The LSU Tigers have been heavily criticized before their Elite Eight showdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes for what many deemed as a disrespectful act. Kim Mulkey, however, is setting the record straight on the issue.
For those who missed it, during the national anthem before the game, the Tigers left the court and appeared to snub the ceremony, sparking anger from fans and critics alike.
LSU Tigers Controversy
For those who missed it, the Tigers reportedly walked off the court before the pregame national anthem. Dan Zaksheske of Outkick shared a video of the moment, which also showed Iowa players holding hands during the anthem.
It caused quite the stir on social media, with plenty of people criticizing Mulkey’s team for their actions.
However, there are also some fans who defended them, claiming that the team normally does it. A former LSU PA announcer also explained the reasoning behind the gesture, noting that the pregame schedule forces them to be in the locker room.
“I was the PA announcer for LSU from 2015-2021. The team did not leave for the national anthem. Like many teams, their warm up drills & timing for pregame w[ith] TV had them in the locker room. This narrative is completely false. This is just inaccurate journalism on your part,” Matt Dunn wrote on X.
Another commenter wrote in defense of the Tigers, “LSU has been in the locker room every game during the National Anthem but the media still doing their best to make them the villains!”
Kim Mulkey Responds To LSU Tigers Controversy
When talking to reporters following their heartbreaking defeat to the Iowa Hawkeyes, LSU Tigers coach Kim Mulkey was asked about the national anthem controversy. The veteran tactician shared her surprise that they missed the anthem, adding that she didn’t know it was played.
Mulkey then proceeded to emphasize that they didn’t purposely ignore the anthem, as they were simply doing their routine and fulfilling their pregame responsibilities. Mulkey noted that it was “nothing intentionally done.”
“Honestly, I don’t even know when the Anthem was played. We kind of have a routine where we’re on the floor and then they come off at the 12-minute mark. I don’t know. We come in and do our pre-game stuff,” Mulkey explained.
Hopefully, that clarifies the whole situation. Many quickly hated on the Tigers for their actions without even knowing the facts. While many see them as villains, it’s definitely unfair to quickly judge them. Fortunately, Mulkey was given the chance to explain their side before more people vilify them for it.
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