Four-time NCAA Division I women’s basketball national champion Kim Mulkey, the coach of LSU, was preparing for the team’s Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA when an article by The Washington Post was released. Mulkey had previously stated that she would take legal action against the newspaper if they published a false story about her. The article delves into Mulkey’s coaching style, highlighting conflicts with some players over the years. Former players mentioned that shame was a frequent tool in Mulkey’s coaching arsenal, causing rifts within the team.
One of the most notable conflicts mentioned in the article involved former Baylor star Brittney Griner, who openly identifies as gay. Griner had faced difficulties when she decided to come out, but she emphasized the importance of being true to herself. The Post reported that Mulkey had developed a reputation for holding grudges and clashing with players about their appearances and displays of their sexuality. The rift between Mulkey and Griner seemed to escalate after Griner’s imprisonment. Despite requests for Mulkey to make a statement, she remained mostly silent on the issue.
The article also looked into Mulkey’s personal life, examining her singular drive, unyielding loyalty, and strained relationships with some of her immediate family members. The story explored how Mulkey’s upbringing in rural Louisiana shaped her into the complex woman she is today. Mulkey’s attorneys denied any suggestion that she did not support Griner or that she treated any of her former players who identified as gay differently. The LSU coach has been in Baton Rouge for her third season and signed a 10-year contract extension after leading the team to their first-ever national title.
LSU was able to secure a victory over UCLA in the Elite 8, advancing to the next round of the NCAA tournament. Mulkey, who has a successful track record as both a player and coach, has faced challenges within her coaching style and relationships with players. The article shed light on the complexities of Mulkey’s persona and the controversies surrounding her career. Despite the backlash from the article, Mulkey and her team continue to push forward in their pursuit of another national championship. It remains to be seen how this recent controversy will impact Mulkey’s legacy in the world of women’s college basketball.
