Ex-MSU star Paul Davis apologizes for verbally abusing ref

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Former Michigan State and NBA player Paul Davis apologized for verbally abusing an official at the Breslin Center and being removed from his seat during the 12th-ranked Spartans’ 80-51 victory over USC on Monday.

Davis addressed his actions with reporters and expressed remorse Tuesday, less than 24 hours after an official pointed him out and asked for him to be escorted from his seat near the court.

“I’m up here to take accountability — to own it,” he told reporters before coach Tom Izzo’s news conference.

Davis said he apologized to official Jeffrey Anderson during a call Tuesday.

“Short conversation, but an amazing conversation,” Davis said. “Amazing guy.”

Davis said he was sorry for being a distraction for Michigan State’s players during their strong start this season and for taking away from USC’s experience. Davis also apologized to Michigan State fans at the game and watching on television, the university, along with parents and kids for not being a role model.

Davis called Izzo several hours after the game and wanted to publicly address his mistake.

“It kind of went global,” said Izzo, who coached Davis when he played for the Spartans 20 years ago.

With six-plus minutes left and the Spartans leading the Trojans 67-46, television cameras showed Izzo shouting across the court at Davis after the officials stopped the game.

“What are you doing?” Izzo screamed.

Izzo said after the game that Davis was one of his favorite guys.

“He’s always calling and doing things, but what he said, he should never say in the world,” Izzo said. “That ticked me off.”

The 41-year-old Davis played for Michigan State from 2002 to 2006 and was a three-year starter. He had career averages of 13.2 points and 7 rebounds, including 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds his senior season.

“You’re a basketball player when you’re here, and you’re an ambassador when you leave,” Davis said.

Davis played in the NBA with the LA Clippers from 2006 to 2009 and the Washington Wizards in 2009-10.