When trying to defend the indefensible, it is sometimes better to say, “There is no excuse.” That’s probably what LSU coach Kim Mulkey is saying to herself right now.
In a postgame press conference after the team’s 94-87 loss to rival Iowa, Mulkey explained why the team wasn’t on site for the national anthem before the highly anticipated Elite Eight game against the Hawkeyes. was asked.
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
Mr. Mulkey’s answer appears to be true, but the situation did not improve.
“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 went into the game and… We do pre-game stuff. I’m sorry but…listen, it wasn’t done on purpose.”
Kim Mulkey said her team intentionally did not leave the venue before the U.S. national anthem.
“To be honest, I don’t even know when the national anthem was played. We kind of have a routine.” [for leaving the court at a certain time]. ” pic.twitter.com/JclJExC1Ym
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) 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
While Kim Mulkey definitely believes in her daily routine and takes it very seriously, many X users say her “daily” takes a backseat to the importance of showing respect for the national anthem. I was of the opinion that it should be.
She was right. They regularly engage in the disrespectful habit of leaving the court during the national anthem.
Instead, there should be a regular policy of not providing federal aid to universities that allow this and to students who do not respect the country enough…
— DJtheJeep (@JDrsx850i) April 2, 2024
That response is wrong. Why not make it a daily routine to stay on the court to make sure you hear the national anthem?
— Mary Frost (@mlfrostmi) April 2, 2024
And that routine is to leave the floor before the U.S. national anthem.
Damn it, LSU!
— Lee Boggs (@leeboggs) April 2, 2024
It’s a lie again, no one takes responsibility anymore, tell the truth, the players didn’t want to be there and I’m not a strong enough coach to stand up and tell the truth, so I told them that I and This may be the reason why I let him walk around on top of me, I will try harder…
— Dadof5 (@MattB025) April 2, 2024
I don’t even know what time the national anthem will be played!
That should be better, right?
oh.
— Pro Swing Trading 📈😎🇺🇸 (@Pro__Trading) April 2, 2024
This pathetic excuse doesn’t work…
— Aczar (@Aczar1Alan) April 2, 2024
Meanwhile, Iowans stood respectfully during the national anthem. She advanced to the women’s final four. LSU’s season is over. And from now on, there will be plenty of time to learn during the national anthem.
