Former Syracuse women’s basketball player Kamilla Cardoso has been suspended after her ejection for a fight in the SEC Tournament championship game Sunday.
Cardoso, a forward/center for No. 1 ranked South Carolina, shoved LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson to the floor late in the fourth quarter. Johnson’s brother, who was sitting in the stands behind the scorers table, and players from both benches jumped in to the fray as coaches, police and referees attempted to separate the two teams.
ESPN video showed the game had become increasingly chippy in the second half, including Cardoso tangling with LSU’s Angel Reese and other players yelling in opponents’ faces. Things escalated when Gamecocks guard MiLaysia Fulwiley stole the ball from Johnson, who wrapped up Fulwiley and was called for an intentional foul.
Johnson then pushed South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins on her way to the bench. The 6-foot-7 Cardoso responded by knocking Johnson, who is 9 inches shorter, to the ground.
According to the Associated Press, four South Carolina players were ejected, including Cardoso, and two were ejected from LSU, including Johnson. Johnson’s brother was escorted out of the arena in handcuffs, CNN said.
Gameplay was stopped for about 15 minutes, according to ESPN, as South Carolina led 73-66 with 2:08 left. The Gamecocks, with just six players left, held on to beat the No. 2-seeded Tigers, 79-72.
Cardoso apologized for her role in the incident.
“My behavior was not representative of who I am as a person or the South Carolina program, and I deeply regret any discomfort or inconvenience it may have caused,” Cardoso posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the game. “I take full responsibility for my actions and assure you that I am committed to conducting myself with the utmost respect and sportsmanship in the future.”
Cardoso transferred out of Syracuse University in 2021 after being named the ACC’s defensive player and rookie of the year as a freshman. She won the…
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