UCSB coach apologizes after fan confrontation
Rainbow guard Garrett Nevels pushed an overzealous UC Santa Barbara student who ran onto the court toward the Hawaii bench during the first half. The incident happened after Hawaii coach Gib Arnold was assessed a technical foul for arguing with an official.
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. >> UC Santa Barbara men’s basketball coach Bob Williams has apologized to Hawaii coach Gib Arnold for an incident in which a fan went on court and confronted Arnold during a game against the Gauchos.
The school’s athletic department said Friday it has apologized to Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay and Big West Conference Commissioner Dennis Farrell for what happened in the first half of Thursday night’s victory by UCSB.
The department says the safety of student-athletes, staff and fans is important and it is reviewing the incident and “solidifying event protocol” in hopes of preventing a repeat in the future.
A male UCSB fan ran on the court and confronted Arnold while the coach was arguing a call that went against Hawaii. Two Hawaii players pushed the fan away from the coach.
