Women’s Basketball fans across the nation were stunned and angered when the LSU Tigers failed to show up for the national anthem.
The Tigers were playing the Iowa Hawkeyes during the NCAA’s Elite Eight March Madness tournament.
The Hawkeyes gathered at mid-count and held hands during the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner. But the LSU Tigers were nowhere to be seen.
LSU head coach Kim Mulkey told reporters that it was “nothing intentionally done” and that her team has a routine they went through before the start of the game in Albany.
“Honestly, I don’t even know when the anthem was played,” Mulkey said. “We kind of have a routine when they’re on the floor and they come off at the 12-minute mark. I don’t know, we come in and we do our pregame stuff. I’m sorry, listen, that’s nothing intentionally done.”
The Tigers lost the game 94-87.
Iowa players holding hands during the American National Anthem. LSU players left the court before the anthem was performed. pic.twitter.com/GhCLHUXiBX
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) April 1, 2024
LSU Coach Kim Mulkey said her team didn't "intentionally" leave the floor prior to the playing of the National Anthem
— Brendan (@BrendanMcInnis) April 2, 2024
Framed like it was a one-time mistake
Chessa Bouche: "LSU is never on the court for the National Anthem"
Who is lying? @ChessaBouche pic.twitter.com/lb29krWYY8