Dawn Staley says she spoke with Geno Auriemma, urges fans to 'turn the page' after heated postgame exchange
Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma have apparently buried the hatchet.
South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley is urging college fans to move on following a heated, verbal exchange with UConn coach Geno Auriemma after the two teams met in the Final Four. In a statement Tuesday, Staley said she spoke with Auriemma and wants everyone to “turn the page” on the incident. In the statement, Staley praised Auriemma’s contributions to the game, adding, “I have a great deal of respect for him and what he’s meant to this game.
” Staley’s full statement read : “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. 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. “That’s always been my mission and it’s not changing.
” Staley and Auriemma were thrust into the spotlight following South Carolina’s 62-48 win over UConn in the Final Four on Friday. With the contest just about over, Auriemma approached Staley to shake her hand. He exchanged words with Staley, which then resulted in a heated, verbal argument between the two .