A recent review by the NCAA into the officiating of the 2023 NCAA Tournament title game between LSU and Iowa found “several referee errors” that marred the game. But South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley is calling foul.
Taking to X on Wednesday, Staley admonished the independent review for doing so anonymously while publicly identifying the officials. She pointed out that all of the named officials were “black and brown skinned women” and said that they’re being thrown under the bus.
“So the independent review was done under anonymity but it is known who the officials were….all black and brown skinned women. Now that they’re thrown under the bus let’s not run them over,” Staley said.
Staley’s post has gone viral with over 1,600 likes, 346,000 views and several hundred retweets since yesterday. Fans pointed out that it was curious that the NCAA wanted that game reviewed rather than the other ones:
So the independent review was done under anonymity but it is known who the officials were….all black and brown skinned women. Now that they’re thrown under the bus let’s not run them over. https://t.co/zAft4n6YDE
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) November 8, 2023
“Why no independent review of all 3 games? I have quite a few questions about some calls and no calls in the semifinals,” one user replied.
“I don’t even understand the point. The game was a blowout. Now reviewing the other games in the tourney… maybe,” wrote another.
“My questions were two atrocious fouls called on Boston that took her out of part of the semifinal game………………” a third wrote.
Do you agree with Dawn Staley?