MSU Point Guard Faces Tripping Allegations Again

Jeremy Fears Jr. involved in another potential tripping incident during game against Illinois

Feb. 7, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was involved in another potential tripping incident during the Spartans' game against Illinois. Seconds after Fears made a pass, Illinois player Davi Mirkovic fell hard to the floor after apparently tripping on Fears' foot. The Illinois coaching staff immediately protested the play, but officials did not call a foul on Fears. This comes after Fears was previously called out for "dangerous" plays and received a technical foul for kicking a Minnesota defender in the groin.

Why it matters

Fears has now been involved in multiple questionable plays where opponents have tripped or fallen, raising concerns about his on-court conduct and potentially dangerous play. This latest incident will likely further scrutiny on Fears and Michigan State's coaching staff regarding his behavior and whether he is intentionally trying to trip or trip up opposing players.

The details

In the first half of the Michigan State vs. Illinois game, Fears fired a pass to the left wing. Seconds later, Illinois' Davi Mirkovic was running up the court and fell hard to the floor after apparently tripping on Fears' foot. Fears then got the ball back and assisted on an open 3-pointer. Illinois coach Brad Underwood immediately protested the play, but officials did not call a foul on Fears. This comes after Fears was previously called out by Michigan's coach for "dangerous" plays and received a technical foul for kicking a Minnesota defender in the groin.

  • The incident occurred in the first half of the Michigan State vs. Illinois game on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The Michigan State point guard who has now been involved in multiple questionable plays where opponents have tripped or fallen.

Davi Mirkovic

The Illinois player who fell hard to the floor after apparently tripping on Fears' foot.

Brad Underwood

The Illinois head coach who immediately protested the play and called a timeout for a review.

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What they’re saying

“Fears is not going to get the benefit of the doubt after the last two games in which he was called out for "dangerous" plays and received a technical for kicking a Minnesota defender in the groin.”

— Andrew Birkle, Assistant Sports Editor, Detroit Free Press

What’s next

The officials did not call a foul on Fears, but his conduct will likely continue to be scrutinized by coaches, officials, and the media going forward.

The takeaway

This latest incident involving Jeremy Fears Jr. raises further questions about his on-court behavior and whether he is intentionally trying to trip or trip up opposing players. Michigan State's coaching staff may need to address this issue to avoid potential disciplinary action or reputational damage for the program.