As the Michigan Wolverines defeated their in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans, to close out the regular season, Elliot Cadeau was kicked in the groin by MSU's Jeremy Fears Jr.
The videos of the incident clearly show it, Cadeau's reaction to the kick clearly showed it, and even Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo's weak "excuse" didn't deny it. Not to mention the fact that this isn't Fears' first kicking incident, or blatant foul against the Wolverines.
Yet, despite all of that, Fears has yet to simply apologize or take accountability for the action, even going as far as to say he has never intentionally hurt someone in a game.
Jeremy Fears continues to deny and deflect initial fouling allegations
"I've never tried to harm, hurt, injure a player or multiple guys; that's not my intention. I don't go into the game and try to harm or hurt anyone," Fears said. "People make something bigger than what it is. That's not intentional, I don't try to do something like that."
The kick against Cadeau was as clear and obvious as an intentional foul could get. Fears swung his leg backwards and up, high enough to hit Cadeau in the groin. There was simply no way it was a natural movement, and the officials clocked that, giving Fears a technical foul.
"Overall, it hurts our team," Fears continued, blaming the officials for getting him in foul trouble instead of himself. "It's really valuable for me to be on the court."
Now, don't get it wrong, Fears is a very talented guard, and has had a great season. However, his inability to control what are seemingly intrusive thoughts throughout the game is unacceptable. His adamance to not take accountability may be even worse.
This is what Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. had to say about the incident with Elliot Cadeau on Sunday against Michigan. @wilxTV pic.twitter.com/ucl9pnKEKm
— Owen Oszust (@Owen_Oszust) March 10, 2026
Michigan won both games against Michigan State this season, even as Fears tried to kick and trip his way to victory for the Spartans. Now, the only times the Wolverines might cross paths with the foul-prone guard are if Michigan State can make deep runs in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments.
The Wolverines secured the No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Tournament weeks before the postseason tipped off, and wouldn't face Michigan State until the conference championship game, if both teams made it that far.
Meanwhile, the NCAA Tournament bracket still has yet to be set, but the likelihood of the in-state rivals meeting for a fourth time in one season, giving Fears yet another opportunity for a technical or two, is slim to none.