Tom Izzo: Kevin Guskiewicz staying at MSU is a ‘moment for unity’

Monday’s news that Guskiewicz is reneging on Clemson’s presidency to stay in East Lansing must have thrilled the hall of fame basketball coach.

In a statement released by Michigan State, Izzo called for a “moment of unity” among members of the Michigan State community now that Guskiewicz is staying on as president. 

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“As President Guskiewicz reaffirms his commitment to Michigan State University, this is a chance for every Spartan to do the same,” Izzo said in the statement. “For the 600,000 living alums, and everyone who calls themselves a Spartan, this is a moment for unity.

“Growth requires new ideas and allows for different perspectives, but we all must share a singular purpose of making Michigan State the greatest possible university it can be. It’s a responsibility we owe Spartans past, present, and future.”

Izzo, 71, is entering his 32nd year as head coach of Michigan State’s men’s basketball team, where he’s the Big Ten’s winningest coach in history and one of the sport’s old-guard leaders. At Michigan State, he’s also the figurehead of the athletics department, and with that carries a rallying cry.

So on the same day, June 15, that athletic director J Batt announced his departure for Kentucky following Guskiewicz’s expected departure for Clemson, Izzo shared his concerns with what he called “self-inflicted” damages that left him “disgusted.” He called on 600,000 living alumni to come together.

“There’s people way above where I’m at that gotta get straightened out what their fiduciary responsibility is,” Izzo told reporters June 15, following a press conference to announce jersey patches on the Spartans’ uniforms.

“I thought it was to move this university forward. Like Jud told me, you’ll never be bigger than the program. There’ll be no president, trustee, AD or basketball coach bigger than the university. I’ve always looked at my goal, I don’t just care about basketball. I care about athletics. I care about this university. And that’s what we’re supposed to do. I thought. That’s been challenged a little bit.”

Guskiewicz accepted the presidency at Clemson on May 27 after a rift between himself and three trustees — Rema Vassar, D-Detroit; Dennis Denno, D-East Lansing; and Mike Balow, R-Plymouth — sprung up around disagreements over transparency and dissent.

After Batt’s departure, Izzo said he hadn’t given up hope that Guskiewicz could return — “Until he’s gone, I always have hope. I’d give my right arm, he could have my salary, I’d do whatever,” Izzo said.

Izzo’s wife, Lupe, and the Izzo Legacy Foundation also led a campaign thanking Guskiewicz for his two years of service. 

The efforts to keep Guskiewicz in place worked, in the end. Now, Izzo is calling for unity after a messy summer of uncertainty.

“Over the last several weeks, whether it’s been in conversations with Spartans, articles I’ve read or interviews I’ve listened to, I’ve been amazed at the widespread support for Kevin Guskiewicz,” Izzo said in Monday’s statement. “Even individuals who held different ideas spoke highly of his performance as president.

“In more than two years here in East Lansing, President Guskiewicz has demonstrated exceptional commitment to our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community.

“Although I’ve always believed that no one individual is larger than the program or the University, strong leadership matters greatly.

“The progress we’ve made as a university and the philanthropic support shown by our donors are evidence of momentum and belief in our future under his leadership.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Tom Izzo: Kevin Guskiewicz staying at MSU is a ‘moment for unity’