Tom Izzo Ejects Former Player Paul Davis During Game

Michigan State’s iconic coach, Tom Izzo, had a notable outburst regarding one of his past players on Monday night.

During a game where the Spartans defeated USC 80-51, former standout center Paul Davis was sitting courtside when Izzo decided to eject him. The action surprised many in attendance.

Davis was reportedly removed for making a comment deemed inappropriate during the game, although Izzo did not disclose what exactly was said.

As the Spartans held a comfortable lead of 67-46 with six minutes left, referee Jeffrey Anderson pointed at Davis and informed Izzo about the situation. Fans nearby seemed to express their approval as Davis was drinking Twisted Tea.

Izzo appeared visibly taken aback, gesturing and expressing disbelief over the incident, before ultimately ordering Davis to leave the game.

While addressing the media after the game, Izzo acknowledged his fondness for Davis, stating, “I love Paul Davis. I really do.” However, he pointed out that the nature of Davis’s remarks was unacceptable, saying, “It’s just something you should never say anywhere. And it annoyed me.”

Izzo clarified that Davis’s comments weren’t of a racial or sexual nature but were directed at the officials, which he labeled as incorrect. “He was 150 percent wrong,” Izzo emphasized, noting it was unusual for him to side with the referees to such an extent.

Izzo expressed his intention to reach out to Davis, expecting an apology. Davis had previously earned Michigan’s Mr. Basketball title before playing for the Spartans and being drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2006. He currently works in the financial sector as a partner at The Podium Group.