The blow that changed everything
JuJu Watkins injury occurred during a fast break when her right knee bent unnaturally. Although Chandler Prater of Mississippi State participated in the play, replays show no malicious intent.
Still, the fact that Prater made contact with Watkins before the fall was enough for USC fans to unleash a storm of criticism on social media.
Words are exchanged between USC and Mississippi State during handshake line following USC’s win which saw JuJu Watkins injured pic.twitter.com/52otJrJk8c
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) March 25, 2025
The impact of this injury goes beyond the court. JuJu Watkins will not only miss the rest of the tournament, but her recovery could take several months, affecting her development as a player and her future aspirations.
USC, once a title favorite, now faces a massive challenge without its star player.
The harassment of chandler Prater, justice or digital lynching?
Since JuJu Watkins injury, Chandler Prater has been the target of online attacks. Users have flooded her social media with accusations of dirty play, even demanding she quit basketball.
The backlash has been so intense that Prater has had to limit comments on her posts, while her team and coach have come to her defense.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has dismissed any foul play theories, making it clear that Watkins injury was an unfortunate accident in a physical game. However, the controversy persists, and Prater continues to endure harassment.
As the NCAA tournament moves into its final stages, JuJu Watkins name continues to echo, not just because of her absence on the court, but because of the storm her injury has left behind.
