In the moment, UConn head coach Geno Auriemma likely felt justified in his anger.
Twice during Friday’s 62-48 Final Four loss to South Carolina Auriemma found himself losing his composure because of Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley.
The incident that had everyone talking happened after the final whistle when Auriemma went off on Staley on the sideline as the two met up for a postgame handshake.
It’s not known what was said, but Auriemma was seen shouting at Staley, who responded with some fiery words of her own.
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But the incident that may land Auriemma in hot water happened after the third quarter during an incident with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, in which he criticized the NCAA officials for not being fair with their foul calls.
“There were six fouls called that quarter, all of them against us,” Auriemma emphatically stated. “And they’ve been beating the [expletive] out of our guys down there the entire game. I’m not making excuses, because we haven’t been able to make a shot. But this is ridiculous.
“Their coach rants and raves on the sideline and calls the referees some names that you don’t want to hear. And now we got 6-0, and I’ve got a kid with a ripped jersey, and they go, I didn’t see it. Come on man, this is for the national championship.”
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Auriemma likely isn’t in trouble with the NCAA, but the Big Ten is another story.
The conference typically fines coaches or players who publicly criticize officials, which is exactly what Auriemma did live on air. Auriemma could have a five-figure fine heading his way ranging from $10,000 up to $50,000.
UConn men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley knows this all too well. He was fined $25,000 back in early March for confronting referee John Gaffney.
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