UCLA's Mick Cronin apologizes for sending Steven Jamerson to locker room during loss

Cronin said he thought Jamerson's foul was dirty in real time but acknowledges that he misjudged the play.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 5:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two days after ordering Steven Jamerson II to the locker room during UCLA's 82-59 loss at Michigan State, Mick Cronin said he had apologized to his backup center, acknowledging he misjudged the play in real time. Cronin praised Jamerson's character and said he did not deserve the flagrant foul he received.

Why it matters

The incident drew national attention and raised questions about Cronin's job security, as well as the perception of his treatment of players. The outrage over Cronin "embarrassing" Jamerson felt worse given Jamerson's background of trying to earn a spot at Michigan State before landing at UCLA.

The details

With 4:26 remaining and UCLA down big, Jamerson chased down a Michigan State player and delivered a hard foul at the rim. He was assessed a technical foul, and Cronin immediately pulled him off the floor and sent him to the locker room, thinking he had made a "dirty play." After reviewing the film, Cronin said he misjudged the play and did not think Jamerson deserved the flagrant foul.

  • On Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the incident occurred during UCLA's 82-59 loss at Michigan State.
  • On Friday, February 20, 2026, Cronin apologized to Jamerson and the UCLA community.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA men's basketball team who sent Steven Jamerson to the locker room during the loss to Michigan State, believing he had made a "dirty play," but later apologized after reviewing the film.

Steven Jamerson II

The backup center for UCLA who was sent to the locker room by Cronin during the Michigan State game, but Cronin later praised Jamerson's character and said he did not deserve the flagrant foul he received.

Carson Cooper

The Michigan State player who Jamerson delivered a hard foul on at the rim, leading to the incident.

Trent Perry

A sophomore guard for UCLA who said the team was able to move forward from the incident and that Cronin routinely goes to bat for his players during games.

Skyy Clark

A senior guard for UCLA who said Cronin delivered a "pretty sincere apology" to the team regarding the Jamerson incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I thought that he took the guy out. It's the only reason I sent him to the locker room. I thought he literally made a dirty play. … He still got a F1 (flagrant one) — to be honest with you, I don't even know if he deserved that when I watched it.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA

“Steve's everything that's good about college basketball.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA

“I don't think, to be honest, the entire world has ever seen that in the game.”

— Trent Perry, Sophomore Guard, UCLA

“Cronin delivered 'a pretty sincere apology' to the Bruins”

— Skyy Clark, Senior Guard, UCLA

“People aren't around him every day. That's just how he coaches.”

— Trent Perry, Sophomore Guard, UCLA

What’s next

UCLA, now 9–6 in Big Ten play and hovering near the NCAA Tournament cut line, hosts No. 9 Illinois on Saturday at Pauley Pavilion.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike between holding players accountable and protecting the program's reputation, especially in high-profile situations. Cronin's apology and praise for Jamerson's character aim to move the team forward, but the public narrative around his coaching style remains a point of discussion.