Dawn Staley says it is time to move past Final Four skirmish with Geno Auriemma
nbcsports.com • • sports
Key Points:
- South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has called for moving past the Final Four incident with UConn coach Geno Auriemma, emphasizing respect for his contributions to the game.
- Staley and Auriemma have spoken since South Carolina’s 62-48 win over UConn, and she highlighted the importance of focusing on advancing women’s basketball rather than dwelling on the confrontation.
- Auriemma issued a public apology for his behavior during the semifinal game, acknowledging that his actions were uncalled for and expressing regret for how he handled the situation.
- The incident occurred in the final seconds of the game, requiring intervention from coaches on both sides, and Auriemma did not participate in the customary postgame handshake with South Carolina.
- Staley’s statement encourages the basketball community to refocus on growth, opportunity, and elevating the sport, underscoring her ongoing mission beyond the controversy.
