The fire of controversy regarding Geno Auriemma's heated altercation with Dawn Staley during the NCAA Final Four game hasn't extinguished yet, as Tennessee legend-turned-broadcaster Candace Parker joined the discussion recently.

Amid the latest episode of the Post Moves podcast with Aliyah Boston, Parker became the latest basketball persona to criticize Auriemma for his tense confrontation with Dawn Staley, noting he often lacks the wholesome post-defeat grace that makes one likeable.

“When he’s whooping your a**, and you are not a threat, there’s grace. Every person that has won against him or challenged him… This is what their relationship is.” Parker said.

Parker has maintained a long-standing, well-documented dislike for UConn coach Geno Auriemma, rooted in her time playing under his rival, Pat Summitt, at Tennessee.

Parker also mentioned that Auriemma put the spotlight on himself at the end of the fourth quarter, which "completely hijacked" the fact that South Carolina outclassed UConn 62-48 in the semifinals.

The recent Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer also addressed how long it took Auriemma to release an apology statement for his controversial actions. "If you are sincerely apologizing to someone, then you would say their name," Parker said.

But the statement led to even more backlash as Auriemma did not include Staley's name, the person with whom he started the exchange. The 72-year-old has since released a second apology statement directed towards Staley this time.

Parker herself has her own history with Coach Auriemma. As head coach of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, Auriemma opted to leave Parker off the roster. She publicly suggested that the decision was due to the fact that the two don't like each other.  

Meanwhile, fans on social media riled up after hearing Parker's comments, with both sides believing they are in the right.

Fans Divided Over Candace Parker's Comments on Geno Auriemma

"Yep, it’s a PATTERN, and he does not get the easy “pass” just because his teams win a lot. It is NOT okay!" One fan commented, agreeing with Parker's statements on Auriemma.

Another user implied that Parker was using the 72-year-old's name to grab attention."I haven’t seen Geno acknowledge Candace for over a decade, and she steadily has his name on her mouth. Oh yes.. but he’s the miserable one."

"Simple, he’s a sore loser, can’t take losing." One user said following Auriemma's actions.

"He has 12 titles." Meanwhile, one fan simply commented on Auriemma's title wins, probably in defence of his actions.

"Candace is so damn good. Glad she has the pod...need to hear as much from her as possible." A fan wished to listen to Parker's thoughts on the mic.

So, do you think Candace Parker will further comment on Geno Auriemma when the opportunity arises, or will Auriemma's actions be forgiven in due time?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy