Tom Izzo addresses people that point out his negative mood too much: 'You're damn right'

Tom Izzo didn’t deny any negative attitude he put forth amid wins and losses for Michigan State. Following a semifinal loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament, Izzo was certainly negative about a missed opportunity.

It’s about the standard he’s set in East Lansing. Yes, Izzo has only won it all once with Michigan State. But there’s a consistency to maintain.

So anytime Michigan State falls short, Izzo makes it known. He embraced that type of villain role.

“It’s just a never-ending battle where I’ve heard a lot of people in the media, I’ve heard a lot of parents over my 30 years, I’ve heard a lot of players, you’re never happy,” Izzo said following the semifinal loss. “You’re damn right. I don’t plan on being happy until we accomplish what I think Michigan State University should accomplish.”

Yes, Izzo was a bit of a grouch, as usual. But the Michigan State coach put the onus on him and they’ll need some improvements if there’s going to be a long run in March.

“I guess number one on the list, I’ve got to do a better job, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart,” said Izzo. “So there will be a staff meeting tonight, and we’ll talk about it while it’s fresh.

“That’s another thing that I think, everybody wants a cooling off period. Why? Our locker room is open. 30 years, the minute the game’s over, locker room is open. If they can’t handle the heat, then they shouldn’t be in the kitchen, right? Even you media people that I don’t like half the time, I let you in because I think that’s all part of the deal. Just like if I make mistakes, that’s part of the deal. I got to get better, they got to get better. We will get better.”

The game was tough, since Michigan State controlled most of the first half and traded runs with Wisconsin in the second. Izzo chalked it up to the Badgers just playing a little bit better.

“But we did not quit. We did come back,” Izzo said. “We played a helluva team right to the end. It had to be a great game for TV with seven turnovers for each team or some missed shots because both teams guarded. They’ve got a damn good coach, and I think they’ll go a long ways in that tournament in a week.”