Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) suggested Tuesday that college athletes who disrespect the national anthem should be punished.
Ahead of Monday’s highly anticipated matchup between LSU and Iowa in the women’s NCAA Tournament, LSU came under fire for apparently skipping the national anthem. However, the Iowa Hawkeyes were on the court during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey addressed the incident after the game, which Iowa won 94-87.
“To be honest, I don’t even know when the national anthem was played,” she said. Said.
“When they’re on the floor, we kind of have a routine and at the 12-minute mark they come off. I don’t know, but we get into the game and do our pregame stuff.” she explained. “I’m sorry, but listen, that wasn’t done on purpose.”
But the damage was done, at least in Governor Landry’s eyes.
On Tuesday, the Republican governor advocated for university officials to enact a policy requiring student-athletes to be present during the national anthem. Otherwise, you risk losing your scholarship.
“My mother coached girls’ high school basketball during the height of desegregation, and there is no one I respect more about this sport and Coach Mulkey than I do,” Landry said. Said In a statement.
“But beyond my respect for that game, there is an even deeper respect for those who protected us and united us under one flag!” he continued.
“It’s time for all university boards, including Regents, to implement a policy requiring student-athletes to attend the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarships!” he said. “This is a matter of respect that every college coach should instill.”
But is this a problem with student athletes disrespecting the national anthem?
Apparently not.
according to To a sports reporter from Louisiana who was covering the story. The LSU women’s basketball team will not have players on the court during the national anthem. Instead, the team left the court before the pregame festivities after warmups and before re-entering the court for team introductions, as Coach Mulkey said.
LSU spokesperson Associate Athletic Director Cody Worsham confirmed that the LSU basketball team will never take the court for the national anthem.
“In recent seasons, our basketball program has not played the national anthem on the court,” Worsham said. “Typically, the national anthem is played 12 minutes before game time, when the team is making final preparations in the locker room.” Said.
Meanwhile, Landry’s idea is already facing pushback from state leaders. According to Louisiana Illuminator.
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