Candace Parker Takes Clear Side In Geno Auriemma vs. Dawn Staley

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 8:54 AM ET

Candace Parker has taken a clear side in the Geno Auriemma vs. Dawn Staley public feud.

South Carolina beat UConn on Friday night. In the waning seconds of the Final Four game, Auriemma and Staley got into it. Auriemma appeared to take issue with an apparent lack of respect from Staley in the postgame handshake. The two could be seen screaming at each other.

Auriemma ended up apologizing.

"There's no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina," Auriemma said in a statement issued through the school. "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. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don't want my actions to detract from that. I've had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them."

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley (right) yells at Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma at Mortgage Matchup Center during the Women's Final Four in Phoenix on April 3, 2026.© Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Following the game, college hoops analyst Candace Parker weighed in, taking a clear side.

The legendary WNBA star feels like Geno Auriemma's "true colors" were revealed.

Parker weighs in on the feud

“In time, you see people’s colors over and over again,” Parker said. “And there can be a separation of time with that, but the colors always come to light. I think colors were shown yesterday on both sides, right? However you want to take that.”

Parker, a seven-time All-Star, made it clear in the past that she isn't the biggest fan of Auriemma.

Staley, meanwhile, was unhappy with it all.

“Yeah, that’s a little disheartening,” Staley told reporters, according to CBS Sports. “At the same time, this is sports. Sometimes things like this happen.

“That’s why I’m just going to continue to focus on our team and their ability to advance in this tournament and hopefully win another national championship.”

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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