Many fans love Tom Izzo for the program he’s built at Michigan State.
His seven Big Ten Titles, six finals fours and national championship deserve every fan’s respect and admiration.
But my favorite Izzo quality goes far beyond the X’s and O’s or the wins and losses.
He cares about his players.
He bends, but doesn’t break, unless absolutely necessary. Even if that means he doesn’t do the popular thing in the court of public opinion.
He does what he believes is right.
And again, this was evident on Thursday afternoon when Izzo reinstated Derrick Nix following his arrest nine days ago. Izzo has not suspended Derrick for a set amount of games - and he may not when all is said and done - but he did promise to make Nix’s life difficult as he works his way back into good graces with Izzo and the program.
“I sure don’t want anybody walking away here thinking that there’ll be nothing done, because there will be,” said Izzo.
And that's not just tough talk from a coach. You can trust Izzo because he’s had players in similar situations in the past and he’s stuck by them just the same.
“I think this [..]
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Broadcast Host Adam Ruff keeps you up to date on Tom Izzo's Spartans all season long.