UCLA Coach Mick Cronin Issues Apology After Ejecting Player in Michigan State Loss
UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin has publicly apologised to centre Steven Jamerson II for ejecting him during Tuesday's 82-59 loss to Michigan State. The incident occurred in East Lansing, Michigan, when Cronin, visibly exasperated, directed the 24-year-old player to the locker room following a hard foul late in the game.
Replay Footage Shifts Narrative of On-Court Incident
Officials later assessed Jamerson with a flagrant-1 foul, which does not warrant an ejection, but by that point, he had already exited the court. Cronin, who engaged in a tense exchange with reporters post-game, has since reviewed the footage and retracted his initial assessment.
'I already apologised to Steve, OK?' Cronin told reporters on Friday. 'It's the only reason I sent him to the locker room. I thought he literally made a dirty play and tried to wipe the guy out. Once I saw the film, I mean, he still got an F-1. To be honest with you, I don't even know if he deserved that.'
Cronin revealed that Michigan State coach Tom Izzo shared his revised perspective after communication between the two. He also joked that Jamerson 'asked me for $10,000 more in [name, image and licensing payments] because of that,' before praising the transfer from the University of San Diego.
Cronin Reflects on Player's Character and Coaching Philosophy
'Steve is everything that's good about college basketball,' Cronin emphasised. 'He's everything that I believe in about college basketball. That being said, I'm trying to protect, like I take it really seriously. Our guys don't get techs. We're not taking guys out in the air.'
The coach then acknowledged being overly candid in his media interactions, particularly referencing a post-game question about chants from Michigan State's student section.
'I could give a rat's ass about the other team's student section,' Cronin had told a reporter. 'I would like to give you a kudos for the worst question I've ever been asked.'
Coach Admits Need for Caution in Current Climate
Reflecting on that exchange, Cronin admitted fault during Friday's practice session. 'I have to do a better job of this, that in this climate, you've got to be careful with what you say. I'm a good fit here because I know I'm not bigger than the brand and the brand matters here, the school matters,' he stated.
'The last thing I want to do is bring negative publicity to our school. I apologise to our people - school, students, everybody in our community - because it's important. These jobs, you gotta raise money, you gotta be friends with donors, I mean I believe in all that stuff.'
Jamerson Accepts Apology as Bruins Prepare for Illinois Clash
Jamerson has not yet commented publicly on the incident, but Cronin confirmed the player was receptive to the apology. 'Oh, he's the best, man,' Cronin said. 'It's not like I kicked him off the team.'
The Bruins, with a record of 17-9 overall and 9-6 in the Big Ten, are set to host No. 10 Illinois, who stand at 22-5 overall and 13-3 in conference play, on Saturday in a crucial matchup.
