The NCAA basketball season is still fresh, but things have started to heat up in South Carolina, not because of the basketball, but because of the program’s reward for its superstar player, A’ja Wilson, for her accomplishments. Later, Wilson praised Dawn Staley’s impact on her South Carolina upbringing.
While the HC received a well-deserved applause for her work in SC, a recent rumor tarnished her image. The online rumor put the veteran coach in a bad light, calling her out for comments on Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle video.
Dawn Staley Clears The Air Around The ‘Sydney Sweeney’ Controversy
The Hollywood actress worked in the American Eagle jeans advertisement, which went viral. The rumor claimed that Staley targeted the manufacturer American Eagle for casting Sydney Sweeney over Angel Reese. It also added that the SC coach said, “Jeans were invented by us, for us. It’s a Black legacy.”
Although the tweet in question was deleted, many fans blamed the former WNBA star, calling it borderline abusive. The coach fired by with a replay, and for that she deliberately chose a post from a South Carolina guy.
She wrote, “Hey Gary that live in SC… Did you ever stop to think that was fabricated? I’m sure you didn’t. Being from SC, I thought you of all people would know I didn’t say such a thing. Now you JUST keep falling for anything… it looks good on you!”
Hey Gary that live in SC….did you ever stop to think that was fabricated? I’m sure you didn’t. Being from SC, I thought you of all people would know I didn’t say such a thing. Now you JUST keep falling for anything…it looks good on you! https://t.co/LDQ1MVySQc
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) November 10, 2025
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The commenter in Staley’s post was one of the critics who mentioned that he is a South Carolina resident and a supporter of the Gamecocks women’s basketball team, calling Staley out on X for the comment.
While the Hall of Fame player made her point clear, her supporters would be happy about the precise wording. Now, there is no doubt for anyone to target the NCAA Champion coach. As for Staley, she will be focusing on the ongoing college basketball season.
Dawn Staley Looking To Sail Through Injury-Ridden Season
The South Carolina Gamecocks maintained their dominance in the college Women’s basketball under Dawn Staley. The coach put the program back on the map, winning all three championships for the side.
While her 2024 unbeaten championship run was one of the most iconic, the coach is currently seeking answers to multiple injuries on the roster. She is already without one of her top forwards, Chloe Kitts. Staley sent heartfelt support to Kitts after her season-ending ACL injury. Now she will be without Agot Makeer, who suffered an injury during a recent game against Bowling Green.
Although the number 2 seed team won both their opening games, their real test will be on November 15 as they face USC at the Crypto.com Arena.