Four referees who officiated the high-stakes matchup between UConn and South Carolina have been abruptly fired—exposed as central figures in what is now being called the largest bribery scandal in NCAAW history.
The revelation has ignited a firestorm. Outraged South Carolina fans are demanding an immediate replay, calling the integrity of the entire game into question.
Now, all eyes are on Coach Dawn Staley, whose response to the unfolding scandal is as powerful as the legacy she carries…
the NCAA Women’s Division (NCAAW) has fired four referees who officiated the high-profile game between the University of Connecticut Huskies (UConn) and the South Carolina Gamecocks, following their alleged involvement in what investigators are calling “the largest bribery scandal in NCAAW history.”
The announcement, made early Friday morning, confirmed that all four officials were dismissed with immediate effect after an internal probe and external whistleblower complaint revealed substantial evidence of undue influence and financial misconduct tied directly to the outcome of the game. The scandal has raised serious concerns about the integrity of one of the most watched and controversial games of the season.
The UConn vs. South Carolina matchup had already stirred debate, with fans questioning several controversial calls—particularly during the game’s final minutes, which many claimed tilted momentum unfairly in favor of UConn. At the time, South Carolina’s undefeated season was brought to an end, and whispers of foul play circulated in online forums and sports radio, but were largely dismissed.
That is, until now.
According to sources close to the investigation, a paper trail and audio recordings revealed that the four referees received illicit payments from undisclosed entities linked to betting syndicates. The payments allegedly came with explicit expectations to manipulate key moments during the game—missed foul calls, questionable technicals, and time clock violations that went conveniently unnoticed.
As news of the firings broke, South Carolina fans erupted in fury, calling for an immediate replay or overturn of the game’s results. #ReplayTheGame and #JusticeForGamecocks began trending on X (formerly Twitter), as tens of thousands rallied behind the team they believe was robbed of a rightful victory.
“This isn’t just about a bad call,” one fan posted. “This is a betrayal of everything college basketball stands for.”
Petitions demanding NCAA intervention have garnered over 250,000 signatures within hours, and several legal analysts are now speculating on whether the game might be vacated or re-contested under exceptional circumstances.
‘Job’s Not Finished’: Chloe Kitts Locks Her Sights On Final Four Seeking A Championship
South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts made her aspirations for a championship once more, as she and her team aim to defend their title in the NCAA Tournament.
In a video posted on Instagram, Chloe Kitts talked about her desire to further improve her game, and that her work with South Carolina is “not yet done.”
“Even as a kid, I was very basketball-focused,” Kitts wrote in the post. “I was always looking for ways to improve my game, get extra shots in, and play against the best possible competition I could find. I’m proud of all the work I’ve put into this point, but the job’s not finished
The 2025 Final Four holds immense significance for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. It marks their fifth consecutive appearance at this stage, showcasing their consistency and dominance under Coach Dawn Staley’s leadership.
Their Final Four appearance this season also puts them closer to their dream second championship in a row. Additionally, this Final Four serves as a testament to the growth and contributions of players like Chloe Kitts, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sania Feagin, who have stepped up in crucial moments.
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team has made seven Final Four appearances in their history, all under the leadership of Coach Dawn Staley. These appearances occurred in 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts (21) talks to her teammates during drills at practice at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, Thursday, April 3, 2025 ahead of their Final Four match-up against the Texas Longhorns on Friday.
In terms of championships, the Gamecocks have won three national titles so far. They claimed these victories in 2017, 2022, and 2024
Chloe Kitts’ HC Described Final Four Stint as a “Business Trip”
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley described her Final Four stint along with Chloe Kitts and the rest of the team as a “business trip,” but that doesn’t mean they are also not out to have fun along the way.
“Our players are ready. They’re focused. Obviously they’ve been here before,” Staley said. “They understand that this is a business trip but you want to enjoy this journey. You never know when it’s your last time coming to a Final Four.”
“So while we’re here, we’re going to enjoy it, but at the same time, it’s a business trip for us,” she added.
South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts (21) cuts down a piece of the net as the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate their NCAA Regional Final game win over Duke at Legacy Arena in Birmingham Alabama, March 30, 2025.
Chloe Kitts so far has delivered an impressive performance during the 2024-2025 season for the South Carolina Gamecocks. She is averaging 10.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. She shoots 52.9% from the field and 82.4% from the free-throw line, though her three-point shooting stands at 29.4%.