Politics
LSU Women’s Basketball Team Gets Crushed After ‘Missing’ National Anthem
The Louisiana State University women’s basketball team lost to Caitlin Clark’s formidable Iowa lineup Monday night, capping a tournament run that saw the southern powerhouse’s roster walk off the court before the national anthem was played.
In video captured by the American Tribune, the contrast was clear: a unified Iowa holding hands and singing while Louisiana State’s side of the court was filled with empty chairs. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey defended her team’s walkout as part of the girls’ pre-game ritual.
“Honestly, I don’t even know when the anthem was played. We kind of have a routine when (our players are) on the floor, and they come off at the 12-minute mark (prior to the game),” Mulkey said following the 94-87 victory by Iowa. The slight to America, she added. wasn’t “intentional.”
WATCH:
Kim Mulkey said LSU not being on the floor during the National Anthem was not “intentional” and that her team has a “routine” that involves leaving the court at a certain time. Added she didn’t know when they played the anthem. pic.twitter.com/2i5sg9DDrj
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) April 2, 2024
Clark, meanwhile, put up a monstrous 41 points on the night and won plaudits from LSU’s guard Hailey Van Lilth.
“Caitlin’s very skilled… She’s a great player. She hit some tough shots. There’s not a whole lot you can do about some of the threes she hit,” Lilth said, according to Essentially Sports.
X users found schadenfreude in LSU’s loss to Iowa given their 102-85 victory at last year’s national championship.
LSU Women’s Basketball Team skipped the National Anthem
Iowa stood proud
LSU just got their ass beat
With the entire stadium cheering against them
Season over
Let this be a lesson to all players: the cringy, selfish woke athlete moment is OVER
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 2, 2024
LSU leaving the court and not being present for National Anthem is not a great look
— Russ (@RussFlynn_) April 1, 2024
LSU didn’t stay on the court for the National Anthem…..GO IOWA
— DJBiz aka… (@BPatt215) April 2, 2024
lsu not being out for the national anthem shows the type of team they are
— tony loberger (@LobergerTony) April 2, 2024
I had the utmost respect for feisty #LSU coach @KimMulkey until she led her team off the court for the National Anthem tonight. #LSUvsIowa #NCAATournament
— EK H (@Hd4mtns) April 2, 2024
So Iowa locks arms for the national anthem and LSU wasn’t on the court. LSU women’s basketball team is a disgrace.
— mamomam 🤘🏼 (@mamomam84) April 1, 2024
Top-ranked Iowa now advances to the Final Four where they will face #3 UConn shortly after South Carolina takes on NC State.
Clark, a Des Moines native, is the biggest name in women’s collegiate sports and is credited with bringing a renewed focus on women’s basketball at a time when women’s sports generally are conflicted about the participation of transgender athletes. She has received bipartisan respect without betraying much if anything about her political views.
During last year’s championship, Clark declined an opportunity to hit back at LSU’s top scorer Angel Reese after the Black athlete made a “you can’t see me” gesture at her during the game, according to The Nation.
“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” said Clark.
“I’m just one that competes, and she competed. I think everybody knew there was going to be a little trash talk in the entire tournament. It’s not just me and Angel.
“We’re all competitive. We all show our emotions in a different way. You know, Angel is a tremendous, tremendous player. I have nothing but respect for her. I love her game—the way she rebounds the ball, scores the ball, is absolutely incredible. I’m a big fan of her and even the entire LSU team. They played an amazing game.”
