Tom Izzo defends Jeremy Fears’ groin kick: ‘Stuff happens, you know’

Tom Izzo defends Jeremy Fears’ groin kick: ‘Stuff happens, you know’ originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo defended guard Jeremy Fears Jr. after he was assessed a technical foul for making contact with the groin of Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau during the Spartans’ 90-80 loss on Sunday.

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Fears was trying to gather the ball near the sideline and Cadeau appeared to push him from behind. As Fears stumbled, his right leg kicked backward and struck Cadeau in the groin area. Officials stopped play to review the incident. Fears was eventually given a technical foul.

Izzo pushed back on the notion that the play was intentional in his postgame game press conference.

“I don’t think he did anything on purpose,” Izzo said after the game. “I think it was a reaction. I watched it on tape and the guy’s pushing him in the back, and sometimes that stuff happens.”

The longtime Spartans coach also suggested his player’s reputation may have played a role in the ruling. Izzo also praised the guard’s overall effort, saying he has responded well after the incident.

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“It was like they didn’t even know he did it and then probably said, ‘Oh, that’s Fears, let’s go,’” Izzo said. “I don’t condone anything, but this is a physical sport.”

Despite the controversy, Fears delivered one of his strongest performances of the season. The Spartans leader finished with 22 points, nine assists and going 10-of-12 from the free-throw line.

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Publish date : 2026-03-09 01:33:00

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