Mick Cronin addresses potential suspension for Sebastian Mack

UCLA was last seen on the court Sunday, taking on Utah at Pauley Pavillion. While the Bruins were on a six-game winning streak, Mick Cronin saw the good run come to an end with a one-point loss. Sebastian Mack was also lost during the game thanks to being called for a Flagrant 2 foul.

Utah was taking the ball up the court and center Branden Carlson went to set a pick. Mack was there to meet him around the mid-court logo but went high with his arm and caught Carlson around the chin/neck area. The officials reviewed the play and determined Mack needed to be ejected.

Heading into Saturday’s game against USC, Cronin was asked if there was going to be a suspension for Mack. He expects to have Mack available against the Trojans.

“Unless you know something that I don’t know,” Cronin said.

With no suspension likely coming, Cronin decided to use the moment as a teaching lesson for his entire team, not just Mack. Examples of what’s allowed within the rules were shown and vice versa. Mack seemingly understands where he messed up.

“He had his arm up,” Cronin said. “Which he knows. We’ve discussed and he understands. It is what it is. It’s over, he made a mistake. He’s a young kid. We move on. So, can’t put your arm up. Once you put your arm up, then it gets to a point of flagrant. Your arm is down, you’re getting screened hard, it’s a different story. You can’t put your arm up.

“So, we showed him and the whole team film of guys doing it right and doing it wrong. So, I just try to teach.”

Cronin was then asked if the play from Mack was a dirty one, not taking a side. He believes people from the outside will share their opinions. People who have “competed” will be on one side, while others will maybe go against Mack.

“I don’t even go there,” Cronin said. “Because what I would say to you is — there were other plays in that game too from the other team. So, teams compete. That’s for you guys to decide. I try to go through the teaching aspect like I went through. Everybody will draw their own conclusions on that.

“People that have competed will probably have a different opinion than some who have competed. Who’s right, who’s wrong? He understands that he was wrong. Like I said, we use it as a teaching moment.”