UCLA Coach Cronin Criticized for Ejecting Player During Blowout Loss

Mick Cronin's decision to eject Steven Jamerson II for a hard foul late in a lopsided defeat at Michigan State has drawn heavy criticism.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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UCLA basketball coach Mick Cronin has come under fire for his decision to eject player Steven Jamerson II from a game against Michigan State in the final minutes of a blowout loss. Jamerson, a reserve player, committed a hard foul on a Michigan State player driving to the basket, but the foul was ruled a Flagrant 1, not a dangerous Flagrant 2 that would have warranted an automatic ejection. However, Cronin grabbed Jamerson's jersey and ordered him to the locker room, publicly humiliating the player in front of the crowd. The incident has sparked outrage, with critics accusing Cronin of bullying his players and failing to uphold the legacy of UCLA's legendary former coach John Wooden.

Why it matters

Cronin's actions have raised concerns about his treatment of players and his ability to lead the UCLA program with the class and respect that is expected from a storied basketball institution like UCLA. The incident also comes amid a disappointing season for the Bruins, who are struggling to return to the level of success they enjoyed under previous coaches.

The details

In the final minutes of UCLA's 23-point loss to Michigan State, Jamerson committed a hard foul on a Michigan State player driving to the basket. The foul was ruled a Flagrant 1, not a dangerous Flagrant 2 that would have resulted in an automatic ejection. However, Cronin grabbed Jamerson's jersey and ordered him to the locker room, publicly humiliating the player in front of the crowd. Jamerson, a reserve player who has spent most of the season on the bench, was visibly embarrassed and confused by Cronin's actions.

  • The incident occurred in the final five minutes of UCLA's 23-point loss to Michigan State on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA men's basketball team, known for his intense and sometimes confrontational coaching style.

Steven Jamerson II

A reserve player for the UCLA basketball team who was ejected from the game by Cronin for committing a hard foul late in the blowout loss to Michigan State.

Carson Cooper

A player for the Michigan State basketball team who was the recipient of Jamerson's hard foul.

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What they’re saying

“Steve's a good kid. He made a bad decision. But if you want to be a tough guy, you need to do it during the game, for a blockout, for a rebound.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach (Los Angeles Times)

“It was just awful, and so avoidable. Why couldn't Cronin have just sent Jamerson to the end of the bench? Considering it wasn't a Flagrant 2, why did he even have to take him out of the game? Why did he have to make an example of a player who was understandably overeager on what could have been one of the triumphant nights of his life?”

— Bill Plaschke, Sports Columnist (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The UCLA athletic department will likely face increased scrutiny and pressure to address Cronin's coaching behavior, especially if the team continues to struggle this season. There may also be calls for Cronin's dismissal, though the large buyout in his contract could complicate that decision.

The takeaway

Cronin's public humiliation of a reserve player in a blowout loss has raised serious questions about his treatment of players and his ability to uphold the values and legacy of the UCLA basketball program. The incident highlights the need for the university to closely evaluate Cronin's leadership and whether he is the right person to guide the Bruins back to prominence.