Dusty May took a shot at Tom Izzo’s team on Monday afternoon, telling reporters that he noticed Jeremy Fears trying to trip Yaxel Lendeborg and that there were many “very dangerous” plays from the game that were easy to find on tape.
Not often do you see opposing coaches really take shots at players from another team like Dusty did, but Izzo was asked about his rival coach’s statement, and he made sure to fire back.
During Izzo’s Monday presser, he was asked about Dusty’s comments, and he said that if there’s something he thought was dirty, May should call him and he’d be “happy” to address it.
Tom Izzo on Monday, after being told that Dusty May had complained about "very dangerous" plays committed by Jeremy Fears in Friday's game:
— Jim Comparoni (@JimComparoni) February 2, 2026
“Tell him to call me and I would be more than happy to address it."
As if that didn’t open enough eyes, Izzo also added, “I don’t care what Dusty says.”
This is one of the more fiery quotes that Izzo has given about an opposing coach, but it’s pretty clear that the two coaches aren’t exactly best friends. They’re not about to grab coffee and catch up in the near future. I doubt Izzo will ever get that call from Dusty about other “dirty” and “dangerous” plays from the game.
Michigan State fans have their coach’s back — obviously — and you know they’re going to rally behind Izzo after he stood up for his players like this. This is rather uncharacteristic for Izzo, and it’s pretty telling about his relationship with May.
Tom Izzo might not be a fan of Dusty May
Izzo and May have been cordial in all of their interactions, but when you see the Hall of Famer speak with most opposing coaches after games, his handshake with Dusty was pretty telling. He didn’t avoid a handshake and ignore Michigan players like Wolverine fans have accused Izzo of doing, but he did give Dusty a quick shake and walked on without saying anything.
Maybe May took exception to this and that’s why he made sure to call out “very dangerous” plays by Michigan State to the media on Monday. Who knows.
All I know is that March’s rematch in Ann Arbor is going to be one of the most heated battles that the rivalry has seen in years.
I could get used to Izzo and May not liking each other. It’s good for the rivalry.