Michigan center Hunter Dickinson denounces comparison of Tom Izzo, Adolf Hitler

Michigan star Hunter Dickinson is a regular guest on “The Roundball” podcast from Barstool Sports, even joining the program this week. He’s also part of the reason the network deleted an episode following some controversial comments.

On a prior episode of the podcast, a host compared Michigan State coach Tom Izzo to Adolf Hitler. That comment didn’t sit well with Dickinson, who has been outspoken with his respect for the legendary Spartans headman.

That’s why he distanced himself from the comment, and Barstool pulled the episodes from podcast platforms, YouTube and the clips from Twitter.

“We talked about it, and we came together and said that’s something we can’t say,” Dickinson told the Associated Press’ Larry Lage. “We fully understand that. I don’t associate myself with that comment. I have a lot of respect for Tom Izzo.”

Dickinson said he couldn’t remember if he was on the episode in question or not, but reaffirmed the comments didn’t align with his views if he did make an appearance. That’s why he wanted to get out in front of it and make it clear he had nothing to do with the remarks.

He also doesn’t want to hear any more mentions of Hitler on the show.

“There won’t be any more Hitler comments going forward, especially about Tom Izzo,” Dickinson said. “Especially with recent events with popular figures, that’s not who I am.”

Dickinson, one of the midseason Top 25 selections for the Wooden Award, made waves with his comments about Wisconsin on the podcast earlier this week. The last time the Badgers and Wolverines faced off, it ended with a melee that saw Juwan Howard strike a Wisconsin assistant coach in the process.

He said the Wolverines remember how things ended the last time, and he made his thoughts clear on the Badgers ahead of next month’s rematch.

“Wisconsin, though … they’re scumbags,” Dickinson said. “That’s what it is. It’s what it is. … They’re just scumbags. Nothing I could say about Wisconsin is going to fire up the matchup even more, so it’s like, it already is what it is. But yeah. They’re scumbags.”

Wednesday night, Dickinson played a key role in helping Michigan to a 79-69 victory over Penn State at the Crisler Center. He had a team-high 17 points to lead the Wolverines to the win while also playing through a bloody nose, which he suffered while going for a key block in the second half.