COLUMBIA, S.C. — On Sunday, the athletic department of South Carolina made a public announcement regarding the suspension of the arena DJ for the women’s basketball team, DJ T.O., for one game. This decision follows the controversy surrounding the music selection during the post-game celebration after the Gamecocks’ victory over LSU on Friday.

DJ T.O. chose to play “Cut Friends” by the artist known as Camouflage. Notably, the artist, whose real name was Jason Johnson, was the father of LSU player Flau’Jae Johnson and was tragically murdered in 2003, just months before Flau’Jae’s arrival into the world.

In the recent matchup, South Carolina, ranked No. 2, defeated No. 5 LSU with a score of 66-56, marking the Tigers’ first loss of the season. Following the game, Flau’Jae Johnson expressed her disappointment on social media, sharing a post from the DJ’s Instagram that mentioned the song. She conveyed her feelings by writing, “I’ll take my L on the chin, but this just nasty behavior. Nun funny bout that.”

The athletic department of South Carolina took to social media to address the situation, stating that the DJ’s choice of music was disrespectful not only to the LSU team but also to their supporters. They emphasized that rivalries and the enthusiasm of fans should foster a spirit of sportsmanship rather than being directed at individuals.

In their statement, the department expressed regret over the incident, especially given the significance of the contest that showcased the growing popularity of women’s basketball. They offered an apology to Flau’Jae Johnson, her family, and the LSU program for the inappropriate choice made during a moment intended for celebration and sportsmanship.