LSU's Kim Mulkey sounds off on SEC Championship melee: 'Don't push somebody that little'

LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey sounded off on the melee that ensued late in the team’s SEC Tournament Championship loss to South Carolina on Sunday night.

The incident occurred after Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson fouled MiLaysia Fulwiley following a steal. Johnson did not appreciate Ashlyn Watkins flexing in her face and pushed her away. As Johnson began to walk away, Gamecocks center Kamilla Cardoso sprinted over and shoved Johnson to the ground.

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The benches clear during a player altercation during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against LSU at the Southeastern Conference women's tournament final on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Greenville, Soth Carolina.  (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

The skirmish was launched from there. It resulted in six ejections. Cardoso was ejected for fighting and will have to miss the team’s first NCAA Tournament game.

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When asked about the fight, Mulkey did not hold back.

"It's ugly, it's not good, no one wants to be a part of that," she said, via ESPN. "But I'll tell you this, I wish (Cardoso) would've pushed Angel Reese. If you're 6-8, don't push somebody that little. That was uncalled for in my opinion. Let those two girls who were jawing, let them go at it."

Johnson is listed at 5 feet, 10 inches tall.

South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins, #2, celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against LSU at the Southeastern Conference women's tournament final on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Greenville, South Carolina.  (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Cardoso offered an apology in a post on X.

"I would like to extend my sincerest apologies for my actions during today’s game," she wrote. "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."

LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship Game between the LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks on March 10, 2024 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. (John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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South Carolina won the game 79-72.

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