UCLA Coach Ejects Own Player After Technical Foul in Blowout Loss

Mick Cronin took matters into his own hands after Steven Jamerson's late hard foul against Michigan State.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 5:47pm

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In a blowout 82-59 loss to No. 15 Michigan State, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin ejected his own player, center Steven Jamerson, after Jamerson picked up a technical foul for a hard late foul on a Michigan State player. Cronin called Jamerson over to the bench, grabbed his jersey, and walked him to the locker room, not allowing officials to eject Jamerson themselves.

Why it matters

Coaches ejecting their own players is an uncommon occurrence, especially in a lopsided game late in the second half. Cronin's decisive action highlights the frustration UCLA faced in the blowout loss, as they try to secure an NCAA tournament bid.

The details

With about 4 minutes left and UCLA down by nearly 30 points, Jamerson fouled Michigan State's Carson Cooper hard on a breakaway dunk attempt. The two players briefly confronted each other, leading to technical fouls on both. Rather than let officials handle the situation, Cronin immediately pulled Jamerson aside, grabbed his jersey, and ejected him from the game himself.

  • The incident occurred with about 4 minutes remaining in the game.
  • UCLA was trailing Michigan State 82-59 at the time.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA men's basketball team.

Steven Jamerson

A senior center for the UCLA Bruins who was ejected from the game by his own coach.

Carson Cooper

The Michigan State center who was on the receiving end of Jamerson's hard foul.

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What’s next

UCLA will host No. 10 Illinois on Saturday as they try to secure an NCAA tournament bid.

The takeaway

Cronin's decisive action in ejecting his own player highlights the frustration UCLA faced in the blowout loss, as they try to bounce back and make the NCAA tournament field.