MSU's Fears Faces More Controversy After Kick to UM Player

Spartans point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. assessed technical foul for contact with Michigan's Elliot Cadeau

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was assessed a technical foul in the first half of Sunday's game against Michigan after his foot made contact with Michigan guard Elliot Cadeau's groin area while Fears was falling to the floor following a foul. This is the latest incident in an ongoing controversy around Fears' physical style of play, which Michigan head coach Dusty May has previously called "very dangerous."

Why it matters

Fears is a key player for Michigan State, and the Spartans cannot afford to lose him to ejections or suspensions in the postseason due to these types of physical incidents. The officials are now more likely to closely scrutinize Fears' play, putting increased pressure on him and the team.

The details

In the first half, Fears was fouled by Cadeau and as he fell forward, his right foot made contact with Cadeau's groin area. Officials reviewed the play and assessed Fears a dead-ball technical foul. This follows a similar incident involving Fears earlier this season against Minnesota, as well as accusations from Michigan's coach that Fears has made "very dangerous" plays in the past.

  • The incident occurred in the first half of the March 8, 2026 game between Michigan State and Michigan.
  • Fears was previously involved in a similar incident on February 4, 2026 against Minnesota.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The starting point guard for Michigan State, who has been at the center of a controversy around his physical style of play.

Elliot Cadeau

The Michigan guard who was involved in the incident with Fears where Fears' foot made contact with Cadeau's groin area.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan basketball team, who has previously called plays involving Fears "very dangerous."

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What they’re saying

“I probably should've just fell. It's an unfortunate situation; it's hurting the team. You just can't have it.”

— Jeremy Fears Jr. (si.com)

“I don't think he did anything on purpose. I think it was a reaction... I did what I was going to do: I chewed him out for it, but I watched it on tape. The guy's pushing him in the back, and sometimes that stuff happens.”

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

What’s next

The officials will likely continue to closely monitor Fears' play, and any further incidents could lead to ejections or suspensions that would be damaging for Michigan State in the postseason.

The takeaway

This latest controversy surrounding Jeremy Fears Jr.'s physical style of play highlights the challenges he and Michigan State face in the postseason, where officials will be even more vigilant in scrutinizing his actions on the court. The Spartans need Fears to stay on the floor, so he must find a way to play aggressively without crossing the line and putting his team at risk.