Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has called for state officials to implement a policy requiring student-athletes to be present for the national anthem. This comes after the LSU women’s basketball team drew criticism for missing the national anthem before their regional final game against Iowa on Monday night.
The Republican governor is the latest figure to rebuke the Tigers for their conspicuous absence during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“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 [Kim] Mulkey,” Landry wrote on X. “However, above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those that serve to protect us and unite us under one flag!”
Landry urged all college boards, including the Board of Regents, to enact a policy mandating student-athletes be present for the anthem or risk losing their athletic scholarships. He stated it is “a matter of respect that all collegiate coaches should instill.”
Video showed the Iowa players on the court holding hands during the anthem, while the LSU team had exited just before it was played. Coach Mulkey called it “routine” for her team to leave the floor 12 minutes before tipoff.
Reports indicate neither USC nor UConn were present for the anthem before their Elite Eight game as well. LSU has allegedly missed the anthem all season long, including at last year’s national championship.
While some supported LSU upholding their pregame ritual, others like Gov. Landry felt the absence disrespected those who served and symbolized a lack of patriotism.
