USA Today spoke with Dick Vitale, who had something to say about the rumor that Tom Izzo might leave Michigan State to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“Tom Izzo will not leave the sideline for the Spartans (to take the Cleveland Cavaliers job). Why in the world, if you are an elite coach making millions, would you want three seasons in one, why would you want to go coach a hundred games and go where you could tarnish your resume. Just ask (Rick) Pitino, (John) Calipari…I don’t care if he has LeBron James, he is going to get fired in the NBA. A guy (Cavaliers coach Mike Brown) goes (61-21) and he gets fired.”

Why isn’t Izzo denouncing the rumors?

“Let’s face reality. It is a great way to get more money where you are at. It is a great way to have yourself stroked, we all want to feel love. What does he lose?”

Makes sense to me. I don’t see Izzo leaving unless there’s a guarantee that LeBron re-signs with the Cavs. Even so, it’s still a long shot.

Meanwhile, Waiting For Next Year claims to have a source that says Izzo has already told his players that he’s leaving for Cleveland, while Brian Windhorst (of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer) and Jeff Goodman (of FoxSports) both shot down the rumor.

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