Megan Rapinoe says Geno Auriemma has 'added responsibility' of positive representation because he is White

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Former UConn star Sue Bird and her wife, ex-soccer star Megan Rapinoe, were critical of Bird's former coach, Geno Auriemma, after he got into a shouting match with South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley after their Final Four game.

Rapinoe said the coach put "you all in a really tough spot."

"Listen, I think what Coach Auriemma did last night was obviously wrong and disappointing," Bird said on her and Rapinoe's podcast before praising the coach for apologizing.

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Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks argues with Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies during the second half of an NCAA Final Four game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., April 3, 2026. (C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

"We’re so used to him speaking his mind in those moments, especially in a press conference, that it did feel out of character on some level. But I am glad he came out with a statement and apologized."

Rapinoe took it a step further, saying that because Auriemma is an important presence as a White man in a "predominantly Black space," "it matters" how he represents himself.

"No matter the growth, investment and success, women’s basketball sits at the intersection of gender, race sexuality, and diversity because of who he is in this sport, and he absolutely deserves respect for his success. It matters how he shows up," Rapinoe said.

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley and UConn head coach Geno Auriemma argue after a women's NCAA Tournament semifinal game in Phoenix April 3, 2026. (Rick Scuteri/AP)

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