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Jeremy Fears Jr. Technical Foul Fuels Dirty Player Narrative

Originally posted on College Sports Only
By Spencer Rozell | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 9:29 AM ET

Jeremy Fears Jr. can’t get out of his own way.

Jeremy Fears did the thing again pic.twitter.com/1v8Cz8CUtO

— College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) March 8, 2026

A look at this play which was upgraded to a contact dead ball technical foul against Michigan State and Jeremy Fears Jr. pic.twitter.com/RCsfz5oiDv

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 8, 2026

Just weeks after the national debate on whether or not Fears is a dirty player, he came back with a between-the-legs kick to the groin of Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau.

I’ve been extremely vocal about Jeremy Fears being my Big Ten POY.

Every agent of socialization has let him down. Izzo. His father. Big Ten decision makers. All just refuse to offer any tangible criticism or consequence toward his dirty play. pic.twitter.com/hTmIKIgPR7

— College Hoops Database (@CollegeHoopsTIk) March 8, 2026

Averaging 15.5 points and 9.1 rebounds (leads nation), while shooting 44.3%, Fears has a legitimate case for Big Ten Player of the Year, but his on-court antics continue to hamper his national profile.

Jeremy Fears Jr. has a thing for kicking people in the ball, why does he do this?

pic.twitter.com/sF6xBzzK8F

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) March 8, 2026

Jeremy Fears is literally a gunshot wound survivor and we’re shaming him for the occasional leg spasm?

— WBR (@W_B_Rick) March 8, 2026

Jeremy fears should be suspended for the big 10 tournament . Hes kicked multiple players in the balls this year pic.twitter.com/or2B6WVwQg

— John (@iam_johnw) March 8, 2026

Spartans Head Coach Tom Izzo continued to defend Fears, stating the player had no ill intent despite the technical foul.

Tom Izzo was asked about the technical foul called against Jeremy Fears Jr. in the loss to Michigan. pic.twitter.com/EFLYa0TX2s

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 8, 2026

After this latest kick, it seems nearly impossible that Jeremy Fears Jr. will ever beat the dirty player allegations.

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