Michigan State's Fears Jr. Draws Second Groin Tech of Season

Spartans coach Izzo vows to crack down on point guard's repeated low blows

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was whistled for a technical foul after swinging his leg into the groin of Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau during a 90-80 loss in Ann Arbor. This was Fears' second groin-area technical foul of the season, with the first coming on Feb. 5 against Minnesota. Spartans coach Tom Izzo said he "chewed him out" about the incident and threatened to bench Fears if he continues to play that way.

Why it matters

Fears' repeated groin shots have drawn the ire of his own coach and opponents, raising concerns about sportsmanship and player safety in the heated Michigan-Michigan State rivalry. Izzo's strong reaction also highlights the pressure on Fears to keep his emotions in check as Michigan State fights to stay in the NCAA Tournament picture.

The details

In the loss to Michigan, Fears scored 22 points and had 9 assists, but the technical foul came after a video review showed him swinging his leg into Cadeau's groin area. Izzo said he "told him I don't even want him breathing wrong" and threatened to bench Fears if he continues to play that way, referencing a similar incident on Feb. 5 against Minnesota when Fears drew a technical for swinging his leg into Langston Reynolds' groin.

  • On March 5, 2026, Fears drew a technical foul for swinging his leg into Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau's groin area.
  • On February 5, 2026, Fears drew a technical foul for swinging his leg into Minnesota guard Langston Reynolds' groin area.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

Michigan State's point guard who has drawn two technical fouls this season for swinging his leg into opposing players' groin areas.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans, who has strongly criticized Fears for his repeated low blows and threatened to bench him if he continues that behavior.

Elliot Cadeau

The Michigan guard who was on the receiving end of Fears' latest groin shot that drew a technical foul.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody is tougher on him than me. Nobody will be tougher on him than me. I told him I don't even want him breathing wrong.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“I'm sick of it being one-sided. That's what upset me about the first time. Fears will get his lunch from me.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“I got fouled, I should have probably just fell. It's an unfortunate situation.”

— Jeremy Fears Jr.

“I think it's a great rivalry. I think it's a lot of fun.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

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.