USC Coach Defends Player Amid Online Bullying After Injury

SPOKANE, Wash. — Coach Lindsay Gottlieb of the USC Trojans addressed the media on Friday regarding the season-ending ACL injury sustained by star player Juju Watkins during a NCAA tournament game. The injury occurred during the Trojans’ second-round victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Monday, and Gottlieb clarified that she does not believe the play that led to Watkins’ injury was dirty.

Watkins, a standout guard for USC, went down in the first quarter after a collision with Bulldogs guard Chandler Prater. As Watkins was driving toward the basket, Prater closed in, resulting in minimal contact that caused Watkins’ right knee to buckle. She crumbled to the court and required assistance to reach the locker room. A subsequent evaluation confirmed that Watkins had torn her ACL and would be out for the remainder of the season.

Following the incident, Gottlieb strongly condemned the online harassment directed at Prater. “There was nothing to me that looked like it had any intent to hurt her… This was a physical game,” Gottlieb stated. “No one deserves online bullying, especially a young woman like Chandler, who was trying to make a play.”

During the remainder of the game, Mississippi State faced backlash from fans, who booed every time Prater touched the ball. Bulldogs coach Sam Purcell expressed concern for Watkins’ well-being in his post-game comments, stating, “We don’t play to hurt; we play to compete.” He expressed hope that the incident would not escalate tensions between the two teams.

Despite the injury, the Trojans remain resilient and determined to continue their championship aspirations as they prepare for their Sweet 16 matchup against Kansas State. Senior forward said, “It’s not lost on us that we’ve lost a key piece, but we understand there’s no ‘woe is me.’ Other teams are not going to play us any differently, so we need to put a chip on our shoulder.”

Watkins had been a significant force on the court this season, averaging 23.9 points and leading USC to a 28-3 record, top-seeding in the NCAA tournament, and winning the Big Ten regular-season title. “Our goals are the same, and winning is our goal,” said senior center.

Gottlieb emphasized her team’s commitment to success, despite the loss of their star player. “They’re hurting for their friend and teammate… but their competitive spirit has not been impacted. They’re here to win,” she said. “Everyone knows no one is replacing JuJu, but we need to be the best versions of ourselves together.”

In anticipation of their upcoming game against Kansas State, the Trojans are adapting their strategies to account for Watkins’ absence. Gottlieb mentioned that the team must be prepared to play differently without their leading scorer, but also acknowledged that every player has the potential to shine. “We may not make the plays the same way JuJu would make them, but the plays have to get made,” Gottlieb said.

The Trojans’ upcoming game showcases the challenges posed by Kansas State’s strong roster. The Wildcats are known for their skilled post player and sharp shooters, which poses a significant test for USC’s defense. “It’s not going to be easy,” acknowledged Iriafen. “But I’m very confident in our ability to do our jobs.”

As for Watkins, she has not yet undergone surgery but remains an integral part of the team. Iriafen mentioned that Watkins attended practice prior to their departure for Spokane and plans to host a watch party to support her teammates. “She feels so confident in what we can do,” Iriafen said. “She gives us so much love and support.”