UCLA Coach Mick Cronin Apologizes After Ejecting Own Player

Cronin threw senior center Steven Jamerson out of blowout loss to Michigan State.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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UCLA basketball coach Mick Cronin issued a lengthy apology on Friday after he ejected his own player, senior center Steven Jamerson, from their blowout loss to Michigan State earlier this week. Cronin said he thought Jamerson made a "dirty play" on a hard foul late in the game, but after reviewing the tape, he realized that was not the case. Cronin also apologized for his behavior towards a reporter after the game.

Why it matters

Cronin's actions towards his own player and the reporter raised eyebrows, as head coaches are expected to keep their composure, especially after a blowout loss. This incident highlights the pressure and scrutiny that high-profile college basketball coaches face, and Cronin's apology is an attempt to move past the controversy.

The details

In the final moments of UCLA's 82-59 loss to Michigan State, Jamerson was called for a foul on a Michigan State player on a breakaway dunk. Cronin then called Jamerson over, grabbed his jersey, and ejected him from the game, thinking he had made a "dirty play." However, after reviewing the tape, Cronin realized that was not the case. Cronin also got into a heated exchange with a reporter after the game when asked about the Michigan State student section.

  • The incident occurred during UCLA's 82-59 loss to Michigan State on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Cronin issued his apology on Friday, February 20, 2026, just days after the game.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA men's basketball team, who is in his sixth season with the Bruins.

Steven Jamerson

A senior center on the UCLA basketball team, who Cronin ejected from the game against Michigan State.

Carson Cooper

The Michigan State center who was involved in the play that led to Jamerson's ejection.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State men's basketball team, who commented on Cronin's actions after the game.

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What they’re saying

“I guess he upgraded that to a flagrant 2, huh? That's the first time I've saw a coach do that,”

— Tom Izzo, Michigan State Head Coach (SoCal News Group)

“In this climate, you have to be careful with what you say. Because, I'm a good fit here because I know I'm not bigger than the brand. The brand matters here, the school matters. The last thing I want to do is bring negative publicity to our school.”

— Mick Cronin, UCLA Head Coach (SoCal News Group)

What’s next

UCLA will host No. 10 Illinois on Saturday, February 22, 2026, as they look to bounce back from the blowout losses.

The takeaway

Cronin's actions towards his own player and the reporter after the Michigan State game highlight the intense pressure and scrutiny that high-profile college basketball coaches face. Cronin's apology and acknowledgment that he needs to be more mindful of his behavior shows his commitment to representing UCLA in a positive light.