Four-time NCAA Division I women’s basketball national champion Kim Mulkey likely spent Saturday morning finalizing LSU’s game plan for its Sweet 16 matchup with the second-seeded UCLA Bruins. .
But just a few hours before tipoff, washington post Maruki’s long-awaited profile has been released. The longtime college basketball coach recently drew attention to the article ahead of its publication, saying he would take legal action against the newspaper if it published a “false article” about him.
“I have hired the best defamation law firm in the country. If The Washington Post publishes a false story about me, I will sue. There are many people in a position to hold these types of journalists accountable. No, but I have a responsibility. I’m going to do it,” Mulkey said in a press conference on March 23, the day after LSU’s game against Middle Tennessee State University.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey listens to questions from the media after defeating the Ole Miss Rebels at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. (Ken Ruinard/Greenville News via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Ms. Mulkey said she was not aware that the article was published on Saturday, but indicated that she might not review it.
“Were you really surprised by the timing?” Mulkey told ESPN’s Holly Rowe on Saturday. “I can say I haven’t read it, and I don’t know if I will. I’ll leave that to my lawyer.”
The piece takes a close look at Mulkey’s coaching style, which seemed to cause a rift between her and some players over the years. ”[F]”Players stated that shame was frequently used in Mulkey’s coaching, whether during practice or addressing the team,” the report states.
Kim Mulkey slams ‘sexist’ media coverage of LSU-South Carolina battle: ‘It’s so out of control’
A dispute involving multiple players, including former Baylor star Brittney Greiner, appears to stem from a particular player’s sexual orientation. Greiner, who was arrested at a Russian airport in 2022, is openly gay.
In a 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated, Greiner was asked about the challenges she faced in deciding to come out, given her stature as a public figure and prominent athlete.
“It wasn’t really that difficult,” Greiner said. “I wouldn’t say I was hiding or anything like that. I’ve always been open about who I am and my sexuality. So it wasn’t difficult at all. When I came out… If I can show that I am, and I’m like, “I’m fine, everything is fine, then I definitely hope that the younger generation feels the same way.”
LSU Tigers head coach Kim during the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament championship game between the LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 10, 2024 in Greenville, South Carolina.・Malky (John Byram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The newspaper cited interviews with former players and reports suggesting the 61-year-old coach had a reputation for holding a “grudge” and had “conflicts with players, including over their appearance and expression of sexuality.” Quoted.
Greiner was one of the most high-profile players Mulkey clashed with publicly, and the rift seemed to come to a head after Greiner’s incarceration. Mulkey, who led Baylor to three national titles, has only addressed the situation publicly once during a radio appearance.
Mickey DeMoss, Mulkey’s former teammate at Louisiana Tech, said he hopes the coach uses his position to speak out.
LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey gives instructions during the second half of a game against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. (Stephen Lu-USA TODAY Sports)
“I was really expecting Kim to make a statement. I really hoped so. There’s a child being held captive in Russia. I mean, it’s bigger than any feud you guys had. No one knew how long they would last.” We all wanted her to be held there. [Mulkey] You can only get over it in that moment. Please take her back to her home. But she didn’t. ”
The article also touches on several other aspects of the LSU coach’s life, including how her singular drive and unwavering loyalty led to strained relationships with some of her immediate family. It also includes information such as what brought you. The story also explores how her upbringing in rural Louisiana shaped the complex woman she is today.
Ms. Mulkey, through her lawyer, pushed back against any suggestion that she did not support Mr. Greiner. Mulkey’s lawyer also sent a letter to the newspaper denying that she treated former players who identify as gay “more harshly or differently.”
Fox News Digital reached out to LSU’s athletic department and left a message seeking comment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Mulkey is in his third season in Baton Rouge. She signed her lucrative 10-year contract extension after leading LSU to the first national title in women’s program history. She also had a distinguished career as a college basketball player, winning two championships at Louisiana Tech University. Mulkey was also a member of Team USA’s gold medal team at the 1984 Olympic Games.
The defending national champion LSU Tigers pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat UCLA and advance to the Elite Eight on Saturday. LSU is currently awaiting the winner of Saturday’s game between Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes and Colorado Buffaloes.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
