UCLA Coach Mick Cronin Lashes Out at Reporter After Blowout Loss

Cronin takes issue with a question about Michigan State's student section following a 82-59 defeat.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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UCLA basketball head coach Mick Cronin had a heated exchange with a reporter after his team suffered a blowout loss to Michigan State. When asked about the warm reception the Spartans' student section gave to a former player, Cronin responded angrily, saying he didn't "care about the other team's student section" and criticized the reporter for asking what he deemed the "worst question" he had ever been asked.

Why it matters

Cronin's outburst highlights the intense pressure and emotions that can boil over for coaches after tough losses, especially when their teams are struggling. His reaction also raises questions about how coaches should handle media interactions, particularly when they are frustrated with their team's performance.

The details

UCLA was defeated 82-59 by Michigan State, their second 20-plus-point loss in the last four days. When a reporter asked Cronin about the warm reception the Spartans' student section gave to a former player, Cronin responded aggressively, saying he "could give a rat's a** about the other team's student section" and criticized the reporter for asking what he deemed the "worst question" he had ever been asked. The reporter attempted to elaborate, but Cronin continued to berate him, asking if he was "raising [his] voice" at the coach.

  • UCLA lost to Michigan State 82-59 on February 18, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team, known for his intense personality and history of heated exchanges with reporters.

Xavier Booker

A former Michigan State player who received a warm reception from the Spartans' student section during the game against UCLA.

Steven Jamerson II

A UCLA center who was ejected by Cronin for committing a flagrant foul on a Michigan State player late in the game.

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What they’re saying

“I could give a rat's a** about the other team's student section.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins (WILX News 10)

“I would like to give you kudos for the worst question I've ever been asked... You really think I care about the other team's student section?”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins (WILX News 10)

“Are you raising your voice at me? Come on dude, Yes you were. Everybody's standing here listening to you. This is on camera, they can hear you. I answered the question, I can give a rat's a** about the other team's student section. I coach UCLA, I don't care about Michigan State's student section. Who cares?”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins (WILX News 10)

What’s next

Cronin is expected to issue an apology for his outburst in the coming days.

The takeaway

Cronin's heated reaction to a seemingly innocuous question highlights the intense pressure and emotions that coaches can face, especially after tough losses. While his response was unprofessional, it serves as a reminder of the challenges coaches must navigate when dealing with the media, particularly when their teams are struggling.