Watch: Iowa State HC strikes down 'ludicrous' K-State cheating accusations
Following No. 23 Iowa State's dramatic 79-75 win over No. 7 Kansas on Saturday, head coach T.J. Otzelberger had the unpleasant task of addressing recent cheating accusations made by Kansas State.
In a scathing rant, an annoyed Otzelberger widely denied any wrongdoing by the program.
"It's incredibly disappointing that after such an awesome game, awesome environment and atmosphere that, I even have to begin by addressing something that happened earlier this week," Otzelberger said. "The ludicrous, ludicrous rumors earlier this week that somehow we were trying to gain an advantage, looking into our opponent's huddles, is an affront to our players, our fans, and to me."
"It's not who I am, it's not who our program is about," he continued, "and I am angry that someone would even make that suggestion."
After the two teams met on Jan. 24, an Iowa State victory, Kansas State was concerned that their courtside huddles were being monitored or recorded by the opposing side, leading to an uncomfortable conversation between head coaches at center court.
Days later, Otzelberger not only rejected the idea that Iowa State was engaging in underhanded behavior but also accused a Kansas State staff member of "cursing out" an Iowa State student manager.
Cheating allegations are nothing new in sports, but it's a brave new world, especially in the collegiate space following the Michigan football sign-stealing scandal. Considering the current climate, it's no surprise that teams like Kansas State are seemingly on high alert for anything unusual. However, Iowa State's response is equally understandable, especially if they have done nothing wrong.
We will see if Otzelberger's stern message will finally end the back-and-forth.
More must-reads: