At the end of Nebraska’s volleyball match against Maryland on Friday, members of the Husker volleyball team apologized to the opposing team for the actions of some Husker fans earlier in the evening.
When the national anthem was sung before the match, a few Maryland players took a knee, which has occurred at other sporting events when student-athletes want to publicly protest something.
A few Nebraska spectators yelled at the Maryland players to "stand up.” Those shouts only lasted for a few moments but could be heard throughout the arena.
The Husker players were hurt by the Maryland players being yelled at, so much so that Nebraska coach John Cook said some of the Husker players were crying during a timeout early in the match.
During his news conference after the match, Cook said he was disappointed by what had happened Friday evening.
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This video shows the Nebraska volleyball players apologizing to the Maryland players after the match: https://t.co/yHgb4MvqTF
— Brent Wagner (@LJSSportsWagner) November 13, 2021
“I do want to say that our players were rattled during ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ because we had fans getting on the Maryland players,” Cook said. “We had a couple of players that were upset that were actually playing in the match.
“I just don’t think that’s our fans' place to say things during a match. It’s putting judgment on the other team, and this is a volleyball match. We’re not here to do that. So I’m a little disappointed that happened. And our players apologized to the Maryland players after the match. There are other ways to express people’s opinions, but not right after ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and introductions.”
Just moments after the match ended, the Nebraska players called the Maryland players to the middle of the court to apologize.
“Normally they don’t shake hands, and they called them over and talked to them,” said Cook, who began his career as a high school social studies teacher.
“We got a classy team. Again, I’m disappointed that happens at Nebraska at a volleyball match. I hope it doesn’t happen again. We all have our personal views on that, but that’s not the place to say anything.”
In a statement provided to the Journal Star on Saturday, Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts shared Cook’s disappointment.
“I would echo Coach Cook’s comments from last night after the match,” Alberts said. “I am disappointed that some of our fans would react that way, and apologize to the Maryland volleyball program. Our athletic events at Nebraska should always be a place where people can come together to enjoy great competition in a respectful environment.”
Photos: Nebraska blows by Maryland in Friday night volleyball action
Nebraska players celebrate during the Huskers' three-set win against Maryland on Nov. 12 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Lindsay Krause (22) rises for an attack against Maryland in the first set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Madi Kubik (10) and Kayla Caffey attempt a block as Maryland's Rainelle Jones looks on in the first set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Madi Kubik (10) puts a kill past Maryland's block during a match on Nov. 12 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez digs a shot in the second set against Maryland on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez (8) celebrates a point in the second set against Maryland as teammate Nicklin Hames looks Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook reacts to a call against the Huskers in the second set against Maryland Nov. 12 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Whitney Lauenstein (right) get a high-five from teammate Lexi Sun against Maryland in the second set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Lauren Stivrins (26) goes up for a kill against Maryland's Paula Neciporuka (bottom) as Keonilei Akana (6) looks on in the first set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Kayla Caffey (3) pushes a shot over the net against Maryland in the second set as teammate Madi Kubik looks on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez (8) celebrates a Husker point against Maryland on Nov. 12 at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Lexi Rodriguez passes the ball against Maryland in the second set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Madi Kubik (top) celebrates her match-winning kill against Maryland in the third set of a Nov. 12, 2021, match at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Whitney Lauenstein (13) talks with teammate Kayla Caffey during the third set against Maryland on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska’s Lauren Stivrins goes for a kill against Maryland's Hannah Thompson in the first set Friday at the Devaney Sports Center.
Nebraska volleyball players, including Lauren Stivrins (26), Madi Kubik, Nicklin Hames (1) and Kayla Caffey (left) went over to apologize to Maryland players, like Rainelle Jones (right) after the game on Friday at the Devaney Sports Center. A few Nebraska spectators yelled at kneeling Maryland players to "stand up" during the national anthem.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSSportsWagner.
Episode 81 The Showdown: The return of Frank Solich
Brent Wagner
Husker volleyball/women's basketball reporter
Brent Wagner has worked at the Journal Star for 19 years, including 11 years covering the Nebraska volleyball program. His other beats include Nebraska women’s basketball, high school cross country and high school soccer.
