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Myron Medcalf
Multiple Authors
Jon Scheyer expressed that he “could have elaborated further” regarding a local district attorney’s assertion of “zero evidence” supporting his initial statement about Duke staff being punched during a recent court-storming incident at rival North Carolina.
Jeff Nieman, the Orange County district attorney, contested Scheyer’s version of the February 7 court-storming and suggested that Scheyer “should be more cautious” in his public remarks.
Scheyer responded to Nieman after the third-ranked Blue Devils’ substantial 101-64 win against Syracuse on Monday.
“I prefer to concentrate on Syracuse, but I assure you that I witnessed what occurred and I understand what our staff went through after the game — and that’s the crux of it,” Scheyer stated. “I won’t revisit or delve into — I’m not aware of what was said or what claims others wish to make.”
“But I’m confident in what happened, and I will always stand by our staff in such scenarios; and indeed, I could have expressed even more, yet I choose not to.”
Seth Trimble’s decisive 3-pointer in the closing moments led to two court-storming episodes for North Carolina, marking their first victory over their archrival since the 2023-24 season.
Following the defeat, Scheyer alleged that some staff members were “punched in the face” as fans flooded the court. A Duke spokesperson later stated that one staff member sustained an injury amid the chaos but revealed no further details.
Footage from the aftermath seemed to show an individual throwing a bottle toward Duke players and staff after the game.
Two days later, Scheyer specified that one staff member was injured when “trampled,” noting that the individual “appeared to have been in a complete brawl” after the game.
Nieman, a UNC alumnus, initially sought video evidence regarding Scheyer’s claims. On Monday, he posted on social media that there was “zero evidence” supporting Scheyer’s remarks. He warned that Scheyer’s comments could lead to further complications.
“A week has passed, and what seemed likely is now undeniably clear. There is zero evidence that any individual from Duke’s basketball program was ‘punched in the face’ at the Smith Center last week,” Nieman stated. “and, there is no proof that a staff member was ‘trampled on the floor’ or ‘in a complete brawl,’ for that matter. Some have questioned why I’m addressing this. It’s not motivated by a sports rivalry. That isn’t the DA’s Office’s concern. yet, I’ve witnessed firsthand the repercussions of reckless allegations of violence inciting more violence, and that’s my responsibility. Someone in the influential position of a major men’s basketball coach should exercise greater caution when making statements with potential 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
Post-game, North Carolina was penalized with a $50,000 fine due to new regulations related to court storming.
“We acknowledge the ACC’s fine regarding unauthorized individuals on the court prior to Duke and the officials completely clearing the floor on Saturday,” UNC remarked in a statement following the fine announcement. “The footage we have reviewed confirms we adhered to our protocols to safely escort Duke’s players, bench personnel, and game officials off the court. We will continue to refine our procedures to ensure the utmost safety if fans rush the court. We regard this issue resolved and look forward to the remainder of the season.”
Following Monday’s game, Scheyer noted that the Blue Devils have put the loss to UNC in their past.
“We’re moving forward, and I’m truly thankful for tonight’s victory,” he stated.
