Kamilla Cardoso apologizes for role in on-court incident during LSU-South Carolina game

South Carolina women’s basketball center Kamilla Cardoso issued an apology Sunday night for her role in an on-court skirmish with an LSU player in the SEC championship game.

Cardoso was ejected from the game with roughly 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of USC’s 79-72 win over LSU at Bon Secours Wellness Arena after shoving LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson to the ground at midcourt.

Cardoso was coming to the defense of other USC teammates. Before she shoved Johnson, Johnson had intentionally fouled South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, which led to Johnson and South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins exchanging words.

In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) at 6:48 p.m., Cardoso wrote: “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 actions and assure you that I am committed to conducting myself with the utmost respect and sportsmanship in the future.”

According to the ESPN broadcast, Cardoso will be suspended from USC’s first NCAA Tournament game as a result of her ejection. South Carolina continues to project as the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s bracket and will almost certainly play a No. 16 seed in a first round home game at Colonial Life Arena in two weeks.