01/06/26 10:13:00
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01/06 10:11 CST Former Spartans player Paul Davis ejected from game after
criticizing officials from the stands
Former Spartans player Paul Davis ejected from game after criticizing officials
from the stands
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) --- Former Michigan State and NBA player Paul Davis
was ejected from the Breslin Center after vocally criticizing officials from
the stands during the 12th-ranked Spartans' 80-51 victory over Southern
California on Monday night.
Michigan State led 67-46 with just over six minutes left when officials
motioned toward the stands to point out Davis, who was eventually ordered to
leave.
Television cameras showed longtime Michigan State coach Tom Izzo mouthing,
"What are you doing?" toward Davis with his arms outstretched. Izzo, who
coached Davis two decades ago, spoke in more detail about the incident after
the game.
"You know, I love Paul Davis," Izzo said. "I really do. He's one of my favorite
guys. He's always calling and doing things. But what he said, he should never
say in the world. That ticked me off."
The 41-year-old Davis played for Michigan State from 2002-06 and was a
three-year starter. He had career averages of 13.2 points and seven rebounds,
including 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds his senior season.
He played in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers from 2006-09 and the
Washington Wizards in 2009-10.
Izzo praised Davis for continually coming back to campus and occasionally
helping work players out in the summer. Izzo said he wants Davis to keep
returning.
First, however, Izzo said he wants to have a chat with his former player about
what happened Monday.
"I'm going to have to call him tomorrow and tell him what I thought of it,"
Izzo said. "And you know what? He'll say, ?I screwed up, Coach. Sorry.' He kind
of got after the official, and he was 150% wrong."
___
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