CBS NEWS: South Carolina Head Coach Craig Berube Sends Crystal-Clear Message to Auston Matthews Regarding Off-Ice Behavior
March 6, 2025 – In a surprising development out of South Carolina, head coach Craig Berube has sent a stern and clear message to highly-rated player Auston Matthews, addressing concerns about the athlete’s off-ice behavior. The 27-year-old Matthews, known for his outstanding talent and scoring ability, has come under scrutiny after recent reports about his off-ice actions.
Berube, who took over as head coach for South Carolina earlier this season, has emphasized the importance of discipline both on and off the ice. In a press conference on Tuesday, he stated, “We hold every player to a high standard, both professionally and personally. Talent can only take you so far. To be part of this organization, we need players who reflect our values in every aspect of their lives.”
The message comes after rumors surfaced about Matthews’ behavior off the ice, which some sources describe as “distracting” to the team. While the specifics of these allegations remain unclear, they have raised enough concern for Berube to intervene.
“We can’t afford distractions, especially when we are building something special here,” Berube continued. “Auston has incredible potential, but he knows that we need him to be committed to not only his game but the culture we are cultivating.”
Matthews, who signed a multi-million-dollar contract with the team last year, has been one of South Carolina’s brightest stars on the ice. His performance this season has been remarkable, but Berube’s message signals that the team is not willing to tolerate behavior that could harm the squad’s chemistry or reputation.
Sources close to Matthews have indicated that the player is taking the situation seriously and has already begun addressing the concerns raised by his coach.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Matthews to see if he can reconcile his off-ice actions with his undeniable on-ice talent. Whether he can return to the team’s fold with a renewed commitment to the organization’s standards will be crucial for both his career and the team’s aspirations mov
ing forward.