Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. Faces Scrutiny After Second Kicking Incident

Spartans coach Tom Izzo addresses technical foul against rival Michigan

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. received a technical foul for kicking an opposing player during a loss to rival Michigan. This was the second such incident for Fears, who was previously called for a similar foul against Minnesota. Spartans coach Tom Izzo addressed the situation, claiming the calls against his players have been "one-sided" compared to Michigan.

Why it matters

Fears' kicking incidents have raised questions about his sportsmanship and discipline, potentially impacting Michigan State's performance in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. Izzo's comments about perceived unfair treatment of his players by officials also highlight the tensions in this heated rivalry.

The details

In the first-half of the Michigan-Michigan State game, Fears was dribbling when he swung his leg and foot back into Michigan's Elliot Cadeau, earning a technical foul. Replays showed the contact appeared to be in Cadeau's groin area. This came after a similar incident a month ago against Minnesota, where Fears was also called for a technical for kicking an opposing player.

  • The kicking incident against Michigan occurred early in the game on March 9, 2026.
  • Fears was previously called for a technical foul for a kicking incident against Minnesota over a month ago.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A guard for the Michigan State Spartans who has now been involved in two separate kicking incidents against opposing players, raising questions about his sportsmanship.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, who defended Fears and claimed the officiating has been "one-sided" against his players in the rivalry with Michigan.

Elliot Cadeau

A player for the Michigan Wolverines who was the recipient of Fears' kick during the March 9th game.

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What they’re saying

“It's all because of what happened earlier and now the microscope's on him. And I don't like that.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans (Newsweek)

“I'm sick of it being one-sided. That's what upset me about the first time. Fears will get his lunch from me. I wonder if some of their guys will get their lunch from what happened in the first game, that didn't get public?”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans (Newsweek)

What’s next

Michigan State, the No. 3 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, will play their quarterfinal game on Friday, March 14th. Fears' discipline and sportsmanship will likely continue to be a focus leading up to and during the tournament.

The takeaway

Fears' kicking incidents have put a spotlight on his conduct, with Izzo defending his player but also hinting at potential retaliation against Michigan. This saga highlights the intense rivalry between the two programs and the scrutiny players face, especially when discipline issues arise.