Kim Mulkey Comments On Kamilla Cardoso Striking Flau’jae Johnson: ‘I Wish She Would’ve Pushed Angel Reese’

The height difference between two players involved in an on-court melee (Kamilla Cardoso stands at 6-foot-7, while Flau’jae Johnson is 5-foot-10) caused Lousiana State University head coach Kim Mulkey to say that she wished that Cardoso “would’ve pushed Angel Reese. Don’t push a kid; you’re 6’8.”

During the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament this past weekend, a fight occurred between the University of South Carolina and LSU. South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso knocked LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson to the ground on the basketball court.

At the press conference after the contest between the two schools, Mulkey was stern in her assessment of the much taller Cardoso going after Johnson, who is almost a foot shorter.

“No one wants to be a part of that,” Mulkey said. No one wants to see that ugliness, but I can tell you this: I wish she would’ve pushed Angel Reese. Don’t push a kid. You’re 6’8.″ Don’t push somebody that little. That was uncalled for, in my opinion. Let them two girls who were jawing, let them go at it.”

“I wish she would have pushed Angel Reese. … You 6’8”, don’t push somebody that little.”

Kim Mulkey speaks after Kamilla Cardoso pushed Flau’jae Johnson in LSU-SC scuffle 😳 pic.twitter.com/AOUaVlrbKS

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 10, 2024

According to On3.com, the fight between the teams occurred with just two minutes remaining in the title game. Johnson pushed South Carolina guard Ashlyn Watkins after she taunted her when Johnson committed a foul. In doing so, Cardoso goes to attack Johnson and knocks her to the ground, causing both teams to react and leave their respective benches. Johnson’s brother jumped over the scorer’s table to defend his sister. He was later escorted out in handcuffs for intervening when he leaped to the floor.

Although the game was practically over, several players who left their bench were ejected from the contest, including Cardoso.

Cardoso issued an apology for her role in the melee.

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

The South Carolina Gamecocks emerged victorious, keeping their undefeated season going. They beat the LSU Tigers 79-72 to take home this year’s women’s Basketball Tournament.