Geno Auriemma Embarrasses UConn With Dawn Staley 'Handshake' Meltdown
OutKick • • general
Key Points:
- UConn coach Geno Auriemma was visibly upset during their Women's Final Four semifinal loss to South Carolina, focusing on a missed pregame handshake from South Carolina's Dawn Staley rather than the team's on-court performance.
- Auriemma also criticized officials and Staley's sideline behavior, suggesting a double standard in how coaches are allowed to interact with referees during the game.
- An incident involving UConn player Sarah Strong ripping her own jersey added to Auriemma's frustration, though he initially seemed unclear about the details during his postgame comments.
- The handshake controversy, which involved a second ceremonial handshake that Staley allegedly missed, overshadowed South Carolina's dominant performance and became the main narrative from Auriemma's perspective.
- Critics viewed Auriemma's focus on the handshake and officiating as an embarrassing distraction from South Carolina's victory, with the Gamecocks advancing to the national title game against UCLA.
