Izzo Turns Down Cavs To Stay At MSU

Now that Tom Izzo has decided to remain at Michigan State, the Breslin Center will continue to house the Spartan student section, affectionately dubbed the "Izzone." (Photo courtesy of CBS Sports)

After over a week of deliberation, Tom Izzo has finally reached a verdict in his personal trial, and for Michigan State fans, the coach has been acquitted.

That's because Izzo turned down the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier tonight to remain in East Lansing, where he has resided since 1983 as an assistant to Jud Heathcote before becoming the head coach of the Spartans. A press conference is currently underway to confirm Izzo's commitment to Sparty.

Izzo is no stranger to NBA temptation, as he declined an offer to coach the Atlanta Hawks in 2000 after guiding Michigan State to a national championship. It is widely speculated that the uncertain future of Cavaliers star LeBron James was among the many factors in Izzo's decision to stay where he was, as James will become a free agent on July 1st. Although the odds of the NBA's two-time reigning Most Valuable Player returning to Cleveland are not exactly very favorable, Izzo said via a press release that he "hopes a 6-8, 270-pound forward in Cleveland decides to stay home," a reference to James potentially re-signing with the Cavaliers. Izzo also praised Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, a Michigan State alum who reached out to Izzo shortly after deciding to part ways with former coach Mike Brown, for his class and professionalism.

Izzo will undoubtedly have a national championship contender taking the court at the Breslin Center next season, as the Spartans return everyone from last year's Final Four team except for now-graduated forward Raymar Morgan. Point guard Kalin Lucas is among the many returning for a senior season; and he is steadily progressing in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon that was surgically repaired, something Izzo can look forward to with pleasure after proclaiming that he is "here for life at Michigan State."

With a guarantee like that, the already prosperous Spartan life has only become more fruitful and promising, with great anticipation of an already bright future in East Lansing.