Michigan State has one of the coolest traditions in college basketball, and they have their rivals to thank for it. 

There are a ton of great Detroit sports traditions. Octopuses being thrown on the ice during Red Wings games. The Lions touchdown song. The Big House signing Mr. Brightside (even if it was technically stolen from Boston College). Michigan State basketball seniors kissing the logo in the final seconds of senior night is up there and that’s not up for debate.

Admittedly, growing up, I thought every school did this. I figured it was how every team and fans send off their seniors and thank them all the hard work they’ve put in over the 4 years. It’s that cool. Eventually I found out that MSU is one of the only schools to do this, and the legend around how it started is just as cool. 

As the story goes, back in the ‘90s, a Michigan player, some reports being Jalen Rose, some saying it was Juwan Howard, rubbed their ass across the mid-court Spartan logo. A few seasons later, in 1995, as senior and Big Ten Player of the Year Shawn Respert was coming off the floor one final time, he knelt down and kissed the logo to show he didn’t give a fuck about what Michigan does. He had given his all to MSU. 

Every Spartan senior since that moment has done the same. Nationally, players, opposing coaches, and announcers all know of the tradition. Taking a moment for the players to take it all in and enjoy the fans one last time is awesome. Hell, if I were another school, you better believe I’d try and copy something like that. 

Now, my original plan while watching Michigan State cruise to a win on Senior Night was to highlight the tradition, and only the tradition. After all, it’s known to be one of the best in collegiate sports. But then we had the scuffle at mid-court that took some attention away from the seniors.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t bring it up so here’s my quick thoughts on the extra curriculars. 

1. As already mentioned, MSU wouldn’t have the tradition Michigan was protesting against if the Wolverines didn’t do what they did in the 90’s. 
2. You can see in the video, Tre Holloman and Jaden Akins both asked Michigan’s LJ Cason and Phat Phat Brooks (All-Name Team btw) to move. They didn’t, so Tre then forcibly moved them. 
3. I appreciate Tre’s passion and looking out for his seniors, but even after they were moved, Tre Holloman kept jawing from the bench, continuing to take attention from the seniors. At that point, he’s gotta be better and let it go. 
4. Dusty Mays’ comments after were incredibly soft. Either back your players and fuel the rivalry, or let it known you disagreed with your players actions, and it will be handled internally. Show some conviction rather than vaguely playing both sides. 
5. Exactly the same as when OSU started a fight after their loss against Michigan during the football season, if you don’t like the tradition, take the air out of the building by winning. Don’t get dog walked for 40 minutes and then try to be big and bad. 

Scuffle or not, Michigan State has one of the coolest traditions in all of sports. In an age of the One-And-Done, watching all four year Spartan greats get their chance to be apart of something so cool is amazing.