Four-time NCAA Division I women’s basketball national champion Kim Mulkey found herself embroiled in controversy as The Washington Post released a profile highlighting her coaching style. Ahead of LSU’s Sweet 16 matchup with UCLA, Mulkey threatened legal action against the newspaper if they published a “false story” about her. The article delved into Mulkey’s coaching methods, particularly focusing on conflicts with players over the years. Former players claimed that Mulkey used shame as a coaching tool and clashed with athletes over their appearances and displays of sexuality.
One of the most high-profile conflicts mentioned in the article was between Mulkey and former Baylor star Brittney Griner, who openly identifies as gay. Griner faced difficulties when she decided to come out, but she stated that it wasn’t hard for her. The article cited interviews with former players and news reports that suggested Mulkey held “grudges” and clashed with players about their sexuality. The rift between Mulkey and Griner seemed to escalate after Griner’s imprisonment in Russia. Despite hopes from Mulkey’s former teammate Mickie DeMoss for Mulkey to speak out, the coach remained silent on the situation.
The piece also explored other aspects of Mulkey’s life, including her strained relationship with some family members and how her upbringing in rural Louisiana shaped her as a person. Through her attorneys, Mulkey denied claims that she did not support Griner or treat former players who identified as gay differently. Mulkey, who is in her third season at LSU, signed a 10-year contract extension after leading the team to its first-ever national title. She had a successful career as a college basketball player, winning championships at Louisiana Tech and a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics.
In the midst of the controversy, Mulkey’s LSU Tigers secured a victory against UCLA, advancing to the Elite 8. LSU now awaits the winner of the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Colorado Buffaloes. Despite the off-court distractions, Mulkey remains focused on leading her team to success on the court. It is unclear whether Mulkey will address the allegations made in The Washington Post’s profile, as she stated that she might not read the article and would leave it up to her attorneys to handle.
The article shed light on the complexities of Mulkey’s coaching style and personal life, raising questions about the impact of her actions on players and the broader sports community. As a highly successful and respected coach, Mulkey faces scrutiny and challenges in navigating controversies and conflicts. The spotlight on her relationships with players and her approach to coaching highlights the ongoing conversations around LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance in sports, underscoring the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for athletes of all backgrounds.
