With Mounting Tension Between LSU and South Carolina, A’ja Wilson Takes Matter in Her Own Hands

The basketball world was shocked when a brawl broke out between Louisiana State University Lady Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks during the SEC Championship Game. The altercation featured some exceptionally talented players like LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson and Gamecocks’ Kamilla Cardoso and MiLaysia Fulwiley. The event caught the eyeballs of fans of both teams as the authorities had to come in between to separate the two teams and pacify things.

Both the head coaches Kim Mulkey and Dawn Staley had their own reactions to the brawl. While Staley apologized for the fight, Mulkey was concerned that Johnson fell on the floor. And now Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson has an important message for all.

What did Wilson say?

Taking cognizance of the scuffle, Wilson took to X and put the sport above all the players stating, “All this engagement around the game is great! It’s the growth everyone been waiting on! The conversation is always fun (when it’s respectful lol) BUT let’s not get lost in the sauce… at the end of the day, toss the rock up and hoop that’s what truly matters.”

As per ESPN, Johnson had fouled Fulwiley. The game was stopped but Johnson then pushed Gamecocks’ star Ashlyn Watkins. Cardoso immediately came for her team players and pushed Fulwiley to the ground. Most of the players of both teams came in for the altercation and had to be separated with the help of match officials. In the heat of the moment, Johnson’s brother also jumped into the brawl. The news caught a lot of fire over the conduct of the players and that’s when Wilson chimed in with her words of wisdom.

Wilson is a former South Carolina Gamecocks star and is known to share cordial relations with the head coach Staley. Therefore, going by her college experience it was apt for her to give her valuable insight. She was crowned the NCAA Champion in 2017 with Gamecocks along with earning the ‘Most Outstanding Player’ for the team.

Read More: Saving Dawn Staley and South Carolina’s Unbeaten Streak, Kamilla Cardoso Reflects on Her First 3-Pointer

Wilson has since then added back-to-back WNBA championship titles and thus holds a sway over players. The athletes too realized their mistake and apologized for the same. 

What did the athletes do?

As per Greenville News, Staley had admitted to the fault and remarked: “I just want to apologize to the basketball community.” Meanwhile, Cardoso too as per CNN Sports put out her statement, “I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions.” On another note, Gamecocks own the game by a 79-72 margin and earned their ticket to the March Madness 2024. 

Hopefully, both teams will ponder over their faults and ascertain that such an issue does not happen going forward now.

Read More: Securing 7th Slot in CBB Rankings, All You Need to Know About Kamilla Cardoso