Jeremy Fears Jr. has led Michigan State to a strong 8-1 start in the 2025-26 season. With standout games against Top 25 teams like Arkansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina, the 6’2″ sophomore averages 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.7 steals, establishing himself as a key playmaker for the Spartans.
Following this strong start, Michigan State’s streak against ranked teams came to an end with a loss to Duke. In that game, Fears struggled offensively but contributed six points and 13 assists. However, his first-half actions, where he encouraged the crowd to heckle Duke rookie Cam Boozer, overshadowed his on-court performance and drew criticism for escalating the hostility.
Fans Express Displeasure Over Jeremy Fears Jr.’s Attempt To Hype Up NSFW Chants Against Duke Forward Cam Boozer
The Michigan State-Duke showdown took place at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, giving the Spartans a home crowd advantage. The Blue Devils struggled in the first half as Michigan State’s forwards clamped down on Boozer, prompting fans to heckle the 6’9″ freshman with chants from the start of the game.
Instead of addressing the crowd’s behavior, he responded by gesturing to the fans, encouraging a louder reaction throughout the arena and on television. Some fans who prioritize sportsmanship expressed their disappointment with the Michigan State guard’s response, sharing their opinions on social media and describing the behavior as unsportsmanlike.
“Michigan State fans chat ‘F*ck Cam Boozer.’ Mind y’all he’s a 18 year old kid! It’s one thing to chant “overrated”, but come on now! And what a classes (classless) act of Fears to hype it up! TAKE THAT “L” loser,” the fan wrote.
A displeased basketball follower wondered if Michigan State coach Tom Izzo addressed the unsportsmanlike act after the game or let Fears move on from that.
“I’m really surprised Izzo let his point guard act like that, getting soft,” the user wrote.
Fans believed Fears’ actions would cost him in the future with one college basketball enthusiast saying: “Poor play. Now this video will haunt him forever.”
“You would think he has to embarrassed that most likely said video will likely be his legacy….eeek,” another fan chimed in.
MORE: Cameron Boozer Draws Big Praise From Tom Izzo After Leading Duke Past Michigan State
Meanwhile, a fan pointed out that Fears shouldn’t stoop down to the level of the unruly fans who tried to get inside Boozer’s mind. He should’ve acted maturely by addressing them to halt such chants and exercise sportsmanship.
“They lost. Fans are fans and often not nice or classy. Your point is a great one, these are kids. Kids. Folks should remember that,” the college hoops enthusiast said.
A girls’ and AAU basketball coach gave his take on the matter and noted former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski wouldn’t let the Cameron Crazies (the Blue Devils’ fan section known for their elaborate costumes and creative chants against the opposing team) perform that unethical behavior.
“Coach K never allowed that behavior toward other players. He didn’t allow it towards the officials and towards opposing coaches. I’m surprised Izzo didn’t shut it down. Crazies crossed the line at times, but they were creative and not crass,” he wrote.
Fears’s Lackluster Offensive Showing Costs Michigan State Its Unbeaten Record
Fears Jr. gave his best in the assists department for Michigan State. However, he struggled offensively, missing all 10 of his shots from the field. If he had missed his six free throws, he might have faced even more criticism for drawing such attention.
Fears will have a chance to redeem himself on Saturday, December 13, when the Spartans visit Penn State in a Big Ten Conference clash at Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania. The Nittany Lions are 8-1 and will provide a tough test to Michigan State, which outplayed Iowa, 71-52, on December 2 in its first Big Ten Conference game.
