Louisiana Gov Demands New Policy After LSU's Anthem Snub

On Tuesday, Louisiana's Republican Governor Jeff Landry proposed a regulation mandating college athletes' presence during the national anthem before games.

In his statement, Landry, in his first term as governor, expressed concern about LSU's absence during "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, following their loss in the Elite Eight against the Iowa Hawkeyes, whom they defeated for the national championship the previous year.

Landry, sharing his thoughts on his X page, emphasized the significance of respecting the anthem. "My mother coached women’s high school basketball during the height of desegregation, no one has a greater respect for the sport and for Coach Mulkey," Landry stated, before stressing, "However, above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those that serve to protect us and unite us under one flag!"

He urged school authorities to implement a rule mandating athletes' presence during the anthem, suggesting that non-compliance could result in scholarship loss. "It is time that all college boards, including Regent, put a policy in place that student athletes be present for the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarship!" Landry emphasized, adding, "This is a matter of respect that all collegiate coaches should instill."

The incident gained widespread attention on social media, with a video showing LSU absent during the anthem, contrasting with Iowa's players, each present during the anthem.

Coach Kim Mulkey clarified that the team did not intentionally skip the anthem but was engaged in pregame warmups at the time. Despite LSU's loss to Iowa, they were previously favored for a repeat national championship, with Iowa advancing to face UConn in the upcoming Final Four matchups.