Things got heated shortly after Seton Hall defeated Wagner 72-51 on Saturday. Pirates head coach Shaheen Holloway shook hands with Wagner head coach Donald Copeland, and then the two engaged in a tense confrontation.
Holloway has since expressed remorse for his actions that followed his team's victory.
Shaheen Holloway issues apology for outburst during postgame handshake
Things quickly got physical when Holloway and Copeland met for a postgame handshake following Seton Hall's strong victory over Wagner.
The camera was on the pair of head coaches as they met to shake hands. They got into an argument that would soon involve more than just words. Assistant coaches got involved to separate Holloway and Copeland.
Shaheen Holloway was NOT having it with Donald Copeland in the postgame handshake line 👀 pic.twitter.com/n2wvKG8j1O
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) November 18, 2023
Holloway appeared to be the instigator of the tussle and took full responsibility for his actions afterward.
“I take full responsibility for that,” Holloway said, according to Asbury Park Press reporter Jerry Carino. “I like Donald. I respect him. He’s a good person, a good player and a good coach.”
Copeland also made clear that he wishes he had handled things better himself.
"I am embarrassed. I want to apologize to my team for what went on,” Copeland said, also via Carino. “I have a ton of respect for Sha. He’s a competitor, I’m a competitor too. That’s part of what went on. It’s unfortunate what happened for him and me. …But I want to coach my team from start to finish.”
Both Holloway and Copeland played their college basketball careers at Seton Hall, developing a close relationship, though they never took the court together.