The reach of coach Tom Izzo’s sharp reprimands or intense glares extends beyond Michigan State’s current roster.
On Monday evening, Izzo directed his displeasure towards a former athlete who last competed for the Spartans nearly two decades prior. Within a day, that individual issued a public apology.
With roughly six minutes remaining in Michigan State’s 80-51 victory over USC, Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler pursued Jerry Easter II from behind, successfully thwarting a fast-break layup, yet incurring a foul. Among the many Michigan State devotees who contested the ruling was ex-center Paul Davis, a Spartan from 2002 to 2006, who recorded averages of 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in his final year.
Broadcast visuals from the Fox Sports telecast showed Davis rising and yelling something at official Jeffrey Anderson from his courtside location, opposite the Michigan State bench. Anderson’s immediate reaction was to blow his whistle, halt the game, and gesture directly at Davis.
After Anderson approached Izzo, seemingly explaining the incident, the esteemed Michigan State coach appeared displeased. With arms extended, Izzo yelled across the court in Davis’s direction, questioning his actions with strong language. Moments later, as Davis hesitated to vacate his seat after someone arrived to escort him, Izzo motioned again and emphatically demanded his departure.
When questioned at his postgame press briefing about the comments leading to Davis’s removal, Izzo provided a partial disclosure.
Izzo communicated to journalists that the words uttered by Davis were utterly unacceptable in any circumstance. This infuriated him, stating that even after two decades, he felt compelled to contact Davis the following day to convey his displeasure, predicting Davis’s response would be an admission of error and an apology.
Subsequently, Izzo volunteered a clarification without prompting, emphasizing that the remark was neither racially charged nor sexually explicit.
He further remarked that it simply constituted an unsuitable comment, and he would not elaborate further.
Davis convened with reporters on Tuesday, offering an apology to the officials, Izzo, the Michigan State team, the USC team, the attending fans, and any parents present. He also mentioned having a “brief” but “excellent” discussion with Anderson that morning.
Davis declared that his presence there was not to offer justifications, but to accept responsibility and acknowledge his actions. He added that it was an error that would not be repeated, an uncharacteristic lapse, yet one that undeniably occurred the previous evening.
A McDonald’s All-American and Michigan Mr. Basketball honoree in 2002, Davis joined Michigan State amid considerable anticipation. He dedicated four years to playing for the Spartans, contributing to their advancement to a Final Four in his junior year and securing 22 victories as a senior.
During his postgame press conference, Izzo characterized Davis as one of his “most cherished individuals” and commended the former center’s consistent return to support the Spartans.
Izzo concluded by stating that Paul Davis’s presence was essential for them, reiterating that he holds a highly significant role within this team.
