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Could LSU Tigers women’s basketball players be on the verge of losing their scholarships?
That’s what Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is calling for after the Tigers’ loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
But the calls had nothing to do with the reigning national champions’ performance.
No, instead Landry wants the Tigers players to have their scholarships stripped over a controvery involving LSU missing the national anthem ahead of Monday’s game.
My mother coached women’s high school basketball during the height of desegregation, no one has a greater respect for the sport and for Coach Mulkey. However, above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those that serve to protect us and unite us under one flag !
It is…
— Jeff Landry (@JeffLandry) April 2, 2024
“My mother coached women’s high school basketball during the height of desegregation, no one has a greater respect for the sport and for Coach Mulkey. However, above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those that serve to protect us and unite us under one flag! It is time that all college boards, including Regent, put a policy in place that student athletes be present for the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarship! This is a matter of respect that all collegiate coaches should instill,” Landry tweeted.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey explained after the game that her team didn’t even realize it had missed the anthem.
LSU Coach Kim Mulkey Says Her Team Typically Isn’t On Court For Anthem
“Honestly I don’t even know when the anthem was played,” she explained. “We kind of have a routine where we are on the floor then they come off at the 12-minute mark. I don’t know. We come in and we do our pre-game stuff. I’m sorry. Listen, that’s nothing intentionally done.”
Despite the hubbub, BRProud reporter Chessa Bouche tweeted that the Tigers are never actually on the court for the anthem.
“Our basketball programs have not been on the court for the anthem for the last several seasons,” LSU athletics spokesperson Cody Worsham said in a statement to the Louisiana Illuminator. “Usually the anthem is played 12 minutes before the game when the team is in the locker room doing final preparations.”
So Landry is unlikely to get his way. But he likely knew that all along.