Lindsay Gottlieb Speaks Out Against Online Harassment of Mississippi State Player After JuJu Watkins’ Injury

Lindsay Gottlieb Speaks Out Against Online Harassment of Mississippi State Player After JuJu Watkins’ Injury

USC women’s basketball head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has publicly defended Mississippi State player Chandler Prater, who has faced severe online backlash following her involvement in the play that led to the season-ending injury of JuJu Watkins. This incident unfolded during a high-stakes game on Monday night, igniting a wave of criticism directed at Prater.

Addressing the media on Friday, Gottlieb expressed her belief that Prater’s actions during the contest did not cause Watkins’ injury. She emphasized the physical nature of the game and highlighted the importance of compassion in sports.

Gottlieb stated, “There was nothing to me that looked like it had any intent to hurt her. I mean, that’s not a USC view at all. It was a physical game. No one deserves online bullying in any realm, but certainly not a young woman in Chandler, who was trying to make a play, and unfortunately our player got hurt.” This statement reflects her commitment to sportsmanship and respect among athletes.

Backlash Faced by Chandler Prater

In the wake of the incident, Prater, a graduate student in her first season with the Bulldogs, disabled comments on her recent Instagram posts. This action came after she was inundated with hateful messages, with some individuals labeling her a “dirty” player. The vitriol reached a level where she felt her online presence could no longer withstand the barrage of negativity.

Comments from social media included harsh critiques such as, “Learn how to play the sport without fouling and injuring players,” and another user wrote, “Dirty as hell. Quit playing basketball; you’re so a– you have to foul like that?” This type of online bullying underscores a troubling trend in sports culture, where athletes can face severe consequences for actions taken in high-pressure situations.

The Injury Incident

Watkins sustained her injury during a critical moment in the game, as she made a fast break down the court. Both Prater and another Mississippi State player defended her when Watkins awkwardly planted her right foot, leading to a severe knee injury. Observers noted her immediate expression of pain as she clutched her knee on the floor and was later carried off the court.

In light of the injury, Gottlieb acknowledged the passion of fans while condemning the hostility directed toward Prater. She remarked, “We have really passionate fans, and there’s a lot of love for JuJu, and I understand people being sad and hurt that she’s hurt, but nobody in our camp feels like there was any type of attack on her.” Such sentiments reinforce the idea that sports should foster camaraderie rather than division.

Moving Forward After Injury

JuJu Watkins faces a significant recovery process as she prepares for surgery and rehabilitation after sustaining a torn ACL during this unfortunate incident. The USC Trojans are gearing up for a challenging matchup against the No. 5 seed Kansas State on Saturday in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament.

Gottlieb has stressed the team’s resilience, stating, “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.” Her leadership reflects a commitment to unity as the team navigates this difficult time without their star player.

Understanding the Impact of Online Behaviors

This incident serves as a reminder of the damaging effects of online harassment within the sports community. Athletes are often subjected to intense scrutiny, and the pressures of public opinion can lead to devastating consequences for those targeted. Gottlieb’s defense of Prater is a crucial step in advocating for kindness and understanding in competitive sports.

As discussions around mental health and athlete well-being continue to grow, fostering a supportive environment both on and off the court becomes essential. The call for respectful discourse highlights the need for fans to remember the humanity of athletes, who endure not only physical challenges but also emotional ones stemming from public judgment.

The developments following JuJu Watkins’ injury and the online harassment faced by Chandler Prater illuminate the intersection of sports, ethics, and social media in today’s landscape. It remains vital for fans and organizations to support players and promote a culture of respect, understanding, and compassion.

As the USC Trojans and Mississippi State Bulldogs continue their journeys in the NCAA tournament, these lessons in sportsmanship and empathy will resonate beyond the court, shaping attitudes in sports culture for generations to come.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.