UCLA coach Mick Cronin apologized to center Steven Jamerson II for sending him to the locker room during a blowout loss at Michigan State. The incident occurred after Jamerson committed a hard foul in the waning minutes of Tuesday's 23-point defeat to the Spartans in East Lansing. Cronin initially believed Jamerson made a dirty play but later admitted he may have overreacted.

Cronin said he told reporters he already apologized to Jamerson, explaining his decision was based on protecting his players. The Bruins coach joked that Jamerson asked for $10,000 more in NIL compensation for the incident. Jamerson, who played three seasons at the University of San Diego before transferring to UCLA, has started once in 26 games this season, averaging 2.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11.3 minutes.

Team captain Trent Perry said Jamerson has been mature about the situation and is keeping his head up. Guard Skyy Clark noted the team called a players-only meeting after back-to-back blowout losses and is supporting their teammate. The Bruins (17-9, 9-6 Big Ten) host 10th-ranked Illinois on Saturday, coming off losses to then-No. 2 Michigan and Michigan State. Clark emphasized the team's focus on staying together despite the recent struggles.