Los Angeles -- UCLA basketball coach Mick Cronin issued a public apology on Friday to center Steven Jamerson II after ejecting him from a game against Michigan State earlier in the week, an incident that drew attention amid the Bruins' recent struggles in the Big Ten conference.
The confrontation occurred late in Tuesday's 87-64 loss to the then-No. 15 Spartans in East Lansing, Michigan, where UCLA trailed by 23 points. With time winding down, Jamerson committed a hard foul on a Michigan State player, prompting referees to review the play and assess a flagrant foul penalty 1. Before the officials could complete their review, Cronin grabbed Jamerson by the jersey and directed him toward the locker room, a moment that stunned observers.
"I don't think, to be honest, the entire world has ever seen that in a game," said Bruins guard Trent Perry, recounting the unusual scene during a team practice on Friday.
Speaking to reporters before practice at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, Cronin explained his actions stemmed from a belief that Jamerson had made a "dirty play" intended to "wipe the guy out." However, after reviewing game film, the coach reconsidered. "I already apologized to Steve, OK?" Cronin said. "It's the only reason I sent him to the locker room. ... 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 also reached out to Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, who reportedly shared the initial assessment of the foul. "Cronin said Spartans coach Tom Izzo 'thought the same thing when I communicated with him,'" according to Cronin's comments. The coach lightened the mood by joking that Jamerson had quipped about the incident costing him $10,000 in name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, adding, "He asked me for $10,000 more in NIL because of that."
Jamerson, a redshirt senior who transferred to UCLA last summer after three seasons at the University of San Diego, has been a peripheral figure on the Bruins' roster. The 6-foot-10 center, who once unsuccessfully tried to walk on at Michigan State earlier in his career, has started just once in 26 games this season, averaging 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.3 minutes per game. Despite his limited role, Cronin praised Jamerson effusively. "Steve is everything that's good about college basketball," Cronin said. "He's everything that I believe in about college basketball."
The coach emphasized his commitment to protecting his players and maintaining discipline, noting that UCLA avoids technical fouls and does not tolerate plays that endanger opponents. "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," Cronin explained. This philosophy underscores Cronin's intense coaching style, which has occasionally sparked controversy.
In recent weeks, Cronin has been outspoken about challenges facing UCLA since the program's move to the Big Ten conference last season. He has complained about grueling travel schedules and unfavorable tipoff times, and following the Michigan State loss, he delivered a testy response to a reporter's question about the Spartan fans' behavior. On Friday, Cronin reflected on his candor, admitting it sometimes crosses into problematic territory. "I have to do a better job of this, that in this climate, you've got to be careful with what you say," he said. "I'm a good fit here because I know I'm not bigger than the brand and the brand matters here, the school matters. The last thing I want to do is bring negative publicity to our school."
Cronin extended his apology beyond Jamerson to the broader UCLA community. "I apologize to our people -- school, students, everybody in our community -- because it's important," he added. "These jobs, you gotta raise money, you gotta be friends with donors, I mean I believe in all that stuff." As an eighth-year coach at UCLA, Cronin has built a reputation for passionate leadership, guiding the Bruins to the Final Four in 2021 and fostering a culture of accountability.
Jamerson, who practiced with the team on Friday, was not made available to the media. Cronin described the player's reaction positively: "Oh, he's the best, man. ... It's not like I kicked him off the team." Teammates have rallied around Jamerson during the fallout. Perry, who rooms with the center, noted Jamerson's maturity. "He's been very mature about it," Perry said. "I'm just glad that he's keeping his head and I'm also checking in with him every single day."
Guard Skyy Clark, a transfer from Louisville and UCLA's third-leading scorer, echoed the sentiment of team unity. "Coach gave a pretty sincere apology," Clark said. "I mean, obviously he was a little in his head about it, but you know, we gave him some words of encouragement." Clark revealed that the players held a players-only meeting after the blowout road losses to Michigan and Michigan State, with another session planned for later Friday. "We just gotta stay together," he emphasized. "That's been the main focus."
The ejection raised questions about Cronin's support for his players, but the coach dismissed any doubts. "I know what I'm about," he said firmly, "so I don't really worry about that." Clark offered insight into navigating Cronin's coaching approach, which can be blunt and inherited from mentors with similar styles. "I say just listen to the message and not how it's being conveyed," Clark advised. "If you do that, then you really hear what he's trying to say instead of how he's trying to say it. That's just how he coaches."
UCLA enters a critical stretch with a home game against No. 10 Illinois on Saturday at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins, with a 17-9 overall record and 9-6 in the Big Ten, are reeling from back-to-back blowout defeats: a 30-point loss at then-No. 2 Michigan last Saturday and the 23-point defeat at Michigan State. These setbacks have highlighted defensive lapses and road woes for a team that joined the expanded Big Ten to elevate its profile but has faced stiff competition from Midwest powerhouses.
Despite the turbulence, UCLA boasts a marquee victory this season: a 69-67 upset over then-No. 4 Purdue on January 25 at home. That win, which improved the Bruins' standing and showcased their potential, remains a beacon amid the losses. "We saw that we can do it and so why not do it again?" Clark said, looking ahead to the Illinois matchup. The Fighting Illini, at 22-5 overall and 13-3 in conference play, present another top-10 test, with star guard Terrence Shannon Jr. leading their high-powered offense.
The incident with Jamerson underscores broader themes in college basketball, where coaching intensity intersects with player welfare and public scrutiny. As NIL deals and conference realignments reshape the sport, moments like this highlight the human element. Cronin's apology may help mend any rifts within the team, but with March Madness looming, UCLA must channel its frustrations into wins to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. For now, the Bruins focus on unity and preparation, hoping to rebound against Illinois and restore momentum in a challenging season.
In the wake of the apology, observers noted the rarity of such on-court ejections by coaches, drawing comparisons to past controversies in the sport. While Cronin stands by his initial intent to enforce clean play, the film's revelation has prompted reflection. Teammates' support suggests the locker room remains cohesive, a vital factor as UCLA navigates the final weeks of the regular season.