The Elite Eight rematch between Iowa and LSU in the 2023 championship game garnered widespread praise and broke records for the most-watched women’s college basketball game. However, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry criticized LSU for not being present for the national anthem, calling for a policy that would risk a student-athlete’s scholarship if they were absent during the anthem. LSU coach Kim Mulkey explained that her team’s routine is to head to the locker room at the 12-minute mark and was unaware of the anthem playing time.
This incident with LSU not being present for the national anthem was similar to a situation involving South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and her team in 2022. Staley faced criticism for her team’s absence during the Final Four win over Louisville, attributing it to their pregame ritual timing. In college sports, it is not required for teams to be present for the anthem, and it is not uncommon for teams to be in their respective locker rooms during its playing. This was evident during the Big Ten college football championship between Iowa and Michigan when neither team was on the sidelines during the anthem.
Despite criticism from Gov. Landry and others, it is important to note that college football teams also do not typically appear on the field for the national anthem during regular-season games or bowl games. It is up to the individual teams and their routines whether they choose to be present for the anthem. While there may be differing opinions on this matter, it is important to respect the choices and routines of the student-athletes and coaches involved. Ultimately, the focus should remain on the game and the hard work and dedication of the players and teams competing.
LSU coach Kim Mulkey apologized for her team’s absence during the anthem, stating that it was not intentional and that their routine led them to the locker room at that time. The incident sparked a conversation about the significance of the national anthem in sports and whether there should be a policy in place to ensure the presence of student-athletes during its playing. As debates continue on this topic, it is essential to consider the perspectives of all involved and find a balance between respecting the anthem and allowing teams to adhere to their pregame rituals and routines.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding LSU’s absence during the national anthem in the Elite Eight rematch highlighted differing opinions on the importance of being present for the anthem in college sports. While calls for a policy to ensure student-athletes’ presence during the anthem have been made, it is important to respect the choices and routines of the teams involved. Ultimately, the focus should remain on the game itself and the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes competing at the highest level.
