South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley released a statement Tuesday addressing her heated exchange with UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma in the Final Four on Friday.
She revealed that she has spoken to Auriemma since the interaction and wants everyone to move on from it.
“I spoke with Geno, and I want to be clear — I have a great deal of respect for him and what he’s meant to this game. One moment doesn’t define a career, and it doesn’t change the impact he’s had on growing women’s basketball,” Staley said in the statement. “The standard at UConn is what it is because of him, and that’s something this game has benefited from.”
“So, I’m asking everyone to turn the page. Let’s refocus on what matters most — continuing to elevate our game, creating opportunities and pushing it forward.”
Just before Staley’s Gamecocks upset the undefeated Huskies in the Final Four, Auriemma approached Staley to shake hands, but quickly became heated and appeared to be berating Staley.
Auriemma had to be pulled away from the interaction as the rival coaches argued with each other on the sideline.
He later released an apology to South Carolina, but never named Staley in the statement. It now appears that both of them are ready to move forward and look ahead to next season.
James Parker contributed to this story.
