Brother of LSU player charged after SEC basketball championship game fight

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - Police in South Carolina said a fan attending the SEC’s Women’s Basketball Championship on Sunday has been charged after injuring an SEC employee.

The Greenville Police Department said during the championship game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena a fight broke out on the court between University of South Carolina and Louisiana State University players. The incident caused several spectators to leap over the wall and “create further chaos,” authorities said.

A fan who was sitting in the stands jumped over the barrier wall and injured the employee while doing so, officials said.

The benches clear during a player altercation during the second half of an NCAA college... — The benches clear during a player altercation during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against LSU at the Southeastern Conference women's tournament final Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)(Chris Carlson | AP)

The fan was identified as 24-year-old Trayron Milton of Georgia. The Associated Press said Milton is the brother of LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson.

Police said while Milton was jumping over the barrier, the victim was sitting at the scorer’s table at the edge of the court. To get over the table, Milton came from behind, pushed down on the victim’s head and stepped on her shoulders to jump over, authorities said.

Police said Milton was charged with assault and battery, third degree and disorderly conduct.

The incident was sparked with just over two minutes left when the 6-foot-7 South Carolina forward Kamilla Cardoso shoved 5-10 Johnson of LSU after an intentional foul, the Associated Press reported.

According to officials, other spectators jumped over the wall but were stopped by officers before reaching the court. These spectators were escorted out of the arena by officers.

Cardoso was ejected for fighting, and three of her teammates were thrown out for leaving the bench area. Two LSU players who logged minutes in the game were also ejected. South Carolina finished the game with six players and LSU with five, the Associated Press reported.

Afterward, the six Gamecocks celebrated their eighth championship in the past 10 years without the four sent to the locker room.

Cardoso will miss South Carolina’s next game, which will be its opener in the NCAA Tournament, according to NCAA rules.

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