Izzo Dismisses Tension Over Brief Handshake With Rival Coach

Michigan State coach says postgame exchange with Michigan's Dusty May was no different than usual

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo brushed aside any suggestion of tension with Michigan's Dusty May following Saturday's rivalry matchup, pushing back firmly against the idea that their brief postgame handshake carried any deeper meaning. Izzo mocked the idea that the exchange deserved attention, suggesting the controversy was manufactured.

Why it matters

The comments come amid heightened tension following remarks from May earlier this week, when he criticized Michigan State's physical play and suggested some actions crossed a line. This rivalry game between two top-ranked teams in the state generated significant interest and scrutiny.

The details

After the Wolverines defeated the Spartans 83-71 in East Lansing, speculation surfaced about how quickly the two coaches exchanged words at midcourt. Izzo made it clear during his latest press conference that he wasn't interested in fueling that narrative, saying 'Some guys I talk to. I have no interest in talking to my rival. Some guys I don't. It was a handshake. It was probably no different than the one last year.' Izzo also addressed May's comments about dangerous plays, defending the nature of rivalry basketball while acknowledging he spoke with his player Jeremy Fears Jr. about the incident.

  • The game between Michigan and Michigan State took place on Saturday.
  • Dusty May made his critical comments about Michigan State's physical play earlier this week, on Monday.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team.

Dusty May

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines basketball team and Izzo's rival.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A guard for the Michigan State Spartans who was involved in a controversial play during the game.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A forward for the Michigan Wolverines who was involved in the controversial play with Fears.

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What they’re saying

“No. Some guys I talk to. I have no interest in talking to my rival. Some guys I don't. It was a handshake. It was probably no different than the one last year. There should be a lot bigger things to get into than a god darn handshake.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“Sorry, but you guys got to have something that's controversial. I'm surprised nobody brought up the timeout.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“I think there were several plays that were very dangerous. I'm incredibly proud of our guys for their self-control and restraint. But they're not isolated incidents.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

“I thought there were a couple plays the other way too. Jumping into a guy and getting a foul when it was a complete joke. This is what it's supposed to be.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“There were some things Jeremy did. I addressed them. But him and their point guard were going at it pretty good. That's what happens in games like this. If anybody did anything dirty, tell him to call me. I'd be more than happy to address it.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

The two teams are not scheduled to play each other again in the regular season, but could potentially meet in the postseason.

The takeaway

This rivalry game between Michigan and Michigan State featured the typical intensity and physicality expected in a matchup between two top programs, with the coaches downplaying any suggestion of deeper tension or controversy beyond the competitive nature of the game itself.