South Carolina’s Decision to Suspend DJ
The University of South Carolina has announced the suspension of its official DJ, DJ T.O., following a controversial incident during a recent women’s basketball game against LSU. The decision comes in the wake of DJ T.O. playing a song that many deemed disrespectful to the LSU Tigers and their star player, Flau’jae Johnson, after the Gamecocks secured a significant victory.
Game Recap: South Carolina vs. LSU
On Friday night, the No. 2-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks faced off against the No. 5 LSU Tigers, emerging victorious with a score of 66-56. This win marked a pivotal moment for South Carolina as it ended LSU’s undefeated streak to start the season, elevating the Gamecocks’ status in the competitive landscape of women’s basketball.
The Controversial Song Choice
During the post-game celebration, DJ T.O. played the instrumental version of “Cut Friends” by Camoflauge, a song that carries significant emotional weight for Flau’jae Johnson. Camoflauge, who was tragically shot and killed in Savannah, Georgia, was Flau’jae’s father, and the incident occurred just six months before she was born. The choice of song was seen by many as a deliberate attempt to mock the LSU star.
DJ T.O.’s Response on Social Media
After the backlash, DJ T.O. took to Instagram to share a post about the song, captioning it with “My bad” followed by a cry-laughing emoji. This response further fueled the controversy and drew criticism from fans and players alike.
Flau’jae Johnson Speaks Out
Flau’jae Johnson, who is also an emerging rapper and has dedicated her career to honoring her late father, addressed the situation directly on social media. In her post on X, she expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’ll take my L on the chin, but this just nasty behavior. Nun funny bout that.” Her words highlighted the emotional impact of the DJ’s actions on her and her family.
University’s Response and Apology
In light of the incident, the University of South Carolina released a statement addressing the inappropriate song selection and the DJ’s subsequent social media behavior. The school acknowledged that DJ T.O.’s actions were upsetting to Flau’jae Johnson and her family, as well as disrespectful to the LSU program and its fans. The statement emphasized that rivalries in sports should enhance the experience rather than target individual players personally.
The administration expressed regret that such an incident occurred in their venue, especially after a game that showcased the growing prominence of women’s basketball. They extended an apology to Flau’jae Johnson, her family, and the LSU community.
Consequences for DJ T.O.
As a result of the incident, the University announced that DJ T.O. would be suspended for the next women’s basketball home game. They also indicated plans to meet with her for further education on the expectations they hold for her conduct in the future.
In summary, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful conduct in sports, particularly in the context of growing rivalries and the need for sensitivity towards players’ personal histories.
