UCLA Coach Mick Cronin Criticized for Ejecting Walk-on Player

Analysts Jalen Rose and Bruce Pearl say Cronin's actions were unnecessary and embarrassing for the player.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a game against Michigan State, UCLA head coach Mick Cronin ejected walk-on player Steven Jamerson after a hard foul, grabbing Jamerson by the jersey and motioning him to the locker room. College basketball analysts Jalen Rose and Bruce Pearl criticized Cronin's actions, saying he was trying to embarrass the player and that it would have a negative impact on the team's locker room and recruiting.

Why it matters

Coaches are expected to set an example for their players and handle disciplinary issues professionally. Cronin's public display of ejecting a walk-on player in that manner was seen as an unnecessary attempt to draw attention to himself rather than focus on the game.

The details

The incident occurred late in the game, which Michigan State was already winning by a large margin. Jamerson committed a hard foul, but analysts said it was a hustle play and not an attempt to injure the other player. Cronin then grabbed Jamerson and forcefully removed him from the game, which many felt was an overreaction and embarrassing for the player.

  • The incident occurred during the game on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Analysts discussed Cronin's actions on the TNT Sports broadcast the following day, Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

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

Steven Jamerson

A walk-on player for the UCLA men's basketball team who was ejected by Cronin during the game.

Jalen Rose

A college basketball analyst who criticized Cronin's actions on the TNT Sports broadcast.

Bruce Pearl

A former college basketball coach who also criticized Cronin's actions on the TNT Sports broadcast, noting that Jamerson was a 'great kid' and the ejection was 'unnecessary'.

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What they’re saying

“You're purposely trying to embarrass me in front of everybody. That's what you're doing. It isn't even about what's going on in the game. You're trying to humiliate me, and that's going to have a domino effect in his locker room and in recruiting in the future.”

— Jalen Rose, College Basketball Analyst (TNT Sports)

“Jameson was a walk-on and a great kid. I think he was embarrassed. And it was unnecessary.”

— Bruce Pearl, Former College Basketball Coach (TNT Sports)

“You're a damned good coach. You're much better than that. Act like it. You know what? If it was anybody else we'd be saying, 'You acted like an ass.' I'm telling you on national television, Mick Cronin, you acted like an ass.”

— Stephen A. Smith, Host, ESPN's First Take (ESPN)

What’s next

Mick Cronin is expected to address the incident and his actions in his next press conference, where he may face further questions about his treatment of the walk-on player.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of coaches maintaining professionalism and setting a positive example for their players, even in the heat of competition. Cronin's public display of ejecting a walk-on player in an embarrassing manner was widely criticized and could have lasting negative impacts on team morale and recruiting.