EAST LANSING, Mich. – Former Michigan State and NBA player Paul Davis has apologized for verbally abusing a Breslin Center official and being removed from his seat during the 12th-ranked Spartans’ 80-51 win over Southern California on Monday.
Davis addressed his actions with reporters and expressed regret Tuesday, less than 24 hours after he was accosted by an officer and asked to be escorted away from his seat near the courthouse.
Davis said he apologized to Officer Jeffrey Anderson during a conversation Tuesday. He said he was sorry for distracting Michigan State’s players during their strong start to the season. Davis also apologized to Michigan State fans at the game, those watching on television, parents and children, as well as for not being a role model.
Davis called Michigan State coach Tom Izzo several hours after the game and wanted to publicly address his mistake. Izzo coached Davis when he played for the Spartans more than 20 years ago.
With more than six minutes left and the Spartans leading the Trojans 67–46, television cameras showed Izzo yelling at Davis on the court after officials stopped the game.
“What are you doing,” Izzo yelled.
Izzo said after the game that Davis was one of his favorite guys.
“He’s always calling and working, but what he said should never be said to the world,” Izzo said. “It bothered me.”
Davis, 41, played for Michigan State from 2002 to 2006 and was a three-year starter. His career averages were 13.2 points and seven rebounds, including 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in his senior season. He played in the NBA with the LA Clippers from 2006 to 2009 and the Washington Wizards in 2009–10.
