Kamilla Cardoso issues heartfelt apology for pushing Flau'jae Johnson, fight vs LSU

South Carolina and LSU‘s SEC Tournament Championship game was unfortunately highlighted by a physical confrontation that broke out between both teams with 2:08 remaining in the matchup.

Gamecocks center Kamilla Cardoso was one of six players ejected from the game following the scuffle, playing a key role in the altercation after pushing LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson to the floor following an intentional foul.

Cardoso is South Carolina’s leading scorer and rebounder who played a crucial role in the Gamecocks’ securing their eighth SEC Tournament title in the last 10 years after the 79-72 win over LSU. But she will not be able to play in the team’s next matchup in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with Cardoso issuing an apology for her actions in Sunday’s game that can be seen below.

I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions during today’s game. 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. I take full responsibility for my…

— Kamilla_Cardoso (@Kamillascsilva) March 10, 2024

“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions during today’s game,” Cardoso tweeted after the game. “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. 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.”

South Carolina led 73-66 when Johnson intentionally fouled South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley following a steal. Followed by Johnson and Ashlyn Watkins bumping into one another and Cardoso taking things to another level with her shoving of Johnson down to the hardwood.

After that chaos broke out, with members of both benches becoming involved in the scuffle and even Johnson’s brother making his way on the court before police escorted him off in handcuffs.

The multitude of ejections led to LSU finishing the game with five players and South Carolina closing things out with just six, also resulting in their best player missing their next matchup.

Cardoso averaged 14.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game this season along with an SEC-leading 2.6 blocks per game. Fresh off of hitting a game-winning, buzzer-beating three-pointer in South Carolina’s previous game in the SEC Tournament seminal against Tennessee to keep their season perfect.

She ended the championship game with eight points, six rebounds, and three blocks before her ejection, as the Gamecocks will look now to take care of business as a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament without the presence of Cardoso in the first round.