Jeremy Fears is back in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons - and this time, the tape doesn’t lie.
Just days after Michigan head coach Dusty May called out Fears for what he described as “dangerous” play in a heated matchup against the Wolverines, the Michigan State freshman point guard found himself at the center of controversy once again. In the Spartans’ recent loss to Minnesota, Fears was involved in multiple questionable incidents, including a moment where he appeared to kick a Gophers player in the groin with a backward motion - an action that quickly made the rounds on social media and raised eyebrows across the college basketball world.
That wasn’t the only moment that drew attention. Fears was also seen attempting to trip another Minnesota player - a move that echoed similar plays from Michigan State’s previous loss to Michigan, where Fears’ physicality crossed the line more than once. The pattern is hard to ignore, and it’s becoming a real concern for a team that can’t afford these distractions as they try to stay competitive in the Big Ten.
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, never one to shy away from the media, addressed the situation following the loss. While he did acknowledge that “Jeremy needs to grow up,” Izzo also pointed fingers elsewhere - specifically at the Michigan media and Dusty May’s public comments about Fears after last week’s game. Izzo suggested that the increased scrutiny on Fears may have influenced the officiating in the Minnesota game.
“When somebody comes out and publicly says something about a guy, that sometimes happens,” Izzo said. “But that’s Jeremy’s fault.”
It’s a layered response from Izzo - part defense, part deflection, and part call for accountability. But here’s the thing: no one made Jeremy Fears throw a kick.
No one baited him into tripping players. And while the freshman’s passion and edge are part of what make him a promising player, there’s a line between playing hard and playing dirty.
Right now, Fears is on the wrong side of it.
This isn’t just about one or two isolated moments. It’s about a developing reputation - and how quickly that can stick, especially in a high-profile program like Michigan State.
If Fears wants to be the kind of leader Izzo envisions, the kind of player who commands respect on both ends of the floor, this is the moment to reset. That starts with owning his actions, not repeating them.
As for Izzo, the veteran coach has built a career on toughness, discipline, and demanding the most from his players. But this situation calls for more than a sideline scolding or a one-game benching. It’s about setting a tone - for Fears, for the locker room, and for a program that’s trying to find its identity in a crowded conference race.
The Spartans have the talent to compete, but they need to clean up the noise. And that starts with accountability - not just from the players, but from the top down.