Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA) has called on college boards across the United States to mandate attendance during the national anthem ahead of sporting events, suggesting athletes who do not participate have their scholarships removed.
His suggestion comes after the Louisiana State University’s women’s basketball team was noticeably absent from the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Monday night before the Elite Eight game against the University of Iowa, while the Hawkeyes were spotted on the court holding hands.
The Louisiana governor wrote on social media that he has great respect for the team and head coach Kim Mulkey but has more respect for the people who protect the U.S. “and unite us under one flag.”
“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 stated on X. “This is a matter of respect that all collegiate coaches should instill.”
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. However, above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those that serve to protect us and unite us under one flag !
It is…
— Jeff Landry (@JeffLandry) April 2, 2024
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Amid the heavy criticism the team has received for its absence, Mulkey claimed that skipping the national anthem was not intentional and that she was not aware of when the anthem was played. However, a local reporter from Baton Rouge has noted that “LSU is never on the court for the National Anthem.”
The school will now have plenty of time to reconsider its decision to skip the anthem. LSU fell to Iowa, 94-87, ending its season.