Rutgers star freshman Kiyomi McMiller did not play in the Scarlet Knights’ home game against No. 4 Southern California on Sunday due to a coach’s decision.
Hours before the game, McMiller revealed her benching in a social media post, apologizing to her fans and saying, “This decision was made by my Head Coach Coquese Washington. Thank you for your continued support.”
After the Scarlet Knights were steamrolled 92-42 on Sunday night, McMiller reposted several messages of support to her Instagram story, including one that suggested she should hit the transfer portal.
“Transfer Portal immediately @kiyomimcmiller 32,” wrote the fan who McMiller reposted.
While Washington said after the game that she was keeping the details of McMiller’s absence “internal,” NJ.com reported that a locker room altercation with a teammate was the impetus.
The public discontent continued Monday when an adviser for McMiller, former boxing executive Leonard Ellerbe, told NJ.com that McMiller’s punishment was “shocking” and should have been handled differently.
“I don’t want to speak in terms of long-term, but this is — you don’t treat people like this,” Ellerbe said. “You don’t handle a situation like this. I’m trying to say the right thing here. Who knows what her future looks like right now? Who knows what her future looks like?”
McMiller was a five-star high school recruit and the first high school player to sign an NIL deal with Jordan Brand. She has averaged 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game through 14 games (12 starts) for Rutgers.
The Scarlet Knights (8-7, 0-4 Big Ten) play their next game Wednesday at Minnesota. Washington did not say after the USC game whether McMiller would return to the lineup.
–Field Level Media
