Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

UCLA coach Mick Cronin ejects his own player

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 1:20 AM ET

Mick Cronin did not wait around for the referees to throw out one of his players during Tuesday’s game against Michigan State. The UCLA head coach took matters into his own hands.

Bruins center Steven Jamerson II delivered a hard foul on Spartans big man Carson Cooper late in the second half at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich. Jamerson and Cooper exchanged words after the incident and were each assessed a technical foul.

The play happened as UCLA was getting blown out 78-50. Cronin immediately subbed out Jamerson and gave him an earful as he walked toward the bench. Before Jamerson could take a seat, Cronin demanded that he instead head straight to the showers.

You can watch the whole seen unfold below.

After the foul, UCLA HC Mick Cronin ejects his own player, Steven Jamerson III. pic.twitter.com/KOFMCDRYjg
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 18, 2026

It’s hard to imagine the move sitting well with Jamerson and some of UCLA’s players. A few of them had perplexed looks on their faces as Cronin sent the big man away. Some viewed Jamerson’s foul as unnecessary and excessive given the time and score, but it’s another thing entirely for your own coach to chastise you instead of the referees.

Cronin was probably already frustrated by his team’s poor performance against Michigan State. UCLA trailed by double figures halfway through the first half and never got closer en route to the 82-59 loss.

It’s fitting that the scene happened at the Breslin Center in front of Tom Izzo, who similarly ejected a former Michigan State star from a game earlier this season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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