The LSU women’s basketball program just can’t stay away from controversies. The Lady Tigers were not on the floor for the playing of the national anthem before their game against Iowa.
There’s video on social media that shows Iowa’s basketball team standing for the anthem, while LSU’s bench is empty.
It prompted Governor Jeff Landry to call out Kim Mulkey’s team for not being visible during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Landry also believes college boards should have a policy that says if student-athletes do not participate in the national anthem, they should have their scholarship taken away.
LSU is not commenting on Landry’s proposal. But they will say their 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,” said LSU chief brand officer Cody Worsham.
That was the case before the LSU-Iowa game. The Lady Tigers left the court at the 12-minute mark and a couple of minutes later the anthem was played.
There are accusations that the team was trying to make a statement. But Mulkey said missing the anthem was unintentional and was not aware when the anthem would be played.
