Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Braden Frager found himself in boiling water after a controversial celebration during Friday’s clash with Michigan State.
The redshirt freshman crossed a line. He directed a shooting gesture at Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who survived a gunshot wound in December 2023.
The incident drew immediate consequences in court and led to extensive online chatter. Frager doubled down Saturday by posting “Fear none” on Instagram. Although the post has since been removed, the damage was already done. Folks tore into the Nebraska bench player for allegedly making a classless move.
Braden Frager Reaches Out to Apologize to Jeremy Fears After Controversial Celebration
The chaotic situation kicked off during the final minutes of Nebraska’s 58-56 close victory over Michigan State. Frager pulled off a clutch three-pointer with nine and a half minutes left in the game, which gave him a moment for celebration. However, he taunted Fears with a shooting gesture aimed directly at Fears.
Officials immediately called a technical foul on Frage due to his unsportsmanlike celebration. Fears was shot in the upper thigh near Joliet on December 24, 2023. It was not a life-threatening injury, fortunately, but required critical surgery. The Michigan State point guard then missed the remainder of his freshman season rehabbing.
Fears knocked down both technical free throws. A short time later, Frager was called for a cylinder foul on Fears at the top of the key, sending him back to the line. Michigan State went on a 17–5 run and nearly stole the game in the final seconds.
The next day, Frager took the drama to Instagram. He posted a photo of himself making the gesture toward Fears with “Fear none” as the caption. The post blew up for all the wrong reasons. Screenshots circulated rapidly across social media platforms.
Husker Online reporter Robin Washut broke the news about what happened next. “Nebraska’s Braden Frager made a social media post today regarding his celebration directed at Jeremy Fears Jr. that was called for a technical vs. Michigan St.,” Washut wrote on X. “He has since deleted the post, and I’m told Frager reached out to Fears directly to express remorse and talk it out.”
Nebraska’s Braden Frager made a social media post today regarding his celebration directed at Jeremy Fears Jr. that was called for a technical vs. Michigan St.
He has since deleted the post, and I’m told Frager reached out to Fears directly to express remorse and talk it out.
— Robin Washut (@RobinWashut) January 4, 2026
The NCAA Board of Governors issued Frager a one-game suspension. He will also have to complete an online course on gun violence in America. He’ll miss Monday’s game against Ohio State. Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg called it a learning experience after Friday’s win, saying Frager will come out of it better.
Fears finished the game with 14 points and seven assists. He hit a rough patch late with two crucial turnovers. The junior guard later posted on social media after learning about Frager’s suspension. His response was subtle but pointed.
