Gov. Jeff Landry calls for scholarship penalties after LSU anthem protest

Louisiana’s top executive has weighed in on LSU’s national anthem controversy, proposing potential repercussions for players if a similar situation occurs again.

Following the absence of coach Kim Mulkey’s team during the playing of the national anthem before the Tigers’ Elite Eight loss to Iowa, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry advocated for measures that would penalize student-athletes for missing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

In contrast, Iowa’s players were present on the court, standing together and holding hands during the anthem at MVP Arena.

“My mother coached women’s high school basketball during the height of desegregation, no one has a greater respect for the sport and for Coach Mulkey. However, above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those that serve to protect us and unite us under one flag!” Landry wrote in a post on X on Tuesday morning.

“It is time that all college boards, including Regent, put a policy in place that student athletes be present for the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarship! This is a matter of respect that all collegiate coaches should instill.”