Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. faces scrutiny after controversial kick in loss to Michigan

Spartan point guard's actions reignite debate over his sportsmanship after previous incidents

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. found himself at the center of controversy again after kicking Michigan's Elliot Cadeau in the groin area during the teams' latest matchup. Fears was issued a technical foul for the incident, which MSU head coach Tom Izzo said was likely a reaction to being fouled from behind rather than an intentional act. Izzo defended Fears, saying he's been tough on the player but that the game is physical. Fears, who has been a standout performer this season, faced a hostile crowd at Crisler Center and says he doesn't let the jeers bother him.

Why it matters

Fears has faced scrutiny over his sportsmanship before, with Michigan's head coach previously commenting on "dangerous" plays by the Spartan point guard. This latest incident reignites that debate and puts Fears back in the spotlight, potentially overshadowing his strong overall play this season as he makes a case for postseason accolades.

The details

With Michigan State trailing 10-7 early in the game, Fears was fouled from behind by Michigan's Elliot Cadeau. As Cadeau's contact pushed Fears forward, one of Fears' legs kicked back into Cadeau's groin area. Upon review, Fears was issued a technical foul for the contact. MSU head coach Tom Izzo said he didn't think Fears acted intentionally, calling it more of a reaction, and that he's been tough on Fears but doesn't condone the incident. Fears went on to have a strong overall performance, recording 22 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds and a steal, but the controversy overshadowed his play.

  • The incident occurred just 5:36 into Sunday's game between Michigan State and Michigan.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The Michigan State point guard who has faced scrutiny over his sportsmanship this season, including after a previous incident against Minnesota.

Elliot Cadeau

The Michigan point guard who was kicked by Fears during the latest matchup between the two teams.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State basketball team, who defended Fears and said he didn't think the kick was intentional.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan basketball team, who previously commented on "dangerous" plays by Fears in the teams' first matchup this season.

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What they’re saying

“So I had got fouled – I should've probably just fell. It's an unfortunate situation which hurt the team. Can't have it.”

— Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State point guard (247sports.com)

“I don't think he did anything on purpose, I think it was a reaction. I don't know the whole deal about it. It was a critical play, as they all are. I thought Jeremy Fears played his ass off 99% of that game. You know what? I did what I was gonna do, I chewed him out for it, but I watched it on tape, the guy is pushing him in the back and sometimes that stuff happens.”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State head coach (247sports.com)

“Honestly, I don't really care. It's basketball, I've been playing for a while. High school crowds, all that. Just understanding that not one of those people can be out here playing and do what we do, so at the same time, it's just all talk. If they were out here playing, they would be helping their team. At the end of the day, it's 5v5, the five guys on the court that's playing and doing whatever you can do. Hopefully, you're helping your team win, whichever side you're on.”

— Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State point guard (247sports.com)

What’s next

The Big Ten conference is expected to review the incident and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted for Fears.

The takeaway

This latest controversy surrounding Jeremy Fears Jr. puts the spotlight back on the Michigan State point guard's sportsmanship, potentially overshadowing his strong overall play this season. While his coach defended the kick as a reaction rather than an intentional act, the incident reignites the debate over Fears' conduct and raises questions about whether he has crossed the line of acceptable play.