Legendary Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo expressed his fury after a former star player was thrown out of the Spartans' home arena for loudly criticising game officials.
Former Spartan Star Ordered to Leave
The incident occurred during Monday night's dominant 80-51 victory for the 12th-ranked Spartans over the University of Southern California (USC) at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. With just over six minutes remaining and Michigan State leading 67-46, officials identified and then ordered former player Paul Davis to leave the stands for what was described as verbal abuse.
Television cameras captured the moment a clearly frustrated Izzo, who coached Davis two decades ago, mouthed "What are you doing?" towards his former charge with his arms outstretched. The Hall of Fame coach did not mince his words when discussing the ejection after the game.
Izzo's Blunt Post-Game Reaction
"You know, I love Paul Davis," Izzo stated. "I really do. He's one of my favourite guys. He's always calling and doing things. But what he said, he should never say in the world. That ticked me off."
Izzo praised Davis, 41, for his ongoing connection to the programme, frequently returning to campus and even helping to work out current players during the summer. The coach was adamant he wants that relationship to continue, but not before a serious conversation about Monday's behaviour.
"I'm going to have to call him tomorrow and tell him what I thought of it," Izzo said. "And you know what? He'll say, 'I screwed up, Coach. Sorry.' He kind of got after the official, and he was 150% wrong."
Davis's Spartan and NBA Career
Paul Davis was a key figure for Michigan State from 2002 to 2006, serving as a three-year starter. His college career averages were an impressive 13.2 points and seven rebounds per game, peaking in his senior season with 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds.
His performance earned him a stint in the NBA, where he played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2006 to 2009 and later for the Washington Wizards in the 2009-10 season.
The decisive win improves Michigan State's record as they continue their non-conference schedule, but the night will be remembered for the unexpected drama involving one of the programme's celebrated alumni.
