The LSU women’s basketball team left the floor before the national anthem Monday night in an Elite Eight matchup against rival Iowa.
Iowa players stood respectfully for the national anthem.
LSU women’s basketball team skips national anthem
Iowa State Stands Proudly
LSU just got a great win.
The whole stadium was cheering them on.
Season ends
Let this be a lesson to all players.Gone are the grumpy, selfish woke athlete moments
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 2, 2024
The LSU women’s basketball team left the court during the national anthem…
The Iowa women’s basketball team stayed where they were, stood up and held hands. pic.twitter.com/x8YE4ljk7j
— John Root (@JonnyRoot_) April 2, 2024
A Baton Rouge reporter said LSU would never take the court for the national anthem.
LSU will not take the court for the national anthem. https://t.co/tfsDAgdOjn
— Chessabouche (@chessabouche) April 1, 2024
After the game, LSU coach Kim Mulkey said the team’s decision to leave the floor was not “intentional” and was just part of the team’s “routine.” She added that she does not know when the national anthem will be played.
Just to be clear, LSU lost. The Lady Hawkeyes defeated the defending national champion Lady Tigers 94-87. Iowa State’s Caitlin Clark made nine 3-pointers en route to a 41-12-7 stat line.
Iowa Hawkeyes No. 22 Caitlin Clark celebrates after defeating the LSU Tigers 94-87 in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on April 1, 2024 at MVP Arena in Albany, New York. . (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LSU star Angel Reese, who taunted Caitlin Clark by pointing her ring finger during LSU’s national championship win last year, played a great game but fouled out before it was all over.
LSU Tigers No. 10 Angel Reese dribbles with the ball during the first half during the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on March 30, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
No, Caitlin Clark didn’t return the favor by mocking Reese.
It remains to be seen whether Angel Reese will return to LSU. Caitlin Clark announced her plans to enter the WNBA Draft earlier this year.
