AMES, Iowa — Iowa State coach TJ Otzelberger said Saturday that the program did not have anyone monitoring Kansas State's huddles during the 78-67 win over the Wildcats on Wednesday night.
Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang had a couple of intense arguments during the Cyclones' victory, including during the postgame handshake line.
According to a story in The Wichita Eagle, Tang and his staff thought Iowa State had team managers or other representatives in the stands behind the Kansas State bench intent on stealing signs. The story cited anonymous sources.
Reading a prepared statement after Saturday's 79-75 win over No. 7 Kansas, Otzelberger denied the allegations.
“The ridiculous rumors earlier this week that we were somehow trying to gain an advantage by watching our opponent's meetings are an affront to our players, our fans and me,” he said. “It's not about who I am. It's not about what our show is about. And I'm angry that someone would even make that suggestion.
“What is a fact is that one of your staff members swore at one of our student managers who was mopping the floor under the basket. So let's leave this here and now. It didn't happen. It won't happen. And others must have be much more careful with your words in the future.
A message seeking comment from the Big 12 was left Saturday.
