Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called for state officials to enact a policy requiring student-athletes to be present for the national anthem after the LSU women’s basketball team faced backlash for missing it before their regional final game against Iowa. Landry, a Republican, emphasized the importance of respecting those who serve to protect and unite the country under one flag. He suggested that all college boards, including Regent, implement a policy that student-athletes must be present for the national anthem or risk losing their athletic scholarship. This call for a policy came after a video showed Iowa players holding hands on the court during the anthem while LSU was not present.
LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey defended her team’s absence during the national anthem, calling it routine and saying that they are typically off the court at the 12-minute mark prior to the game. This explanation did not satisfy critics who believed that showing respect for the national anthem is important and non-negotiable. The Tigers have not been present for the national anthem all season, and they were also absent during last year’s national championship. The controversy surrounding their absence brought attention to the issue of student-athletes’ behavior during the anthem and sparked debates about respect, tradition, and patriotism in the sporting world.
The LSU women’s basketball team was not the only group of student-athletes to miss the national anthem recently. According to nola.com, neither USC nor UConn were present for the anthem before their Elite Eight game on the same night as the LSU-Iowa matchup. This trend of teams not being on the court during the anthem raises questions about whether it should be mandatory for student-athletes to show respect for the anthem, which represents the country as a whole. Landry’s call for a policy requiring athletes to be present during the anthem reflects a broader push for respect and unity in the sporting community.
The backlash faced by the LSU women’s basketball team for missing the national anthem highlights the importance of showing respect for symbols of national unity and patriotism. The video showing Iowa players standing on the court holding hands during the anthem emphasized the contrast between their display of respect and LSU’s absence. This incident sparked discussions about whether student-athletes should be required to be present for the anthem and what role coaches and athletic programs play in upholding traditions and values. Landry’s call for a policy reflects a belief that honoring the national anthem is a fundamental aspect of sportsmanship and citizenship.
As the controversy surrounding the LSU women’s basketball team’s absence during the national anthem continued to generate debate and discussion, the issue of athletes’ behavior during patriotic rituals in sporting events gained prominence. The inclusion of other teams like USC and UConn who also missed the anthem raised questions about whether this trend reflects a lack of respect or a shift in cultural norms. Mulkey’s explanation that her team’s absence was routine and part of their pre-game preparation was met with skepticism by those who believe that showing respect for the anthem should be a priority. The push for a policy requiring student-athletes to be present during the anthem reflects a desire to uphold tradition and unity in the sporting community.
