Ever since the Finals loss to UConn in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Dawn Staley has been eyeing a comeback. And with the roster she built, it certainly seemed possible. But as this season unfolds, challenges are starting to get in the way. That’s because, after Chloe Kitts’ season-ending injury, another key player is now out of the picture.

Well, we’re talking about Maddy McDaniel. Just over an hour before South Carolina’s matchup against Clemson, the Gamecocks announced a surprising update on X: “Maddy McDaniel will not be at tonight’s game. She has been suspended.” While SC cruised to a 65–37 win, their 15th straight victory over Clemson without her, but the decision left fans questioning what really happened. So, finally, Staley came to respond.

After the game, she was asked if

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