Controversy emerges as UCLA coach ejects player mid-game vs. MSU

EAST LANSING – UCLA Head Coach Mick Cronin ejected his own player after a flagrant foul near the end of the game against Michigan State on Feb. 17.

The foul happened with 4:26 left in the game and Michigan State was winning 77-50.

Michigan State center Carson Cooper attempted a dunk on a fast break and was fouled from behind in mid-air by Steven Jamerson II.

Cronin immediately punished his player by pulling him out of the game and sending him to the locker room.

Jamerson II jogged out of the arena as Cronin irately motioned for him to leave the premises.

After review, the foul was upgraded to a flagrant one due to the potential dangers of fouling someone from behind when they are going for a dunk.

The decision sparked controversy in whether Cronin crossed the line.

Michigan State won the game 82-59.

After the game Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo gave remarks on the incident.

“I guess Mick Cronin upgraded that to a flagrant two,” said Izzo. “That’s the first time I’ve saw a coach do that. He’ll get that straightened out.”

Mick Cronin’s frustrations remained after the game as he was being interviewed by reporters. When asked about Michigan State’s student section, Cronin expressed dissatisfaction with the question.

“I could give a rat’s ass about the other team’s student section,” said Cronin.

Cronin interrupted the reporter when they tried to explain themselves.

“I would like to give you a kudos for the worst question I’ve ever been asked.”

“You really think I care about the other team’s student section?”

The reporter tried to respond to Cronin but was interrupted again.

“Are you raising your voice at me?”

The reporter denied raising his voice and Cronin asserted that he did.

“Come on dude, everybody’s standing here listening to you,” said Cronin. “Everybody, this is on camera, they can hear you, I answered the question. I could give a rat’s ass about the other team’s student section. I coach UCLA, I don’t care about Michigan State’s students. Who cares?”