It’s not just current Michigan State players who have to live in fear of a swipe or discouraging look from Tom Izzo.
On Monday night, Izzo took a swipe at a former player who last played for the Spartans nearly two decades ago.
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With just over six minutes remaining in Michigan State’s 80-51 victory over USC, Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler chased Jerry Easter 2 from behind to prevent a transition layup, but the referee called a foul. Many MSU supporters disagreed with the decision, including former center Paul Davis, who played for the Spartans from 2002-06 and averaged 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds as a senior.
Fox Sports video footage showed Davis standing up and yelling at referee Jeffrey Anderson from his courtside seat across from the MSU bench. Anderson immediately blew his whistle, stopped play and pointed directly at Davis.
After Anderson approached Izzo and explained what happened, the Michigan State legend didn’t look happy. Izzo spread his arms and yelled in the direction of Davis across the court, “What the hell are you doing?” Moments later, as Davis slowly left his seat after being escorted out, Izzo gestured to him again and screamed, “Get out!”
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When asked in the postgame press conference what Davis said to get ejected, Izzo had a partial answer.
“The things he said, he should never say anywhere in the world,” Izzo told reporters. “It pisses me off. So, because it’s 25-20 years later, I have to call him tomorrow and tell him what I think. You know what he’s going to say? I screwed up, coach. I’m sorry.”
Izzo later clarified, without prompting, “It’s not a racial issue, it’s not a sexual issue.”
“That’s the wrong statement and I’ll leave it at that,” Izzo added.
January 5, 2026; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Spartans head coach Tom Izzo during the first half against the Southern California Trojans at the Jack Breslin Student Activity Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
(Image source: Reuters Connect / Reuters)
Davis, a 2002 McDonald’s All-American and Michigan Mr. Basketball selection, came to MSU with considerable publicity. He played four years for the Spartans, helping them reach the Final Four as a junior and 22 wins as a senior.
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In the postgame press conference, Izzo described Davis as one of his “favorite players” and praised the former center for always coming back to support the Spartans.
“I need Paul Davis here,” Izzo concluded. “Paul Davis is a very important part of this program.”
