MSU's Jeremy Fears Jr. Learns NCAA Rulebook the Hard Way in Win Over Rutgers

Spartan guard's technical foul for pointing to video board during replay leaves coach Tom Izzo admitting his own rules knowledge gap.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Michigan State basketball guard Jeremy Fears Jr. had a standout performance in the Spartans' 91-87 win over Rutgers on Thursday, March 5, scoring 21 points and dishing out 8 assists. However, Fears also picked up a technical foul for pointing to the video board during a replay, leading to a lesson for both him and his Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo on the NCAA rulebook.

Why it matters

The technical foul on Fears was a pivotal moment in the game, resulting in a free throw for Rutgers that extended their lead. This incident highlights the importance for players and coaches to be fully versed in NCAA rules, especially as teams make their push towards the Big Ten Tournament and March Madness.

The details

Fears was whistled for what appeared to be an inadvertent trip of a Rutgers player, then picked up a technical foul for jumping and pointing to the video scoreboard during the replay. Izzo argued with the referees, but the call stood, as the technical was assessed for "disrespectfully addressing an official or gesturing in such a manner as to indicate resentment" or "inciting undesirable crowd reaction" per the NCAA rulebook. Izzo later admitted he was unaware of the specific rule and should have informed Fears not to gesture towards the replay.

  • The incident occurred with 10:56 remaining in the second half of the March 5th game.
  • Michigan State went on to win the game 91-87.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A sophomore guard for the Michigan State Spartans basketball team who scored 21 points and had 8 assists in the win over Rutgers.

Tom Izzo

The Hall of Fame head coach of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team, in his 31st season leading the program.

Lino Mark

A guard for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball team.

Tariq Francis

A player for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball team who shot a free throw after Fears' technical foul.

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What they’re saying

“I was trying to signal to my bench that I didn't really foul him. He was driving full speed, and he fell. He lost his balance and tripped. But I didn't know that you couldn't [point to the replay board]. So that was new. But also at the same time, now I know, and don't let it happen again.”

— Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State Guard

“Izzo told the Breslin crowd afterward, as he opened his senior ceremony remarks, that Fears did not deserve the technical.”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State Head Coach (freep.com)

“Later, however, the Hall of Fame coach in his 31st season admitted he erred, and that it was actually in the NCAA rulebook and adjudicated properly.”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State Head Coach (freep.com)

What’s next

The Spartans will look to carry the momentum from their win over Rutgers into the Big Ten Tournament next week in Chicago, where they have secured a triple-bye as one of the top seeds.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a valuable lesson for both players and coaches to thoroughly understand the NCAA rulebook, as even a Hall of Fame coach like Tom Izzo can be caught off guard by an obscure rule. It highlights the importance of rules knowledge at the highest levels of college basketball, especially as teams gear up for the postseason.