Brian Kelly and LSU Football have stated that they support Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s position that all sports teams be present on the court or field during “The Star-Spangled Banner” National Anthem.
Last week, during the Women’s College Basketball Elite Eight, which was the most televised women’s college sporting event of all time (Iowa vs. UConn has since broken that record), the Iowa players were seen on the court holding hands during the anthem while LSU was nowhere to be found.
The comparison between the two teams rapidly went viral on social media, with people on both sides of the debate having a strong stance and either praising or slamming the LSU squad for not being on the court for the anthem.
Many Teams Aren’t On The Court For National Anthem
Teams rarely perform the national anthem on the court. The national anthem is usually played before players are introduced on the court or field, and no one pays much attention to it. Furthermore, the anthem is typically only broadcast for major events, like as championship games, or on notable dates, such as 9/11 or July 4th.
So why was this such a huge deal?
First, since Collin Kaepernick opted to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 (yep, eight years ago), the decision and conduct of teams and athletes during the anthem has been under scrutiny.
Furthermore, last week, the Washington Post published a story criticizing LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, bringing her into the spotlight as well. Finally, in last year’s National Championship game, LSU forward Angel Reese insulted and taunted Caitlin Clark, which many regarded as poor sportsmanship. All three of these factors made it easier for fans to target the LSU Tigers.
Iowa players holding hands during the American National Anthem. LSU players left the court before the anthem was performed. pic.twitter.com/GhCLHUXiBX
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) April 1, 2024
Lousiana Governor Urges State to Enact New Policy
Following the outcry, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry responded immediately to the issue and controversy. He made the following statement.
“My mother coached women’s high school basketball at the height of desegregation; no one has a higher regard for the sport or Coach Mulkey. However, more important than appreciation for the game is respect for those who serve to protect us and unify us under one banner!
It is time for all college boards, including Regent, to implement a policy requiring student athletes to stand for the national anthem or face losing their athletic scholarship! This is a question of respect that all collegiate coaches must instill.”
LSU’s Brian Kelly Responds to the Situation
Brian Kelly responded immediately to the governor’s wishes and appeared to support them. He stated the following about what he would have LSU accomplish.
“I’ve seen it. I know everyone has had their say about it…I believe our football players would agree that if we are ever compelled to be out there, we will be wherever we are told. That’s the bottom line. If our administration wants us to stand for the national anthem, we will proudly do so.
…I have been doing this for 33 years. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve stood for the national anthem during the last 33 years. That is not to suggest we oppose what the governor is saying.
…I recall being proud of the Army’s presence in our stadium during the game. What we did at the stadium to demonstrate our patriotism and support. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get through this quite soon.”
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