Staley urges past Auriemma dispute, focuses on growth
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- Dawn Staley said she spoke with Geno Auriemma and urged everyone to "turn the page" after their midcourt argument at the Final Four.
- Dawn Staley praised Auriemma's impact on women's basketball, stating that one moment doesn't define a career.
- Geno Auriemma approached Staley for a postgame handshake in the waning seconds of UConn's 62-48 semifinal loss, then angrily confronted her before they were separated.
- Geno Auriemma later apologized to South Carolina staff, acknowledging his reaction was uncalled for and should not distract from the team's performance.
- South Carolina lost 79-51 to UCLA in the national championship game following the semifinal.
Why it matters: By urging fans and officials to set aside the semifinal feud, Staley and Auriemma aim to keep the spotlight on women’s basketball development, preserving the sport’s reputation and opening space for continued investment and player opportunities while preventing the controversy from detracting from South Carolina’s championship performance.
