LSU guard Hailey Van Lith spoke out in defense of her team after a Los Angeles Times column referred to the Tigers women’s basketball team as “dirty debutantes,” a description she deemed as racist. Van Lith, who is White, expressed regret for reading the column, stating that it could crush one’s soul. She emphasized the bias that exists towards her Black teammates, noting that she receives a different reaction when talking trash compared to her Black teammates. Van Lith expressed her duty to support her teammates and criticized the column for being disrespectful and not motivating.
The L.A. Times later removed the “dirty debutantes” language from the column, acknowledging that it did not meet the publication’s editorial standards. Van Lith continued by sharing her experiences of facing criticism for her Black teammates’ attitudes and behaviors while she was at Louisville and in high school. She highlighted the double standard she has observed and the importance of standing up for her teammates who remain true to themselves despite the criticism they face. Van Lith pointed out that racism continues to exist and that those who are surrounded by people like themselves may not see it.
Head coach Kim Mulkey also condemned the column, labeling it as sexist and wrong. She defended her players against the negative portrayal in the article and refused to allow attacks on the young women on her team. Mulkey expressed her outrage over the sexist and demeaning language used in the column and emphasized her role as a leader who will not tolerate such treatment of her players. Lady Tigers star Angel Reese echoed Mulkey’s sentiments, emphasizing that the team is focused on supporting each other and helping women’s basketball grow, despite the negative perceptions from the outside world.
Van Lith highlighted the importance of having each other’s backs within the team and disregarded the opinions of outsiders, focusing on their unity and commitment to one another. She emphasized her role as a White player on a team with many Black players, granting her a unique perspective that allows her to witness and experience racism firsthand. Van Lith’s stance against the racist description of her team and her unwavering support for her teammates reflect a commitment to standing up against discrimination and promoting unity within the team. The response from Van Lith, Mulkey, and Reese underscores the team’s cohesion and determination to overcome adversity together.
