The LSU women’s basketball program has come under fire for skipping the National Anthem before their loss to Iowa on Monday night, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is now calling for the players to be stripped of their scholarships.
The Tigers are out of the NCAA Tournament on the back of a 94-87 loss to the Tigers. Having already failed to defend their championship, they’d also be at risk of losing their scholarships if Landry had his way.
“My mother coached women’s high school basketball during the height of desegregation, no one has a greater respect for the sport and for Coach Mulkey,” the Governor tweeted on Tuesday.
“However, above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those that serve to protect us and unite us under one flag! It is time that all college boards, including Regent, put a policy in place that student athletes be present for the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarship! This is a matter of respect that all collegiate coaches should instill.”
LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey Has Explained Why The Tigers Missed The Anthem
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey explained why the Tigers were not on the court for the anthem while speaking to reporters after the game.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NCAA stories via Google! Follow Us
Mulkey claimed she wasn’t even aware when the anthem was being played as her team is typically off the court doing pre-game routines.
“Honestly I don’t even know when the anthem was played,” she said. “We kind of have a routine where we are on the floor then they come off at the 12-minute mark. I don’t know. We come in and we do our pre-game stuff. I’m sorry. Listen, that’s nothing intentionally done.”
LSU athletics spokesperson Cody Worsham has also pointed out that the Tigers actually haven’t been on the court during the anthem for years.
“Our basketball programs have not been on the court for the anthem for the last several seasons,” Worsham told the Louisiana Illuminator. “Usually the anthem is played 12 minutes before the game when the team is in the locker room doing final preparations.”
Landry’s statement comes just days after a bill was introduced that would give him more control of higher education, so it will be interesting to see whether he gets his way.
Also Read: VIDEO: Cameras Caught Movie Star Jason Sudekis Savagely Taunting Angel Reese During LSU-Iowa Game
