6:36 AM PT -- Hoiberg just issued a statement defending his decision to coach, despite being so ill. He claims he was cleared by a medical professional before the game.
"Please let it be known that I would never do anything that would put my team, family or anyone else in harm's way," Hoiberg says.
"I was feeling under the weather on Wednesday and we felt the right thing to do was to get checked by a tournament doctor prior to our game in the Big Ten Tournament against Indiana. Once that medical official cleared me, I made a decision to coach my team. I would like to thank event staff for their care and professionalism. Also you to everyone who has reached out for your support."
"This is a scary time for all of us. Let's offer our thoughts and prayers directly to those affected with Coronavirus."
Fred Hoiberg does NOT have coronavirus ... Nebraska announced all he's got is a bad cold -- which is great news, considering the head coach looked awful on the team's bench Wednesday.
The scene was scary as hell at the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis ... Hoiberg was clearly ill on the sideline of the Huskers' game against Indiana.
Fred Hoiberg who is coaching the game while fighting an illness just left the court with several minutes remaining in the game. Hope he’s ok. pic.twitter.com/hBwjl9dQ31
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) March 12, 2020
He was rubbing his forehead and looked to be in a pretty good amount of pain ... and with the hysteria caused by NBA star Rudy Gobert's positive coronavirus test earlier in the evening, Hoiberg was rushed to the hospital.
But, he and the Huskers got great news late Wednesday night ... with officials saying he tested negative for COVID-19.
"Hoiberg was diagnosed with influenza A (common cold)," the Huskers said in a statement. "He has since been released and has returned to the team hotel."
It's a huge sigh of relief for Nebraska ... its players were actually quarantined at the arena over fears Hoiberg had the dangerous virus.
Of course, it's unclear if there will be a season to return to for Hoiberg and the Huskers when they feel better ... the NBA has suspended its season and there's talk the NCAA could follow suit.
For now, NCAA president Mark Emmert says the plan is for March Madness to be played in fan-less arenas.
Originally Published -- 6:02 AM PT