Finally, a sports story about loyalty instead of greed

Let’s face it, sometimes people in sports disappoint us with their greed, lack of loyalty and overblown egos. In that last few years we have watched the soap operas of Kobe Bryant raping someone and buying his way out of it, Reggie Theus screwing over the New Mexico State Aggies to bolt for the NBA only to fail miserably and Jose Conseco exposing what we all knew all along about the rampant steroid use in the majors. A lot of people in sports—despite their talent— are nothing but scumbags.

And then there’s Tom Izzo, head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball team.

Izzo this week turned down a lucrative coaching job with the Cleveland Cavaliers to remain as head coach of the Spartans. Media reports say that Izzo turned down a $6 million five-year deal, which would essentially double his salary at Michigan State.

The uncertain future of LeBron James played a role in Izzo’s decision, but with or without James, $30 million is a lot to walk away from. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a capitalist and I’m all for making as much money as I can. I certainly don’t begrudge anyone else that right either. But there’s something to be said for taking loyalty into consideration and not making decisions based only on the bottom line. Remember, this is not the first NBA coaching job Izzo has turned down. About ten years ago he was offered the head coaching job with the Atlanta Hawks.

Izzo is one of the greatest coaches in college basketball, but history has proven that many college coaches have a difficult time making the jump from the NCAA to the pros. John Calipari and Rick Pitino are legends in the college basketball ranks, but their NBA careers were marred with controversy and not a lot of wins. It remains to be seen if Izzo will have success in the NBA and I’m sure at some point we will find out. But for now Michigan State fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Izzo’s loyalty and humility should serve as a roadmap of how to earn the respect of sports fans everywhere. Kobe Bryant, Tito Ortiz and the rest of these greedy egomanics can learn a lesson from Izzo. Will they? I doubt it. But a guy like Izzo makes me hopeful that someday they might.

~Tip

Tippy is the Heavy Hands blogger and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .