Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged Louisiana officials to adopt a new policy that requires student-athletes to be present for the National Anthem. The LSU Women’s Basketball Team was heavily criticized after it failed to perform the anthem before its regional final match on Monday against Iowa.
The Republican governor became the latest critic to criticize the Tigers’ apparent absence during the National Anthem.
Landry wrote in X, “My mother coached women’s high school basketball during the height of desegregation. No one respects the sport more than Coach [Kim] Mulkey. ”
“Above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those who serve to protect us and unite us under one flag!
OutKick’s Dan Zaksheske captured Iowa players holding hands during “The Star-Spangled Banner”. LSU players left the court before the National Anthem started.
LSU players left the court before the national anthem was played.
Iowa players stayed and held hands. pic.twitter.com/ERla82Ar0e
— OutKick (@Outkick) April 1, 2024
Mulkey said that the absence of her team after their loss to Iowa was “routine”.
Mulkey said to OutKick she did not know what time the national anthem was played. We have a routine in which (our players are) on the floor and come off at the 12-minute mark (before the game).
According to nola.com, neither USC nor UConn were present at the National Anthem before their Elite Eight match on Monday night.
The Tigers did not attend the National Anthem at the championship last season, or this season.
