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On Tuesday, Louisiana's Republican Governor Jeff Landry referred to as for a rule that may require faculty athletes to be current for the enjoying of the nationwide anthem earlier than video games.
Landry, who’s serving his first time period as governor, spoke in regards to the matter a day after his state's flagship faculty missed “The Star-Spangled Banner” recreation earlier than being eradicated from the NCAA girls's basketball match. Issued an extended assertion.
The LSU Tigers had been notably absent for the enjoying of the nationwide anthem on the staff's Elite Eight matchup towards the Iowa Hawkeyes – a staff the Bayou Bengals defeated for the nationwide championship final 12 months.
In a press release posted to his X web page, Landry referred to as the omission of the nationwide anthem disrespectful.
“My mom coached girls's highschool basketball through the peak of segregation, nobody has a better respect for the sport and Coach Mulkey,” Landry started.
He added, “Nonetheless, above all respect for that recreation is deep respect for individuals who defend us and unite us underneath one flag!”
My mom coached girls's highschool basketball through the peak of segregation, nobody has a better respect for the sport and for Coach Mulkey. Nonetheless, above all respect for the sport lies deep respect for the individuals who defend us and unite us underneath one flag!
it’s…
– Jeff Landry (@JeffLandry) 2 April 2024
The governor then referred to as on faculty directors and others to implement a rule requiring athletes to honor their nation earlier than sporting occasions.
He additionally put ahead the view that non-compliance would lead to college students shedding their scholarships.
“It’s time that every one faculty boards, together with the Regents, create a coverage that scholar athletes seem for the nationwide anthem or threat their athletic scholarships!” Landry mentioned. “It's an honor that every one collegiate coaches ought to set.”
Video of LSU skipping the nationwide anthem unfold like wildfire on social media earlier than and after it was reported Monday evening.
A clip considered almost eight million occasions confirmed each lady in Iowa current for the enjoying of the nationwide anthem.
Iowa gamers maintain palms through the US nationwide anthem. LSU gamers left the court docket earlier than the nationwide anthem was performed. pic.twitter.com/GhCLHUXiBX
– Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) 1 April 2024
LSU was absent, and coach Kim Mulkey later defined that the staff deliberately skipped the pre-game present of respect.
“To be trustworthy, I don't even know when the nationwide anthem was performed,” mentioned Mulkey, who added that his staff was doing routine pregame warmups whereas the nationwide anthem was enjoying.
“We have now type of a routine the place we're on the ground, after which they arrive over on the 12-minute mark. We simply are available in, and we do our pregame stuff,” Mulkey concluded.
Kim Mulkey mentioned that her staff deliberately didn’t depart the sphere earlier than the enjoying of the US nationwide anthem.
“To be trustworthy, I don't even know when the nationwide anthem was performed. “We type of have a routine (of leaving the court docket at a sure time).” pic.twitter.com/JclJExC1Ym
– Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) 2 April 2024
LSU misplaced 94-87 to Iowa on Monday and heads again to Baton Rouge, whereas Iowa and UConn will face off this weekend for certainly one of two Last 4 video games.
The Tigers had been heavy favorites to repeat as nationwide champions.
This text initially appeared on The Western Journal.