LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey and her team were scrutinized in a Los Angeles Times column that referred to the players as “villains” and “dirty debutantes.” Mulkey responded by criticizing the newspaper for its sexist commentary and defending her players, stating that attacking young athletes in such a manner was unacceptable. Star player Angel Reese and other teammates also voiced their support for Mulkey and said they were focused on sticking together as a team despite outside criticism.
The controversy surrounding the LA Times column came as LSU advanced to the Elite 8 in the NCAA tournament and set up a rematch with defending champion Iowa. Mulkey emphasized that she would not tolerate sexism and that she was determined to protect her players from unfair treatment in the media. The newspaper later edited the story to remove some language that did not meet their editorial standards, including the reference to “dirty debutantes.” Mulkey expressed her disappointment with the negative portrayal of her team and reiterated her commitment to standing up against sexism.
In addition to the LA Times column, Mulkey faced further scrutiny with the release of a profile by The Washington Post that detailed rifts in her coaching career with players and family members. She responded to the article by stating that she had not read it and would leave it up to her attorneys to decide if she should do so. Despite the media attention and criticism, Mulkey remained focused on leading her team through the tournament and supporting them through any challenges they faced in the spotlight.
Mulkey’s dedication to her players and her determination to defend them against unfair treatment was evident in her response to the negative portrayals in the media. She emphasized the importance of standing up against sexism and ensuring that young athletes were not subjected to derogatory language or unfair criticism. The support from her players and the LSU team showed the strength of their bond and their commitment to overcoming obstacles together, regardless of external pressures or opinions.
As LSU continued their journey in the NCAA tournament, Mulkey’s leadership and support for her players remained unwavering. The controversy surrounding the media coverage of the team highlighted the importance of standing up against sexism and ensuring that athletes, especially young women, were treated with respect and fairness in all aspects of their careers. Mulkey’s actions demonstrated her commitment to her team and her determination to protect them from unjust treatment in the media. The LSU women’s basketball team’s unity and resilience in the face of adversity reflected their strong bond and shared determination to succeed together.
