"Monday night's game between USC and Michigan State came to a halt late in the second half when referee Jeffrey Anderson blew his whistle and pointed out Davis in the stands. Anderson then walked over and spoke to Izzo, who yelled at Davis from across the court and signaled for him to leave the arena. Davis made an apologetic signal as he was being led away from his seat:"
"Izzo, who seemed to relish the opportunity to do some coaching of a former player, addressed the incident during his postgame press conference. He insisted that Davis didn't say anything "sexual" or "racial," but conceded that Davis said something that "he should never say anywhere in the world." "I'm gonna have to call him tomorrow and tell him what I thought if it," Izzo said. "And you know what he'll say? 'I screwed up, Coach.' So he kind of got after the official, and he was 150 percent wrong, and for a guy like me to 150"
Tom Izzo's confrontational coaching style is widely defended as valuable to Michigan State's program. Former Spartan Paul Davis was ejected after yelling at referee Jeffrey Anderson during a game, despite Michigan State holding a 21-point lead with six minutes remaining. Anderson removed Davis from the stands after speaking with Izzo, and Davis made an apologetic gesture as he left. Izzo later reprimanded Davis, saying the comment "he should never say anywhere in the world" and calling him "150 percent wrong." The incident raises questions about how intense coaching climates may affect player conduct after college.
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