Coaches Clash Over Dirty Play in Michigan vs. Michigan State Rivalry

Dusty May and Tom Izzo trade barbs after heated game between Wolverines and Spartans

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball game in progress, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the intense competition and physical nature of the rivalry between the two teams.The intense rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State basketball teams erupts into a clash of coaches over accusations of 'dirty play' on the court.East Lansing Today

The intense rivalry between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University basketball teams boiled over after a recent game, with the coaches of both teams accusing the other's squad of engaging in 'dirty play.' Michigan coach Dusty May called out a specific incident involving Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr., while Michigan State's veteran coach Tom Izzo fired back that the Wolverines also had their share of questionable plays.

Why it matters

College basketball rivalries are known for their intensity, but when the coaches start publicly accusing each other of unsportsmanlike conduct, it raises questions about where the line should be drawn between aggressive play and outright 'dirty' tactics. This clash highlights the ongoing debate around sportsmanship and fair play in the high-stakes world of college hoops.

The details

During the Wolverines' 83-71 victory over the Spartans in East Lansing, Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. was seen making contact with Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg in a move that appeared to be a trip. Michigan coach Dusty May was quick to label this as an intentional 'dirty play.' When Michigan State's veteran coach Tom Izzo heard about May's accusations, he fired back that the Wolverines had their own share of questionable plays, citing instances where Michigan players initiated contact and were rewarded with fouls that he deemed 'a complete joke.' Izzo did acknowledge that Fears' actions might have been a product of the fierce competition on the court, particularly the intense back-and-forth between his guard and Michigan's point guard, Elliot Cadeau.

  • The game between Michigan and Michigan State took place on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Coach May made his comments to reporters on Monday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Dusty May

The head coach of the University of Michigan basketball team.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State University basketball team, a veteran with a long history of leading the Spartans program.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A promising young guard for the Michigan State Spartans basketball team.

Yaxel Lendeborg

A player for the University of Michigan basketball team.

Elliot Cadeau

The point guard for the University of Michigan basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Appeared? It wasn't an illusion. There were several plays that are very dangerous. I'm proud of our guys' self-control, their restraint and their impulse control. This wasn't an isolated incident.”

— Dusty May, Head Coach, University of Michigan

“Michigan is over. I don't care what Dusty says. I don't care what they say. There were some things Jeremy did. I addressed on it. Him and their point guard were going at it pretty good. That's what happens in games like this, so if anybody did anything dirty, tell them to call me and I would be more than happy to address it. If it was physical play, that's the way that game is always going to be.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State University

What’s next

The regular-season finale between Michigan and Michigan State on March 8th in Ann Arbor could determine the Big Ten title winner.

The takeaway

This clash between the coaches highlights the ongoing debate around sportsmanship and fair play in the high-stakes world of college basketball. While competitive fire is essential, the line between aggressive play and 'dirty' tactics remains a point of contention, especially in heated rivalries like the one between Michigan and Michigan State.