The LSU women’s basketball team has found themselves in hot water after opting out of standing for the national anthem before their showdown against Iowa. While the Iowa players proudly honored their nation by standing hand in hand, the Louisiana team controversially left the court, citing adherence to their pre-game rituals. However, this move didn’t sit well with conservative voices who viewed it as a blatant disregard for patriotic sentiments.
In a game that ended with Iowa’s decisive victory at 94-87, the standout performance by Hawkeyes’ star player Caitlin Clark, scoring an impressive 41 points, further fueled the controversy. With this loss, LSU bids farewell to their dreams of reaching the Final Four, knocked out after this Elite Eight showdown.
When questioned about the team’s absence during the anthem, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey stated, “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.” Despite Mulkey’s explanation of the team’s pre-game rituals taking precedence, the incident has triggered a wave of criticism on social media.
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson didn’t mince words, expressing his disappointment in LSU’s actions, declaring, “LSU Women’s Basketball Team skipped the National Anthem, while Iowa stood proud. LSU just got their backsides 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.”
The backlash extended to former LSU alumni, with many expressing their disappointment and disapproval of the team’s behavior. One disgruntled user vowed never to support the team again, emphasizing the disrespect shown towards the sacrifices made by soldiers for the country’s freedoms.
Moreover, critics pointed fingers not only at the players but also at Coach Kim Mulkey, highlighting what they perceived as ingratitude towards the opportunities provided by the country. Voices from the conservative spectrum condemned the team’s action as disrespectful, stressing the importance of honoring the national anthem and the sacrifices made by veterans.
The incident stirred a broader debate about the appreciation of American values and history. While acknowledging the right to dissent, critics emphasized the need to respect the sacrifices made for the freedoms enjoyed by citizens. They warned against taking these liberties for granted and called for unity rather than division.
As the controversy rages on, the LSU women’s basketball team finds themselves at the center of a storm of criticism, facing scrutiny for their actions both on and off the court. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing cultural and ideological battles shaping the landscape of American sports.