Getty Image
The UNC-Greensboro Spartans fell in Southern Conference basketball action to the rival Samford Bulldogs on Saturday. Things appeared heated throughout the contest.
At one point, a coach on the Spartans‘ bench went viral for gesturing towards a trash talking fan in the stands. The moment was caught on video by an event goer and has quickly circulated social media.
The clip picks up in the midst of a back-and-forth war of words between a UNC-Greensboro staff member and what would appear to be a Samford basketball supporter. Video shows assistant Randy Phillips disrespectfully taunting the fan from the bench after a Spartans bucket.
Any lip readers out there? Looks like a UNCG assistant coach had some words to a fan. 😳 pic.twitter.com/L9QakaMOu9
— BirminghamSports (@BirminghamSport) January 12, 2025
What was initially said to spark the reaction isn’t known. Lip readers did their best to decipher Phillips’ message!
Phillips joined the UNCG staff as a Program Manager, handling duties related to practice prep, facility management, and recruiting for the Spartans. He previously played college basketball at Radford.
He apparently took offense to the trash talk being heard from the opposing fanbase in his visit to Samford. Unfortunately, his response soured shortly thereafter.
The Bulldogs controlled the contest from start to finish. They led the final 33 minutes of action after grabbing a 12-9 advantage just seven minutes into the matchup.
With the win, Samford improved to a perfect 4-0 in league play. They’re now in sole possession of first place in the SoCon. The Spartans, meanwhile, fell to 10-7 while suffering their first setback of the Southern Conference slate.
Update: The UNCG Spartans coach has been suspended.
🚨 OFFICIAL STATEMENT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/N5NAKYjGzE
— The Southern Conference (@SoConSports) January 13, 2025
The SoCon released a statement on the suspension Monday. Randy Phillips will miss one game.