UCLA coach Mick Cronin apologized to center Steven Jamerson II for ejecting him during Tuesday's 23-point loss to Michigan State. Cronin initially believed Jamerson made a dirty play, but after reviewing the film, he questioned whether the flagrant-1 foul was warranted. "I already apologized to Steve, OK?" Cronin told reporters before practice. "Once I saw the film, I mean, he still got an F-1. To be honest with you, I don't even know if he deserved that."
Cronin also acknowledged he needs to represent UCLA better, saying "I have to do a better job of this, that in this climate, you've got to be careful with what you say." He praised Jamerson as "everything that's good about college basketball" while admitting he's sometimes too candid in his comments. The coach noted Jamerson "asked me for $10,000 more in NIL because of that" incident.