Legendary Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo expressed his fury after a former player was thrown out of the Spartans' home arena for a verbal tirade against game officials.
Former Spartan Star Ordered to Leave
The dramatic incident occurred on Monday night during 12th-ranked Michigan State's dominant 80-51 victory over the University of Southern California (USC) at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. With just over six minutes remaining and the Spartans leading 67-46, officials identified and then ordered former player Paul Davis to leave the stands.
Davis, who played for Coach Izzo in the early 2000s, was ejected for what was described as verbal abuse of the officiating crew from his seat. Television broadcasts captured the moment a confused and then angry Tom Izzo reacted, clearly mouthing "What are you doing?" towards his former player with his arms outstretched.
Izzo's Blunt Post-Game Reaction
Speaking after the comprehensive win, Izzo did not hold back his feelings about the embarrassing situation, despite his clear affection for Davis. "You know, I love Paul Davis," Izzo stated. "I really do. He's one of my favorite guys. He's always calling and doing things. But what he said, he should never say in the world. That ticked me off."
The 41-year-old Davis was a key figure for the Spartans between 2002 and 2006, starting for three seasons. He posted impressive career averages of 13.2 points and seven rebounds per game, peaking in his senior year with 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds. He later enjoyed a professional career in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Washington Wizards.
A Planned Conversation and a Hope for the Future
Izzo was quick to praise Davis's ongoing connection to the Michigan State programme, noting he frequently returns to campus and even helps to work out current players during the summer months. The Hall of Fame coach insisted he wants that relationship to continue.
First, however, Izzo revealed he intends to have a very direct conversation with Davis about the unacceptable incident. "I'm going to have to call him tomorrow and tell him what I thought of it," Izzo said. Confident in his former player's character, he added, "And you know what? He'll say, 'I screwed up, Coach. Sorry.' He kind of got after the official, and he was 150% wrong."
The event marred an otherwise successful night for the Spartans, who secured a convincing non-conference victory. The focus, however, shifted squarely to the conduct of a beloved alumnus and his coach's stern, disappointed response.
