Tom Izzo Proves His Character Once Again

Mar 27, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo during practice for the east regional of the 2014 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

On Saturday afternoon when I saw the tweet from Kenny Kaminski that he was transferring from Michigan State I was confused because he was in line to have major minutes next season. When Tom Izzo released a statemnt a couple of hours later I understood.

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“Despite multiple opportunities, Kenny Kaminski could not live up to the obligations necessary to be a part of our program. Being a Spartan is a special opportunity, and at Michigan State we do everything we can to provide an amazing experience for our student-athletes. With that privilege also comes a responsibility to conduct oneself in a certain manner. After he repeatedly failed to meet the necessary obligations, it became apparent that it was time to dismiss Kenny from the program.

Although this is disappointing, it is just a minor setback as we are coming off one of the best summers in recent years. I remain excited about the prospects of our team moving forward. We have a group of individuals dedicated to a common goal and they are willing to do whatever it takes to reach their lofty standards, and ready to push each other to be the best they can be.”

Mr. Kaminski’s reason behind the tweet became all too clear, he had failed in his obligations again and was doing damage control. Tom Izzo will give you every chance to prove you belong in his program, that he rules with an iron fist.

Tom Izzo is a throwback coach along the lines of Bobby Knight when the latter was at Indiana. He is flexible with his offensive and defensive schemes, but not with his standards for his program.

These days most college coaches roll over to these kids and let them do what ever they want and only give them a slap on the wrist. However Tom Izzo continues to prove his character by giving these kids a chance. But if they mess up too much he will not be shy about dismissing them from the team.

In the past the kids he has dismissed from the team most have made comments that it was their fault and despite what happened they did not blame Coach Izzo. When this happens it proves once again that it may have taken a bit longer but Mr. Izzo has taught these kids how to be men and that is part of his job.

If colleges cared a little more about that then winning maybe more of these kids would turn out to be outstanding citizens instead of making stupid decisions they make. Tom Izzo proves he should be the standard of college coaches instead of the exception he currently is.

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