Staley says she spoke with Auriemma, wants to 'turn the page'

"I spoke with Geno, and I want to be clear -- I have a great deal of respect for him and what he's meant to this game. One moment doesn't define a career, and it doesn't change the impact he's had on growing women's basketball."

"So, I'm asking everyone to turn the page. Let's refocus on what matters most - continuing to elevate our game, creating opportunities and pushing it forward. That's always been my mission, and it's not changing."

"There's no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina. It's unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina."

Dawn Staley expressed respect for Geno Auriemma and emphasized that one moment does not define a career. She called for a focus on elevating women's basketball and creating opportunities. The controversy arose after a heated exchange during the postgame handshake following UConn's loss to South Carolina. Auriemma later apologized for his behavior, stating it was uncharacteristic and detracted from South Carolina's performance. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with Staley and her staff. South Carolina subsequently lost to UCLA in the national championship game.

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