The NCAAW has issued a formal warning and a $25,000 fine to Maryland head coach Brenda Frese after she unleashed a profanity-laced tirade directed at the referees during Maryland’s intense matchup against South Carolina. Frese’s outburst, which included shouting “F** you”* three times, stemmed from frustration over a series of foul calls involving South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts while what she perceived as fouls by LSU players went uncalled—leading to a Maryland player suffering an injury.
A Game Full of Controversy
The highly anticipated showdown between Maryland and South Carolina was expected to be a battle, but tensions escalated beyond the court when Frese lost control over the officiating. With South Carolina’s Chloe Kitts drawing multiple fouls that benefited her team, Frese grew increasingly frustrated, believing the referees were favoring South Carolina while ignoring blatant fouls against her own players.
The breaking point came when a Maryland player went down with an apparent injury after a hard collision, and no foul was called against an LSU player in the preceding play. Frese, already boiling with frustration, erupted from the sidelines, storming toward the officials while repeatedly shouting expletives. The outburst was caught on camera, with Frese visibly shouting “F** you”* three times directly at the referees.
Immediate Fallout: NCAAW Takes Action
Within hours of the incident, the NCAAW announced its decision to discipline Frese, citing “unsportsmanlike conduct and the use of inappropriate language directed at game officials.” The governing body emphasized that coaches are expected to set an example for players and fans, and that behavior of this nature would not be tolerated.
In an official statement, an NCAAW spokesperson said:
“While we understand the emotions that come with high-level competition, there is no place for profanity and disrespect toward officials in our game. Coach Brenda Frese’s actions were unacceptable and warranted disciplinary action.”
Frese’s Response: Defending Her Actions
Following the announcement of the fine, Frese addressed the controversy but stopped short of issuing a full apology.
“I’m always going to fight for my players. I stand by my belief that the officiating was inconsistent and put my team at risk. Was my reaction emotional? Yes. But when you see your players getting injured while the other team gets every call, it’s hard to stay silent.”
Her comments have only fueled the debate, with some supporting her passion while others believe she crossed the line.
Reaction from South Carolina and the Basketball Community
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley weighed in on the incident, choosing to take the high road.
“We just play the game. The refs do their job. If you focus too much on the calls, you lose sight of the bigger picture.”
Chloe Kitts, the player at the center of the controversy, kept her response brief but impactful:
“We play hard. If you can’t handle that, maybe you shouldn’t be coaching.”
Social Media Explodes
The incident has taken social media by storm, with fans and analysts divided. Some Maryland supporters are backing Frese, arguing that poor officiating has been an ongoing issue in the NCAAW. Others, however, believe that no matter how frustrated a coach gets, there’s no excuse for an outburst like this.
One viral post summed up the situation:
“Brenda Frese is passionate, no doubt. But screaming ‘F** you’ at refs on national TV? That’s not fighting for your team—that’s losing control.”*
What’s Next for Frese and Maryland?
Despite the controversy, Maryland remains in the hunt for a strong postseason run. However, Frese’s actions could lead to increased scrutiny from officials in future games, and she will need to ensure that her emotions don’t become a distraction for her team.
As for the NCAAW, this fine serves as a warning to all coaches—no matter how high the stakes, there is a line that cannot be crossed.
One thing is certain: this won’t be the last time Frese and Maryland are in the headlines. Whether for their play on the court or their coach’s fiery passion, the spotlight is on them now more than ever.
