Michigan State's Jeremy Fears starts against Illinois after discipline debate

Standout point guard faces scrutiny for sportsmanship issues in recent games

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Jeremy Fears started for No. 10 Michigan State against No. 5 Illinois on Saturday night after coach Tom Izzo debated whether to discipline the standout point guard with restricted playing time due to sportsmanship issues in recent games, including appearing to intentionally trip opponents. Izzo said Fears is "remorseful" but hasn't done anything to merit a suspension, though the coach acknowledged Fears needs to "grow up a little bit."

Why it matters

Fears is Michigan State's leading scorer and top assist man, so his availability and on-court behavior are crucial for the Spartans as they try to upset the highly ranked Fighting Illini. Izzo's handling of the situation also reflects broader debates around player discipline and sportsmanship in college basketball.

The details

In a loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, Fears was given a technical foul for swinging his leg backward into an opponent's groin area after a whistle. He also appeared to put his forearm on an opponent's neck. Last week against rival Michigan, Fears seemed to intentionally trip a preseason All-America forward. Izzo said he was still considering benching Fears for at least part of the Illinois game, though the coach ultimately decided to start him.

  • On Wednesday, Fears received a technical foul in a loss to Minnesota.
  • Last week, Fears appeared to intentionally trip an opponent in a loss to Michigan.

The players

Jeremy Fears

A redshirt sophomore point guard and leading scorer for No. 10 Michigan State.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State men's basketball team, who debated whether to discipline Fears for his recent sportsmanship issues.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the No. 5 Illinois Fighting Illini, who unsuccessfully appealed to officials about a potential intentional trip by Fears during the game.

Langston Reynolds

A Minnesota player who Fears appeared to swing his leg into after a whistle in a recent game.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A preseason All-America forward for Michigan, who Fears appeared to intentionally trip in a recent game.

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What they’re saying

“He's remorseful,”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State head coach

“Things got blown up,”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State head coach

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.