In a recent incident that has sparked significant discussion in the sports community, a DJ at a women’s basketball game between South Carolina and LSU on Jan. 24 played a song that holds deep emotional significance for LSU player Flau’Jae Johnson. The song, an instrumental version of “Cut Friends” by Camouflage, was recorded by Johnson’s father, Jason Johnson, who was tragically killed six months before she was born.
The incident
South Carolina won 66-56. However, the post-game atmosphere turned sour when DJ T.O. played the instrumental track, which Johnson’s father recorded in 2001. Flau’Jae, who has never met her father due to his untimely death on May 19, 2003, expressed her outrage on social media, calling the DJ’s actions “nasty behavior.”
I’ll take my L on the chin, but this just nasty behavior. Nun funny bout that pic.twitter.com/BKYGgGvfGo
— Flaujae 4️⃣ (@Flaujae) January 26, 2025
DJ’s response and apology
In response to the backlash, DJ T.O. took to social media to acknowledge her mistake, stating, “my bad” accompanied by crying and laughing emojis. She later issued a formal apology, clarifying that it was never her intention to offend anyone. DJ T.O. explained that she had played the song at various events in the past without issue, but recognized that it was inappropriate for this particular game.
“It is never my intent to disrespect anyone or offend anyone when my job is to have fun and make sure other people have a good time. … I’ve been playing [the song] for years, even at other games, but I shouldn’t have played it at yesterday’s game,” she stated.
University’s reaction
Following the incident, the University of South Carolina issued a formal apology, acknowledging the distress caused to Flau’Jae and her family. The university announced that DJ T.O. would be suspended for one game as a consequence of her actions. They emphasized the need for further education on expectations regarding appropriate music selections at sporting events.
“We are addressing Friday night’s inappropriate in-game song selection and subsequent social media post by the DJ hired to work our women’s basketball games. Her actions were understandably upsetting to Flau’Jae Johnson and her family and disrespectful to the LSU program and fans,” the university stated.
Understanding the impact
This incident highlights the importance of sensitivity in sports entertainment, especially when it comes to personal and emotional topics. For many athletes, music can serve as a powerful connection to their past and their families. In Flau’Jae’s case, the song played by DJ T.O. is not just a track; it is a reminder of a father she never had the chance to know.
As discussions continue around the appropriateness of music selections at sporting events, it is crucial for DJs and event organizers to consider the potential emotional impact of their choices. The backlash against DJ T.O. serves as a reminder that while sports are meant to be entertaining, they are also deeply personal for many athletes.
