The Michigan State Spartans have sent out a press release announcing Tom Izzo's decision to forego the Cleveland Cavaliers offer to become their next head coach and instead will remain in Lansing.
Izzo's comments in the release make it seem like his decision truly wasn't an easy process.
"It's been an agonizing week as I tried to make a decision about a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I apologize for the time the process has taken, but sometimes there are opportunities that come about that must be thoroughly examined. I'm no different than any other successful coach in that I've had multiple inquiries before, but this one was uniquely intriguing. There was a lot of information to gather and consider and some of it wasn't easily obtainable. But when making a life decision, I owed it to myself and my family to do my due diligence. From that I never wavered. And I'm pleased to say I am here for life at Michigan State.
"Throughout the entire process, Dan Gilbert and the entire Cleveland organization has been nothing but class. His professionalism and caring nature for me, my family and Michigan State have been impressive. I wish him nothing but the best in his quest to win a world championship. Just as I decided to stay home, I hope a 6-8, 270-pound forward in Cleveland decides to stay home.
Regarding that last sentence, it seems Mr. LeBron James didn't give him any sort of clear indication that he'll be staying in Cleveland.
This coincides with various internet reports, specifically the Plain-Dealer's Brian Windhorst.
It is official, Izzo to stay at MSU. Makes perfect sense w/o LeBron commitment. Moral: Hard to leave home, even if it means doubling salary.
When #Cavs fired Mike Brown they knew they were behind 8 ball b/c of LeBron uncertainty. Gilbert tried to swing for fence w/ $. Didn't work.