The on-court battle between Iowa and LSU captured the attention of sports fans across the country, but the Tigers’ absence from the field during the national anthem left some with a sour taste in their mouths.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey told reporters this was “not intentional” and that her team had a routine they did before the start of the game in Albany. .
After the video was shared on X by Outkick and others, anger started to get worse among some online.
It showed Iowa State standing on one side of the court for the national anthem before the camera panned to show LSU not present.
“Honestly, I don’t even know when the national anthem was played,” Mulkey said. “There’s like a routine when they’re on the floor and they’re out at 12 minutes. I don’t know, we go into the game and do our pregame stuff. Sorry, but listen, that’s the intention. It was not done intentionally.”
on Monday night. @RealDanZak
The Tigers lost 94-87 to the Hawkeyes at MVP Arena in Albany, with superstars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese putting on a show and the Hawkeyes scoring 41 points.
LSU’s absence drew criticism from social media users, who called it “embarrassing” and “disgusting” for not being on the court for the national anthem.
Local Louisiana sports reporter Chessa Bouche He noted that LSU will never take the court for the national anthem..
LSU was embroiled in a similar controversy last year when the team was not present for the national anthem before its win over Iowa in the national championship game.
Tuesday night marked the final time two of the biggest names in women’s basketball will meet at the collegiate level.
Clark has already announced he will enter the WNBA Draft on April 15, but Reese’s future at LSU is still up in the air as he decides whether to turn pro or return to Baton Rouge.
