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Kim Mulkey drops fiery take ahead of LSU’s Sweet 16 clash amid rumors

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Erin Achenbach | Last updated 3/29/24

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey is making headlines not only for her team’s NCAA Tournament wins, but also for her fiery comments that have stoked the controversy and brought new attention to women’s basketball. The defending national champions are once again at the epicenter of March Madness, not just for their games but also for the rumors of a potentially incendiary article about Mulkey from the Washington Post.

As the LSU Tigers prepare for their Sweet 16 matchup Saturday against UCLA, Mulkey’s remarks at a press conference on Friday highlighted her focus on the tournament, despite swirling rumors about exposé by the Washington Post.

“We have a lot of people watching our game that didn’t give a flip about women’s basketball before,” Mulkey said, as reported in a tweet on X, formerly Twitter, by The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach

Defending champions LSU are indeed a focal point for fans and media alike, but the chatter around the Washington Post’s anticipated piece has threatened to overshadow their achievements. Mulkey previously threatened to sue the author of the article, saying at the time that news of the article dropped that she had “hired the best defamation law firm in the country and “will sue” if the Washington Post “publish a false story about me.”

On Friday, Mulkey was less inclined to speak directly on the potential article, declaring the speculation as non-distractive and stressing the separation between her squad and the media frenzy.

“I did make a statement and that’s all I’ll comment on at this time because all I’m focused on is to win another basketball game,” Mulkey said, as tweeted by Claire Hanna of TSN Sports.

Kim Mulkey ‘not distracted’ by Washington Post story

The LSU Tigers take down the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament © SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

LSU’s path to the Sweet 16 hasn’t been devoid of challenges. This season, they’ve navigated through integrating new talent like transfers Hailey Van Lith and Aneesah Morrow and overcoming the brief sidelining of star forward Angel Reese. Reese, the linchpin of LSU’s operation, has been a force on the court, boasting averages of 18.7 points and 13.3 rebounds per game. Her future, however, remains as uncertain as the publication date of the Washington Post article, with a decision pending on whether she will make the jump to the WNBA or exploit her remaining college eligibility. Her defense of Mulkey amidst external criticism has only solidified her standing within the team.

While the sports community buzzes with anticipation for the Washington Post’s story, LSU keeps its eyes on the prize, aiming to replicate last season’s glory as they brace for the challenge posed by UCLA in the Sweet 16.

Mulkey’s illustrious coaching career, spanning over two decades with three national championships at Baylor, sets the stage for her ongoing tenure at LSU. Her leadership has not only cultivated champions but also nurtured the skills of prominent players like WNBA icon Brittney Griner.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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