Rapinoe points out race element to Geno Auriemma, | Sports News

American soccer icon Megan Rapinoe has taken purpose at Geno Auriemma over his conduct following a confrontation with Dawn Staley during the Women’s NCAA Tournament, urging him to mirror on how he conducts himself as a white man in a “predominantly Black space.”

The Women’s NCAA Tournament delivered on its promise, as UCLA claimed its first national championship with a commanding victory over South Carolina. However, during the Final Four matchup between the Gamecocks and UConn, head coaches Auriemma and Staley turned embroiled in a heated dispute.

The two coaches had to be separated with seconds left on the clock as Auriemma struggled to comprise his frustration. Auriemma subsequently apologized for his conduct, and each coaches agreed to transfer previous the incident, but Rapinoe known as on him to take better accountability.

Rapinoe addressed the confrontation on her podcast alongside Sue Bird, who performed beneath Auriemma at UConn. Bird went on to turn out to be a WNBA legend with the Seattle Storm, however acknowledged that Auriemma’s actions had been disappointing, regardless of her close connection to the famend head coach.

“Listen, I think what Coach Auriemma did last night was obviously wrong and disappointing,” Bird stated. “We’re so used to him speaking his mind in those moments, especially in a press conference, that it did feel out of character on some level. But I am glad he came out with a statement and apologized.” While Bird remained comparatively reserved on the subject, Rapinoe took a far stronger stance. She argued that Auriemma’s conduct within the basketball world carries important weight, given broader issues.

“No matter the growth, investment, and success, women’s basketball sits at the intersection of gender, race, sexuality, and diversity because of who he is in this sport, and he absolutely deserves respect for his success. It matters how he shows up,” Rapinoe stated.

“It matters that he acknowledges South Carolina’s players and says, ‘You beat me.’ It matters that he shows up for his staff, his players, Dawn Staley, and her team.

“Not being there in that second did not honor the space he is been given. He did not show that respect back, and I believe that is what struck a nerve with people.

“As a highly successful white figure in this space, there’s an added responsibility to lead by example in allyship and stewardship of the game. He missed the mark on that. He has apologized, which is important, and hopefully he continues to take responsibility and repair.”

Both Staley and Auriemma addressed the state of affairs publicly within the days following the national championship victory, agreeing to put the matter behind them whereas preserving mutual respect. Auriemma supplied his apologies and conceded that he “lost himself” within the second.

“This morning, Dawn Staley and I spoke about our interaction after the game last Friday,” Auriemma said on April 7. “I apologized to Dawn, her staff and her team. I’ve lost more games in the Final Four than any coach in history. But Friday I lost something more important. I lost myself.

“Those who know me know I’ve nothing however respect and admiration for the sport and the coaches who coach it. Dawn and her workforce deserved to win, they usually deserved higher from me.

“Women’s basketball deserved better,” his assertion continued. “My university, my athletes, my former players and our fans deserved better. Dawn and I have agreed to move on, and we hope the focus will shift back to the growth in women’s basketball. The game deserves it.”