Hurley Defends 'Classy' Geno Auriemma After Handshake Meltdown With Dawn Staley
OutKick • • sports
Key Points:
- UConn women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma sparked controversy after the team's loss to South Carolina by publicly complaining about a perceived slight involving a pregame handshake with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley.
- Auriemma claimed he waited for a handshake at midcourt that never happened, shifting attention away from South Carolina's victory and drawing criticism for appearing unsportsmanlike.
- UConn released a statement from Auriemma apologizing for overshadowing the game but did not directly mention Staley, which did little to quell the backlash.
- In contrast, UConn men's coach Dan Hurley defended Auriemma after UConn's win over Illinois, praising him as a classy and genuine person despite the recent controversy.
- The incident has sparked a national conversation about sportsmanship, with many questioning Auriemma's actions and whether Hurley's support will ease the criticism.
