Wrapping Up 2023 – Top NCAA Controversies of the Year

The college basketball circuit was full of controversial moments in the outgoing year that sparked debates, ignited passions, and left a permanent mark on the NCAA landscape. From off-court dramas to on-court beefs, the year was a rollercoaster of rage and ruckus for the fans as well as players. As the NCAA records another successful year, many fans were left wondering about the top controversies that shaped 2023.

From game-changing events that shattered viewership records, drawing fans into a shared spectacle, to the star-studded sidelines where celebrities lent their support to the next generation of athletic prodigies, 2023 proved to be a year where the boundaries of sports were pushed, stretched, and ultimately redefined.

The rivalry between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark 

The 2022-23 NCAA championships final game was highly anticipated as they got to see not just two of the best teams but also two of the best players in the league lock horns with each other. The matchup between these powerhouses made history when it recorded 12.6 million viewership, making it the most-watched NCAA women’s basketball game ever. But this wasn’t the only standout moment of the game. During the final moments, when it could be seen that the LSU Tigers were going to win, Angel Reese did the ‘You can’t see me’ gesture by John Cena, to taunt Caitlin Clark, while also pointing towards her ring finger suggesting they’ll be getting the championship ring. 

This moment caught the attention of the world and quickly turned into a criticism for the Tigers star. Many fans took to social media to call this act by Reese, ‘Classless.’ While numerous people criticized her, many renowned people suggested that this was a racist act by the fans, due to the color of Reese as when Clark did the same thing to many opponents no one pointed a finger at her.  

Mikey Williams got arrested 

The once-in-a-generation talent, Mikey Williams became a household name of every basketball fan even before he began his college career. Whenever the name of high school basketball was taken, Williams was there. His dominating skills and exceptional talent got him to be considered a four-star recruit in 2023 by 247Sports and ESPN. The basketball community anticipated that he was going to change the dynamic of this sport as he continued to elevate his game. But, his career was met with a disheartening challenge. 

In April, Williams was arrested on five charges of assault with a deadly weapon. While he was released that day on $50,000 bail, he is not even close to getting this past him. He is still in danger of facing a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison. In a recent update, he pleaded guilty to one of the charges and has been sentenced to complete a gun safety course, attend anger management sessions, and do 80 hours of community service, while facing no jail time. He committed to play for the University of Memphis, but is yet to debut in his college career. 

Fans want to get Coach Kenny Payne fired

The Louisville Cardinals are having the worst season they have ever seen in their history and according to many fans, the reason behind this is Coach Kenny Payne. While in the ongoing 2023-24 NCAA season, many teams are recording back-to-back wins, for the Cardinal boys it’s back-to-back losses. But the main reason behind fans’ outburst was when the Cardinals lost to a Division II basketball team, which made many speculate that the problem was the coach. Following the losses, his post-game interviews didn’t help the situation as where he was supposed to look like a ray of hope he was the team’s biggest demotivator. 

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So far, the Cardinals have played twelve matches out of which they have already lost seven, and if Coach Payne wants to get out of this situation, he needs to prove his worth and his training. 

The Terrence Shannon Jr. suspension

It seemed like the ongoing season was the season of the Illinois Fighting Illini. They entered the tournament head-on and won almost every single match. Till now, they have played eleven matches out of which they have already won nine, and if the fans were to give a credit to one player, it would be Terrence Shannon Jr. He is leading the program in points per game, assists per game, steals per game, and blocks per game with 21.7 points, 2.5 assists, 1 steal, and 1.3 blocks. But like a hit on the face, he was recently suspended from all activity of the team. 

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The Douglas County District Attorney issued a warrant for his arrest on the charges of rape which took place in September. He was released from jail after he posted a $50,000 bail. He pleaded not guilty to any of the charges and intends to take the case to trial.