BREAKING: Michigan State Fires Athletic Director for Embezzlement, Names Tom Izzo Co-Interim AD Amid Crisis
By Adam Rittenberg | ESPN Senior Writer | May 5, 2025
EAST LANSING, Mich. — In a thunderbolt announcement that has rocked the Big Ten and the entire college athletics world, Michigan State University has terminated Athletic Director Malcolm Rollins for embezzlement involving over $11 million in misappropriated athletic funds.
And in an even more shocking twist—legendary men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo has been named co-interim athletic director in an emergency appointment aimed at stabilizing a department in disarray.
The Embezzlement Scandal
University officials confirmed that Rollins, who had served as AD since 2022, is under criminal investigation by both the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and federal authorities. A months-long internal audit reportedly revealed a web of falsified facility invoices, unauthorized bonuses, and ghost consulting contracts linked to shell companies in Arizona and Nevada.
“This is not just a breach of trust,” interim university president Dr. Melissa Chang said at a tense press briefing. “This is an assault on the integrity of Spartan athletics. And we will hold every party accountable.”
Sources say Rollins has already vacated his office and is expected to face formal charges within the week. Several lower-level administrators have been placed on leave pending further investigation.
Enter Tom Izzo: A Spartan in the Storm
In a move no one saw coming, Michigan State turned to the most iconic figure in its modern sports history: Tom Izzo. The 70-year-old Hall of Fame basketball coach, known for his firebrand leadership and ironclad loyalty to the school, will now serve as co-interim AD alongside Deputy Athletic Director Carla Andrews.
“I didn’t ask for this,” Izzo said during a hastily assembled press conference. “But when Michigan State calls, I answer. I bleed green. And I’m going to help clean this up.”
Izzo will retain his role as head coach of the men’s basketball team, though sources suggest Associate Head Coach Dwayne Stephens will take on more day-to-day duties.
His new responsibilities include oversight of ongoing audits, hiring reviews, and restoring faith in an athletics department now under intense national scrutiny.
Shock and Fallout
The embezzlement scandal has already sparked outrage among students, alumni, and donors. Spartan Stadium banners were seen covered in black cloth this morning. One booster group has paused a $3 million pledge until transparency is restored.
Former Michigan State linebacker and ESPN analyst Marcus Spears didn’t hold back:
> “This is a disgrace. But if there’s one man who can rally that school back from the edge, it’s Tom Izzo. He’s the moral compass of that place.”
What Comes Next
Michigan State has launched an independent review led by former NCAA investigator Linda Tavarez. In the meantime, Izzo and Andrews will guide the department through one of the darkest chapters in its history.
“I’m not here for politics,” Izzo said. “I’m here to protect the culture we built—one that Rollins tried to sell for profit. Not on my watch.”
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The legend who built Spartan pride on the hardwood now has a new court to defend—this time, it’s the entire soul of Michigan State athletics.
