UConn Coach Geno Auriemma Apologized on Saturday After Incident With Dawn Staley

It was the viral moment that unfortunately overshadowed the Gamecocks huge win over UConn that punched their ticket to the NCAA championship game. The Huskies’ coach, Geno Auriemma exchanged words with Dawn Staley in the final seconds of South Carolina and UConn’s Final Four matchup. Auriemma then proceeded to leave his team on the court while he went to the locker room after the game’s conclusion. Not a good look or a proper showing of sportsmanship. However, the following day UConn Huskie’s head coach Geno Auriemma apologized on Saturday after this incident with Dawn Staley.

Geno originally told the press that the heated exchange was due to a lack of a handshake from Coach Staley and because one of his players had their jersey torn by a South Carolina opponent. However, from footage obtained and shared by ESPN a much different narrative emerged. UConn’s Sarah Strong had ripped her own clothing out of frustration and Dawn Staley had indeed shaken the hand of Auriemma and his entire staff before the game commenced.

Nevertheless, after the moment had passed and the heat of the moment was over. Auriemma must’ve reflected on how he handled his team’s loss to the Gamecocks and wanted to clear the air. UConn coach Geno Auriemma issued an apology on Saturday morning apologizing how he acted towards South Carolina.

Here is Geno Auriemma’s statement following his exchange with Dawn Staley at the end of UConn’s loss to the Gamecocks:

“There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina. It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina.

It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them.”

UConn Coach Geno Auriemma Apologized on Saturday After Incident With Dawn Staley

Geno Auriemma’s meltdown after UConn’s 62-48 loss did not lead to his finest hour. Fans and media personalities as well as journalists debated for hours as to whether or not Geno’s actions were justified or classless. From the fact that Auriemma chose to offer up an apology hours later, obviously he personally also felt his actions were not proper or appropriate.

Hopefully, this much needed apology from Geno begins to get wheels turning to start soothing the situation, although most likely Staley and South Carolina will not soon forget. Their big moment was stolen so it is understandable if they do not appreciate what occurred. However, the Gamecocks have more important matters to attend to tomorrow. They will face UCLA as they vie for another title. Wish the Lady Gamecocks the best.

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