Geno Auriemma has not made contact following the handshake disagreement.

Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma’s Ongoing Dispute

Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma haven’t patched things up, it seems.

After a tense handshake moment following South Carolina’s Final Four victory over UW, Staley commented that there hasn’t been any progress in their relationship. She mentioned on Sunday, after her team’s defeat to UCLA in the national championship, that Auriemma did not reach out to her following the game.

“That’s a question about Geno. I haven’t heard anything from Geno,” Staley told the media. “It’s UCLA day. Let’s focus on that. We’re not going to derail UCLA day with this.”

Staley did note there were over 800 text messages flying around, which might mean she simply overlooked one from Auriemma.

The earlier confrontation between them garnered a lot of attention. It escalated after Auriemma expressed frustration that Staley hadn’t shaken his hand in time before their game, claiming it was against the norm. He also expressed displeasure with the officiating, suggesting that the Gamecocks had a distinct advantage as UW didn’t manage a single free throw in the third quarter.

“I’ve been coaching for 41 years, and we always play half court before the game,” Auriemma said. “It’s even announced. I waited for three minutes. So that’s what happened.”

When Staley was asked about the incident during the postgame press conference, she simply deflected by saying, “You can ask Geno.” The next day, she reiterated her focus: “I’m concentrating on winning a national championship.”

Staley, determined as ever, added, “Nothing is going to stop us or me from doing the job at hand. Distractions are everywhere. You either manage them or stay focused on what’s important.”

Auriemma later released a statement apologizing for his behavior. “This isn’t how I operate or what is expected here in Connecticut,” he stated. “I’d like to apologize to the staff and team at the University of South Carolina. My reaction was not justified.”

In the aftermath, South Carolina suffered a significant defeat against UCLA, ending with a score of 79-51, marking the Bruins’ first championship in women’s basketball history.