UCLA coach Mick Cronin apologizes for sending Steven Jamerson to locker room

Two days after ordering Steven Jamerson II to the locker room during an 82-59 loss at Michigan State, UCLA coach Mick Cronin apologized and said he misjudged the play after reviewing the film.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin apologized on Friday for sending reserve center Steven Jamerson II to the locker room late in the Bruins' 82-59 loss at Michigan State. Cronin said he thought Jamerson made a dirty play in real time but that his view changed after reviewing game film. He used the session to defend Jamerson's character and address broader attention on his reaction. The apology followed a tense postgame exchange at Breslin Center that had drawn outside scrutiny. Key facts: - With 4:26 remaining, Jamerson chased Michigan State big man Carson Cooper, committed a hard foul at the rim, and was assessed a technical foul; Cronin noted Jamerson was also recorded as receiving a flagrant-one. - Cronin immediately pulled Jamerson from the game, grabbed part of his jersey near the sideline, directed a staffer to take him to the locker room and later described the decision as a bad call in the moment. - Two days after the game, Cronin apologized to Jamerson and said he misjudged the play upon reviewing the film, and he spoke in support of Jamerson's character. - Teammates said the matter was addressed internally; senior guard Skyy Clark described Cronin's apology to the team as sincere and teammates held a players-only meeting after the trip. - UCLA is 9-6 in Big Ten play and is scheduled to host No. 9 Illinois on Saturday at Pauley Pavilion. Summary: Cronin acknowledged he misread the incident in real time and apologized while also defending Steven Jamerson's character. Teammates reported the issue was handled inside the program and described the coach's apology as sincere. UCLA will next play No. 9 Illinois at Pauley Pavilion this Saturday.