BREAKING NEWS: Louisiana governor threatens LSU scholarships over missed national anthem
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has taken a firm stance against the LSU women’s basketball team following their absence during the national anthem before Monday night’s Elite 8 game against Iowa.
Despite Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey stating that the team was in the locker room preparing for the game, Landry and others expressed dissatisfaction with the optics of the situation and the subsequent social media backlash.
In a tweet posted on Tuesday, Landry called on the Louisiana Board of Regents to consider mandating that student-athletes be present for the pregame anthem, suggesting that failure to comply could result in the loss of scholarships. He emphasized the importance of respect that should be instilled by all collegiate coaches.
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. 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…
— Jeff Landry (@JeffLandry) April 2, 2024
The controversy surrounding national anthem protests is not new, dating back to former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s demonstrations in 2016. However, Landry’s reaction appeared to overlook Mulkey’s explanation that the absence was not a protest but rather part of the team’s routine preparation. Additionally, an LSU athletic official noted that both the men’s and women’s teams traditionally remain in the locker room during the anthem.
LSU statement from Cody Worsham, Associate AD
"Our basketball programs have not been on the court for the anthem for the last several seasons. Usually the anthem is played 12 minutes before the game when the team is in the locker room doing final preparations."
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) April 2, 2024
Furthermore, it was revealed that Iowa players had also missed the national anthem for the same reason, as evidenced by a video shared by users from last year’s national championship game involving both LSU and Iowa teams.
Oh look, last year’s National Championship Game in Dallas!
Where neither team was on the court, Iowa or LSU for the National Anthem.
I’m so sick of this selective outrage. pic.twitter.com/nne556HTP7
— Michael Cauble (@Cauble) April 2, 2024
Landry’s request to the regents seemed to catch state education officials off guard. According to reports, the state’s commissioner of higher education, Kim Hunter Reed, clarified that the regents have no authority over scholarship decisions.
This is some North Korea crap. You’re literally suggesting people be forced to be present for a pre-game anthem, which, if we’re being honest, has always been an odd practice. Outside of national competitions or major events, most countries don’t do this.
— Geezy🐺 AnybodyCanGetit 𝕏 (@Official_ACG) April 2, 2024
Regardless of one’s stance on the national anthem debate, Gov. Landry’s tweet sparked significant discussion on social media on Tuesday.
Iowa players holding hands during the American National Anthem. LSU players left the court before the anthem was performed. pic.twitter.com/GhCLHUXiBX
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) April 1, 2024
We’re not “most countries”. This is America and we stand for the National Anthem!!!
— Theresa Folse (@TheresaFolse1) April 2, 2024
Why do our politicians result to hot takes?
Sure, it’s fine if a TV talkin head or blogger does it.
But this is an ELECTED OFFICIAL.
Why not just make a personal call to Kim Mulkey?
Instead you FLAME Louisiana State University after losing a heartbreaker.
Shameful, Jeff. https://t.co/qOCBgdHMKX
— Carter Bryant (@PowerHourLSU) April 2, 2024
In other words, the team has made the intentional choice to not honor their country and the opportunities it affords them by attending a 2/3 minute Anthem. Instead, their pre-game preparation takes precedence over our Nationa Anthem.
A little advice. You all should stop digging…
— Ben Hogan 1953 (@TinCup2020) April 3, 2024
This clears it all up. They routinely leave the floor and have no idea when the National Anthem is played😂😂😂
What a piece of work. pic.twitter.com/xFim5AUntf
— Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) April 2, 2024
👍 It really is. Abolish playing the national anthem at sporting events. It’s indoctrination. We don’t mandate patriotism in a free country, there is no need for that.
— Noelle (@Noellervschultz) April 2, 2024
very cool that our pro “freedom of speech” governor thinks you should have scholarships taken away for not being present for a song https://t.co/Dh65bt1kFH
— Evan Saacks (@evansaacks) April 2, 2024