lawrence. But with the NFL Draft around the corner, New York would likely expect at least two picks from any team trading for Lawrence.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Huff scores 3 as West Virginia tops Oklahoma for CBC title
A Single Strike Won’t Shut Off the Gulf’s Desalination System
UNC set to hire Michael Malone as next men’s basketball coach after firing Hubert Davis: report
-
Sports1 week agoUSMNT handed reality check by Doku, Belgium ahead of World Cup
-
Uncategorized4 days ago
[CinePlex360] Please moderate: “Trump signals p
-
Sports1 week ago2026 NCAA men’s hockey tournament: Schedule, results
-
Uncategorized1 week ago
[CinePlex360] Please moderate: “Further tariff
-
Tech3 days agoOur Favorite iPad Is $50 Off
-
Entertainment3 days agoJoe Jonas shares candid glimpse into parenthood with Sophie Turner
-
Politics7 days agoTrump considers asking Arab allies to help to pay for Iran war
-
Entertainment1 week agoDemystifying the PTI