MSU Legend Magic Johnson on Challenge Tom Izzo Faces

Originally posted on Michigan State Spartans on SI
By Aidan Champion | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 2:48 PM ET

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has made it clear time and time again where he stands with this current era of college athletics.

While Izzo supports student-athletes getting paid, this ever-changing landscape dictated by the transfer portal and NIL test the very things he values -- loyalty, humility, development, relationships and culture.

Spartan legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson is well aware of the conflict. He knows those values that Izzo and his program pride themselves in, the very values Johnson's former coach and Izzo's mentor, Jud Heathcote, held dear to his heart.

"It's so hard, though," Johnson told WILX at the second annual Earvin Johnson Sr. Law Enforcement Community Car Truck Show on Saturday. "It's so hard for him (Izzo) to enjoy it. Because his heart and soul is in it. And when you recruit a player so hard, and then you know that you're good for him and he's good for you, and then somebody comes and offers him some crazy amount of money, and then he goes. Whether he chooses that school instead of Michigan State.

"He's (Tom Izzo) done so much for Michigan State, this community, and young men.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson spoke on the special culture that Izzo has built and continues to build at MSU despite the changes in college athletics. @wilxTV @MagicJohnson

More: https://t.co/RUExQ8LOjl pic.twitter.com/DKOO1NEpd4
— Owen Oszust (@Owen_Oszust) August 9, 2025

"Or you develop a player, and then, two years later, somebody comes and offers him some crazy amount of money, and then he decides to leave, I could see how that can tear him apart because he's about developing young men. And the money now, the money that they're throwing around here is just insane. So, if you don't have that type of money now to compete, you're not going to get those great players that can help you win.

"But he's still winning, still being successful, but I just hope he keeps a smile on his face, keeps loving the job because he's done so much for Michigan State and our community and for young men. See, when he has that comeback -- I think they're playing Boston College, the football team is playing -- all those guys are coming back (for 'Grind Week'). Listen, that's a blessing. Who else is doing that, right?

"And so, guys love him. I mean, adore him. And so, I just hope that he never walks away because of NIL."

Keep up with all our Michigan State basketball content when you follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook, Spartan Nation, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be sure to share your thoughts on Izzo having to navigate today's era of college athletics when you join our community group, Go Green Go White, WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE. Don't forget to give us a follow on X @MSUSpartansOnSI as well.