UConn head coach Dan Hurley is known for his dramatic moments and heated interactions with various individuals during his tenure with the program, including several within the past month or so.
Several times, he was involved in exchanges with referees during games, including being ejected in his team’s loss at Marquette, and more recently, his wild head-bump moment with a referee after his team hit a huge shot against Duke to reach the Final.
It would be hard to imagine that UConn women’s head coach, Geno Auriemma, would be able to steal the spotlight from Hurley when it came to crazy moments during this NCAA Tournament, but he did.
Amid his team’s struggles against South Carolina in the Final Four, Auriemma blasted the officiating. UConn went on to lose its first game of the season, 62-48, at the worst possible moment, and then chaos ensued.
In a postgame meltdown, Auriemma confronted head coach Dawn Staley over what he later said was a perceived pregame handshake slight. The heated exchange required officials and team staff to get involved to separate the two head coaches.
Dan Hurley Caught on Camera Saying ‘Delete That’ After UConn Final Four Win
While he didn’t offer any apologies during his postgame press conference, he issued an official apology statement on Sunday, admitting his wrongdoing and apologizing to South Carolina’s “staff and team,” but not to Dawn Staley specifically, which drew criticism from many.
After the UConn men’s win over Illinois at the Final Four in Indianapolis on Saturday, Hurley showed support for his fellow UConn coach, even joking that the way Auriemma acted may have been his fault.
“Obviously, I’ve had a negative influence on Geno,” Hurley joked, before providing further comments about the situation involving Auriemma on Friday night.
“And it’s crazy, ’cause Geno’s helped me so much, and now l’ve-no, I mean, Geno is-the way he handled the whole thing, such a stand up guy, with the way he handled it with the statement, and he’s one of the classiest people,’ he said.
“And if anyone should get the benefit of the doubt, in a world of sports, it’s Geno Auriemma. Cause he’s one of the most authentic, genuine, great people you’ll ever meet in your life,” Hurley told reporters.
While Hurley showed support, plenty of critics on various television programs, podcasts, and social media blasted Auriemma for his meltdown, with some still suggesting he needs to take more accountability for what occurred or have serious conversations with others about his behavior.
Hurley will play for another championship on Monday as his Huskies team battles the Michigan Wolverines. Meanwhile, Auriemma is scratching his head and soul-searching after a disappointing end to his latest run with the UConn women.
More news: Dan Hurley’s Wife Andrea Hurley Calls Out St. John’s Fans Over Duke Support
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