Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. Hit with Technical Foul for Groin Kick

Incident occurred during game against Minnesota, leading to free throws for Gophers

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was hit with a technical foul after delivering a back kick that hit Minnesota's Langston Reynolds in the groin area during their game on Wednesday. The play was initially ruled a foul on Reynolds, but after a review, the officials determined that Fears initiated the contact first before flaring his leg. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo was furious with the call, and Fears was benched by Izzo following the incident.

Why it matters

Fears' temperament and on-court behavior have been a point of concern for Michigan State this season, as the sophomore point guard has struggled at times to keep his emotions in check. This latest incident is likely to further scrutiny on Fears and his ability to stay composed during the heat of competition.

The details

With 13:28 remaining in the second half and Minnesota leading by five, Fears and Reynolds got tangled up near the basket. Fears then delivered a back kick that struck Reynolds in the groin area. After a review, the officials determined that Fears was the instigator and hit him with a technical foul. The Gophers hit the two resulting free throws, extending their lead back to nine points.

  • The incident occurred with 13:28 left in the second half of the Michigan State-Minnesota game on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A sophomore point guard for the Michigan State Spartans basketball team.

Langston Reynolds

A player for the Minnesota Gophers basketball team.

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team.

Niko Medved

The first-year head coach of the Minnesota Gophers basketball team.

Cade Tyson

A player for the Minnesota Gophers basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Big Ten Conference is expected to review the incident and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted against Fears.

The takeaway

This latest outburst from Jeremy Fears Jr. is sure to raise more questions about his ability to keep his emotions in check and stay composed during the heat of competition. Michigan State will need Fears to mature and improve his on-court behavior if they hope to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.