Tom Izzo Is Done Talking About Jeremy Fears’ “Trips” - And He’s Got a Point
Tom Izzo's patience has officially worn thin.
Following Michigan State’s gritty win over Illinois on Saturday night, Izzo found himself once again fielding questions-not about the game, not about his team’s execution, but about Jeremy Fears and another so-called “trip” that, after review, was ruled accidental. No foul. No drama-at least, there shouldn’t have been.
Even Illinois head coach Brad Underwood backed Fears, saying the play was clean. But that didn’t stop the questions from coming, and Izzo made it clear he’s had enough of the narrative that’s been building around his freshman guard.
“If he breathes on somebody now, there’s gonna be a call. Thanks to what happened,” Izzo said when asked about the play. “End of that story, ask me another question.”
That’s not just frustration talking-it’s a reflection of a coach defending his player in the face of what’s become an outsized controversy.
The Fears Narrative Has Taken on a Life of Its Own
Jeremy Fears has been at the center of a media storm over the past week, and it’s fair to say the spotlight has gotten a little too hot. It started with the trip against Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, a play that drew plenty of scrutiny and even some pointed comments from Michigan head coach Dusty May, who suggested there were “dangerous” plays throughout the rivalry matchup-clearly aimed at Michigan State.
Then came the game against Minnesota, where Fears flailed his leg and made contact with a defender’s groin. That moment only added fuel to the fire, with comparisons to college basketball’s most notorious agitators-Grayson Allen and Brad Davison-popping up across social media and talk shows. Some even claimed Fears was worse than both.
Let’s pause there.
Yes, the leg kick against Minnesota was unnecessary. Yes, the trip against Michigan looked bad in real time.
But to suggest Fears is some kind of serial offender, the dirtiest player in the game? That’s where the conversation jumps the rails.
Saturday’s Play Was a Non-Issue-But the Noise Won’t Stop
Saturday’s “incident” against Illinois should’ve been a non-story. The replay showed what most saw in real time: Fears stopped, the contact was incidental, and there was no foul.
Even Underwood, who had every reason to raise a flag, waved it off. That should’ve been the end of it.
But in today’s college basketball landscape, where every move is dissected frame-by-frame and narratives catch fire in an instant, nothing is ever that simple. Once a player gets a reputation-fair or not-everything they do is viewed through that lens. And right now, Jeremy Fears is under the microscope.
Izzo’s Frustration Is Understandable-and Justified
For Izzo, this isn’t just about one player. It’s about protecting a freshman who’s trying to find his footing in a high-pressure environment while being painted as a villain. And it’s about the game itself-about not letting the noise drown out what’s actually happening on the court.
Michigan State just picked up an emotional win over a ranked Illinois team. That should’ve been the story. Instead, Izzo is being asked to re-litigate a play that didn’t even draw a whistle.
So when he shuts it down with a sharp “End of that story,” he’s not just brushing off the question-he’s pushing back against a narrative that’s spiraled out of control.
What's Next for Fears?
Now, it’s on Fears to keep his head down and play clean basketball. The spotlight isn’t going anywhere, and every move he makes will be scrutinized. That’s the reality once a reputation starts to form.
But it’s also on everyone else-media, fans, and yes, opposing coaches-to keep things in perspective. Fears is a freshman.
He’s made some mistakes. But he’s not the villain he’s been made out to be.
Izzo knows that. And on Saturday night, he made sure everyone else heard it loud and clear.