UCLA Coach Cronin Defends Ejecting Player in Blowout Loss

Bruins coach Mick Cronin addressed his decision to eject Steven Jamerson after a flagrant foul in UCLA's lopsided defeat to Michigan State.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Following UCLA's 82-59 loss to Michigan State, Bruins head coach Mick Cronin addressed his decision to eject player Steven Jamerson after a flagrant foul late in the second half. Cronin said Jamerson made a "bad decision" with the foul and that "true toughness" is about competing hard every day, not just making physical plays. Cronin acknowledged that UCLA's lack of physicality and effort has been an issue all season, and he believes the team needs to make serious changes to have a chance at a deep run to finish the year.

Why it matters

Cronin's ejection of Jamerson in a blowout loss sparked major controversy and could have serious implications for UCLA going forward. The incident highlighted the Bruins' struggles with physicality and effort this season, which Cronin has repeatedly emphasized as a problem. UCLA's talent hasn't translated to results, raising questions about the team's mentality and ability to compete at the highest level.

The details

With UCLA trailing Michigan State 82-59 late in the second half, Jamerson committed a flagrant foul on Spartans player Carson Cooper. Cronin immediately ejected Jamerson, saying he was "thoroughly disappointed" in the play and that "if you want to be a tough guy, you need to do it during the game" rather than making a reckless foul in a blowout. Cronin said Jamerson is "a good kid" who "made a bad decision," and that the lack of effort and physicality has been an issue for UCLA all season that needs to be addressed.

  • The incident occurred late in the second half of UCLA's 82-59 loss to Michigan State on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team, who has emphasized the need for more physicality and effort from his team this season.

Steven Jamerson

A UCLA player who was ejected by Cronin for committing a flagrant foul late in the blowout loss to Michigan State.

Carson Cooper

A player for the Michigan State Spartans who was on the receiving end of Jamerson's flagrant foul.

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What they’re saying

“You know, true toughness is in how you compete and how you go to work every day. Steve's a good kid. He made a bad decision. If you want to be a tough guy, you need to do it during the game. For a block out for a rebound, so I was thoroughly disappointed. Guy was defenseless in the air. I know Steve was trying to block the shot, but the game's a 25-point game. You don't do that.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach

“I believe in giving maximum effort. And what I see is Michigan State diving on the floor, Jackson Kohler up 27 for a loose ball. That he had no chance to get, Trent[Perry]already had it. So I don't think we play, and I've told you this all year, we're not physical enough. To be at the upper part of this league. We're just not physical enough. We don't play hard enough. i've been saying that all year.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.