UConn Huskies women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma continues to receive backlash for his behavior towards South Carolina coach Dawn Staley after their Final Four showdown. Both of them got into a heated verbal altercation during the postgame handshake after he said something to his counterpart that did not sit well with her.
Despite apologizing for the incident through an official statement, fans are still calling out Auriemma. On Monday, renowned television arbitrator Judge Mathis made some serious accusations against the UConn coach. According to Mathis, Auriemma wanted to break the spirit of South Carolina players, which affected their performance in the championship game against UCLA.
“I wanted to comment on this weekend’s assault against a black woman on the basketball court, against Dawn Staley,” Mathis said. “A hero, a black hero, female, a South Carolina coach, was verbally assaulted by the Connecticut coach at the end of the game after losing by a big margin.”
“He claims that she didn’t shake his hand, and that’s why he verbally assaulted her. The fact is, you verbally abused a black woman. And we shouldn’t stand for that without having to say something. This is symbolic of what happens too much in America, that is, abusing black women,” he added.
“We have to protect our sisters. This coach called Geno something; he should be told that he cannot disrespect our women. And what was the result, unfortunately, I’m sure he broke the spirit of some of those players, and they lost in the championship. Perhaps that’s what he was trying to do. Distract them so they wouldn’t be at their best and play in the national championship,” Mathis concluded.
After beating Geno Auriemma and UConn in the Final Four, Dawn Staley failed to win her fourth national title with South Carolina. They suffered a 79-51 loss at the hands of UCLA, who made history by winning their first women’s basketball championship.
Dawn Staley sets the record straight with Geno Auriemma
During the postgame presser after losing to UCLA, Dawn Staley said she would address the Geno Auriemma situation on a later date. On Wednesday, she released an official statement providing an update on her relationship with the UConn coach and the whole drama.
“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,” she said.
“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,” she added.
Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks ended their 2025-26 campaign with a 36-4 (15-1 SEC) record.
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