Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has called for a policy that requires student-athletes to be present for the national anthem following the LSU women’s basketball team's absence during the anthem before their regional final game against Iowa. The Republican governor emphasized the importance of showing respect for those who serve and unite the country under one flag.
Gov. Landry urged all college boards, including Regent, to implement a policy that mandates student-athletes to be present for the national anthem or risk losing their athletic scholarships. This call to action comes after a video showed Iowa players holding hands during the anthem while LSU players had already left the court.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey defended her team's absence during the anthem, stating that it was part of their routine to come off the court at a specific time before the game. However, this incident has sparked a debate on the importance of respecting national symbols in collegiate sports.
Notably, neither USC nor UConn were present for the national anthem before their Elite Eight game on the same night as the LSU-Iowa matchup. It has been reported that the LSU women's basketball team has not been present for the national anthem throughout the season, including during last year's national championship game.
The issue of student-athletes' presence during the national anthem continues to be a topic of discussion, with Gov. Landry's statement adding to the ongoing debate surrounding respect for national symbols in sports.
