The 2024-25 SEC Tournament for women’s college basketball is in full swing. Last year’s final, which involved a matchup between South Carolina and LSU, ended in controversy. It had nothing to do with the Gamecocks winning the game, 79-72. Instead, it had to do with South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso’s fourth-quarter brawl with LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson.
SEC Tournament Drama: Kamilla Cardoso’s Controversial Clash With Flau’jae Johnson
The 6-foot-8 guard pushed down Johnson, who is 5-foot-10, during a bench-clearing scuffle.
A clip from the postgame conference was shared on X (formerly Twitter), showing LSU head coach Kim Mulkey saying Cardoso should have picked someone of her own size, like former LSU star Angel Reese.
“I wish she would have pushed Angel Reese. … You 6’8”, don’t push somebody that little.”
Kim Mulkey speaks after Kamilla Cardoso pushed Flau’jae Johnson in LSU-SC scuffle 😳 pic.twitter.com/AOUaVlrbKS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 10, 2024
“No one wants to be a part of that. No one wants to see that ugliness. But I’ll tell you this: I wish she [Cardoso] would have pushed Angel Reese. Don’t push a kid. You’re 6’8, don’t push somebody that little. That was uncalled for, in my opinion. Let those two girls that were jawing, let them go at it,” Mulkey said.
Cardoso was eventually sent off for her role in the brawl, meaning she would miss the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Kamilla Cardoso Apologizes for Scuffle With Flau’Jae Johnson in South Carolina Win vs. LSU
South Carolina defeated LSU in a clash of SEC giants in the conference’s final on March 10, 2024. But Cardoso’s fight with Johnson was the center of attention in the matchup.
Following the fight that resulted in her ejection from the court, Cardoso released a statement on social media, apologizing for her conduct.
I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions during today’s game. My behavior was not representative of who I am as a person or the South Carolina program, and I deeply regret any discomfort or inconvenience it may have caused. I take full responsibility for my…
— Kamilla_Cardoso (@Kamillascsilva) March 10, 2024
“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions during today’s game,” Cardoso wrote. “My behavior was not representative of who I am as a person or the South Carolina program, and I deeply regret any discomfort or inconvenience it may have caused. I take full responsibility for my actions and assure you that I am committed to conducting myself with the utmost respect and sportsmanship in the future.”
The tussle began with Johnson exchanging words with South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins due to the Tiger star’s fourth-quarter transition foul on Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley.
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However, Cardoso stepped in with the shove, which led to Johnson’s brother stepping onto the court. He was reportedly escorted out of the premises in handcuffs afterward.
According to The Advocate’s Reed Darcey, Johnson’s brother was not arrested; he was merely escorted out of the building.
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