Mississippi State’s Chandler Prater becomes the target of online hate following JuJu Watkins’ season-ending injury during the NCAA Tournament. Explore the incident, reactions, and its impact on women’s basketball.
Social Media Turns Against Chandler Prater After Watkins Injury
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
During the NCAA Tournament, USC star JuJu Watkins suffered a devastating ACL injury in a game against Mississippi State. The injury occurred as Watkins drove to the basket, colliding with defenders, including Chandler Prater. Although the play was ruled incidental contact, social media users quickly blamed Prater for the mishap, igniting widespread backlash.
Online Hate and Its Impact
Prater has faced an onslaught of hateful comments on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Critics accused her of intentionally injuring Watkins, despite no evidence supporting such claims. The negativity has raised concerns about cyberbullying and its effects on athletes’ mental health.
Reactions from Coaches and Players
Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell defended Prater, stating, “Chandler played clean basketball; injuries are part of the game.” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb also emphasized that the focus should remain on Watkins’ recovery rather than assigning blame.
How This Incident Impacts Women’s Basketball
The controversy highlights the growing scrutiny female athletes face online. Experts argue that such incidents could deter young players from pursuing sports due to fear of public backlash. It underscores the need for stricter regulations against online harassment.
Moving Forward
Both teams have urged fans to support their players positively. Prater has yet to publicly address the situation but continues to focus on her performance. Meanwhile, Watkins is preparing for surgery and rehabilitation, with hopes of returning stronger next season.
Keyword Focus: Chandler Prater, JuJu Watkins injury, NCAA Tournament, social media hate, women’s basketball
