UConn's Auriemma apologizes to Staley, says game 'deserved better'

""This morning, Dawn Staley and I spoke about our interaction after the game last Friday. 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 have nothing but respect and admiration for the game and the coaches who coach it. Dawn and her team deserved to win, and they deserved better from me.""

""Women's basketball deserved better. 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.""

""One moment doesn't define a career, and it doesn't change the impact he's had on growing women's basketball. Let's turn the page on Friday's incident and focus on continuing to elevate the game.""

Geno Auriemma expressed regret for his behavior towards Dawn Staley during the Final Four loss. He apologized to Staley, her staff, and her team, acknowledging that he lost himself in the moment. Auriemma emphasized his respect for the game and its coaches, stating that Staley and her team deserved better. Both coaches agreed to move on and focus on the growth of women's basketball. Staley echoed Auriemma's sentiments, highlighting that one moment does not define a career and urging a shift in focus to elevate the game.

Read at ESPN.com