Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) is directing the LSU women’s basketball team to leave the floor before the national anthem during Monday night’s Elite Eight game against Iowa.
In addition to criticizing the team, Landry is also calling on the Louisiana Legislature to pass a bill that would strip athletes of their athletic scholarships if they don’t attend the national anthem.
“My mother coached high school girls basketball during the height of desegregation, and no one has more respect for the sport and for Coach Mulkey,” Landry said. I wrote it in “X”. To protect us and unite under one flag!
Rep. Jeff Landry (R-Louisiana) and six other Republican freshmen have announced they want to return surplus funds from their “delegation allowance” to pay down the national debt. (Chris Maddaloni/CQ Roll Call)
“It is time for all college boards, including the Regents, to implement a policy requiring student-athletes to attend the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarships. It’s a matter of respect that needs to be instilled.”
My mother coached girls’ high school basketball during the height of desegregation, and there is no one she respects more about the sport and Coach Mulkey. But beyond our respect for the game, there is a deeper respect for those who protect us and unite us under one flag.
it is…
— Jeff Landry (@JeffLandry) April 2, 2024
After the game, when asked about the team’s absence during the national anthem, LSU coach Kim Mulkey said the decision was not “intentional” and was part of the team’s pregame “routine.” said.
Iowa State players hold hands during the American national anthem. LSU players left the court before the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/GhCLHUXiBX
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) April 1, 2024
“Honestly, I don’t even know when the national anthem was played. It’s like a routine where we’re sitting on the floor and we get off in 12 minutes. I don’t know… We go into the game and we play the game. I’ll do what I did before. I’m sorry… but listen, that wasn’t done on purpose.”
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
Still, this explanation won’t sit well with those who believe showing respect for the national anthem should be more important than Kim Mulkey’s pregame “routine.”
It didn’t help LSU that opponent Iowa State stood respectfully during the national anthem.
LSU lost to Iowa 94-87.
