UCLA coach ejects own player mid-game after hard foul against Michigan State

Rare scene as Bruins center Steven Jamerson II was ejected by head coach Mick Cronin during blowout loss

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a surprising move, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin ejected his own player, center Steven Jamerson II, during the team's 82-59 loss to Michigan State on Tuesday night. Jamerson committed a hard foul on a Michigan State player late in the game, leading Cronin to immediately eject him from the contest.

Why it matters

Player ejections by referees are common in college basketball, but it is highly unusual for a head coach to eject one of their own players during a game. Cronin's decision highlights the high tensions and emotions involved in a blowout loss, as well as potential disciplinary issues within the UCLA program.

The details

With UCLA down 27 points with 4:26 left in the second half, Jamerson committed a hard foul from behind on Michigan State's Carson Cooper, who had a clear path to the basket. The foul led to a confrontation between the two players before they were separated. Cronin then immediately called Jamerson over, tugged on his jersey, and forcefully sent him to the locker room.

  • The incident occurred with 4:26 remaining in the second half of the game on Tuesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team.

Steven Jamerson II

The UCLA Bruins center who was ejected from the game by his own head coach.

Carson Cooper

The Michigan State player who was on a breakaway layup when he was fouled hard by Jamerson.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, who said he had never seen a coach eject his own player before.

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What they’re saying

“I guess (Cronin) upgraded that to a flagrant two. That's the first time I saw a coach do it. But that sounds like Mick, so he'll get that straightened out.”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State head coach (FOX Sports)

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Jamerson will face any further disciplinary action from Cronin or the UCLA program following his ejection.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the intense emotions and high stakes involved in college basketball, where even head coaches can take drastic actions to discipline their own players during the heat of competition.