Legendary women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey of Louisiana State University made headlines for her response to a Washington Post profile on her career that was published just hours before her team’s Sweet 16 game against UCLA. Mulkey, who had not read the article at the time, expressed frustration with the timing and the reporter’s tactics, alleging that he had been trying to get an interview for two years and had sent questions just before a tournament game deadline. She threatened legal action if the article contained false information about her, suggesting she would rely on her attorneys to handle the situation.
The Washington Post article, which was released a week after Mulkey’s initial comments about the situation, delves into her basketball history as a player at Louisiana Tech, where she won national championships and an Olympic gold medal, as well as her successful coaching career at Baylor and LSU. The piece also explores personal elements of Mulkey’s life, including her complex family dynamics and relationships with former players who have expressed concerns about her support for their sexuality. The article portrays Mulkey as a talented and driven individual who has faced both triumphs and controversies throughout her career.
Despite the media attention surrounding the Washington Post article, Mulkey maintained her stance of not having read the piece and indicated that she may never do so. During a postgame press conference following LSU’s victory over UCLA, she expressed surprise at the publication timing and suggested that the intent behind releasing the article just before her team’s game may have been to create a distraction. Mulkey reiterated her readiness to involve her attorneys in assessing any potential issues arising from the article.
LSU, in response to inquiries about the Washington Post profile on Mulkey, directed media outlets to her postgame conference comments, reflecting the ongoing focus on the coach’s reaction and handling of the situation. As LSU advanced to the Elite Eight and pursued another national title under Mulkey’s leadership, discussions around the article and its implications for her career continued to simmer. The tension between Mulkey and the reporter, coupled with the timing of the article’s release, added a layer of drama to an already intense NCAA women’s basketball tournament.
Mulkey’s statements regarding the Washington Post article and her avoidance of reading it underscored her determination to focus on her team’s performance in the tournament without getting distracted by external factors. While acknowledging the potential legal implications of the article, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her coaching duties and her players. As LSU’s tournament run progressed, Mulkey’s resilience and dedication to the game became further evident, showcasing her ability to navigate challenges both on and off the court.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the Washington Post article served to highlight the complexities of Mulkey’s career and persona as a prominent figure in women’s college basketball. Her fierce loyalty to her team, combined with her willingness to stand up against perceived injustices, added depth to the narrative surrounding her legacy. As the tournament unfolded and Mulkey’s team continued to compete, the focus gradually shifted from the article itself to Mulkey’s leadership and the resilience of her players on the road to pursuing another championship title.
