South Carolina Apologizes for DJ’s Inappropriate Song Played for LSU’s Johnson

In an unexpected turn of events during a highly anticipated women’s college basketball game, South Carolina’s athletic department issued an apology to LSU star Flau’jae Johnson. This came after an arena DJ played a song by her late father, Jason Johnson. The incident occurred following South Carolina’s victory over LSU, sparking controversy and prompting a suspension for the DJ involved. The situation underscores the importance of sensitivity and respect in sports, especially during intense rivalries.

South Carolina’s Apology and DJ Suspension

South Carolina’s athletic department swiftly responded to the incident by issuing a formal apology to Flau’jae Johnson and her family. The department described the song choice as *inappropriate* and took immediate action by suspending the DJ, known as DJ T.O., for the next home game. According to South Carolina, the actions were understandably upsetting to Johnson and her family. They also said the song was disrespectful to the LSU program and fans. The department emphasized that conference rivalries and passionate fan bases should enhance sports, not target individual players personally.

The Incident: What Happened?

The controversy unfolded after South Carolina’s win against LSU, a game that drew significant national attention. Following the final whistle, DJ T.O. played an instrumental version of *Cut Friends*, a song by Jason Johnson, who was known as “Camoflauge” in the early 2000s. Tragically, Jason Johnson was shot and killed in May 2003, six months before Flau’jae Johnson was born. The song choice was seen as a deeply personal and painful reminder for Johnson, leading to public outcry and the subsequent apology from South Carolina.

Flau’jae Johnson’s Response

Flau’jae Johnson took to social media to express her feelings about the incident. She shared a screenshot of an Instagram story from DJ T.O., who captioned the post with *my bad* regarding the song choice. Johnson’s response was candid and emotional, stating that while she would take her *L on the chin*, the behavior was *nasty* and *nun funny bout that*. Her reaction highlighted the emotional impact of the incident and the need for greater sensitivity in such situations.

DJ T.O.’s Apology

After Johnson’s public call-out, DJ T.O. issued an apology, stating that it was *never my intent to disrespect anyone or offend anyone*. The DJ’s apology, while necessary, also served as a reminder of the importance of understanding the personal histories and emotions of athletes. Recognizing and respecting these aspects is crucial, especially in a competitive and public setting like college sports.

Game Highlights and Performance

Despite the controversy, the game itself was a showcase of talent and competitive spirit. No. 2 South Carolina defeated No. 5 LSU in what was one of the most anticipated matchups of the regular season. Flau’jae Johnson, despite the emotional turmoil, delivered a commendable performance. She scored 13 points on 6-of-18 shooting and also contributed four rebounds and a pair of assists. However, LSU struggled as a team, shooting just 29.9% in the loss.

Flau’jae Johnson’s Season Achievements

Flau’jae Johnson’s performance throughout the 2023-24 season earned her a spot on the All-SEC Second Team. Her resilience and skill on the court have made her a standout player, and her ability to perform under pressure is commendable. The incident with DJ T.O. adds another layer to her story, showcasing her strength and determination both on and off the court.

Implications for Future Games and Rivalries

The incident between South Carolina and LSU serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and sensitivity in sports. While rivalries and passionate fan bases add excitement to games, they should never be used to target individual players personally. The swift action taken by South Carolina’s athletic department sets a precedent for how such situations should be handled in the future.

Enhancing Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is a crucial aspect of any competitive activity. The incident with Flau’jae Johnson highlights the need for all parties involved—players, coaches, fans, and even DJs—to uphold the principles of respect and empathy. By fostering a culture of sportsmanship, we can ensure that sports remain a positive and uplifting experience for everyone involved.

Conclusion

The apology issued by South Carolina’s athletic department to Flau’jae Johnson and her family underscores the importance of sensitivity and respect in sports. The incident, while unfortunate, serves as a valuable lesson in the need for greater awareness and empathy.

As we move forward, it is crucial to remember that the spirit of competition should enhance sports, not detract from the personal dignity of the athletes involved. For more details on this incident, you can read the full article on CBS Sports.