Michigan State star draws fresh scrutiny with kick toward opponent's groin

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.

Tensions were running high between two rivals on Sunday as the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team edged the Michigan State Spartans, 90-80.

Spartans star Jeremy Fears Jr. drew scrutiny in the first half of the game when he kicked toward opponent Elliot Cadeau’s groin. He was called for a technical foul as the video review showed that he swung his right leg backward into Cadeau.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) puts up a shot between Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr, left, and Michigan center Aday Mara in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)

Cadeau immediately walked toward his bench and called for head coach Dusty May to ask for a replay review.

"I got fouled, I should have probably just fell," Fears said after the game. "It’s an unfortunate situation."

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said he didn’t believe that Fears kicked Cadeau on purpose but added that he "chewed him out about it," during the game.

"Nobody is tougher on him than me," he said. "Nobody will be tougher on him than me."

Izzo said during an in-game interview with CBS that Fears is under a microscope because of what was said following the previous game.

Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Jan. 2, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

He elaborated more after the game.

"I’m sick of it being one-sided," he said. "That’s what upset me about the first time. Fears will get his lunch