Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry reiterated his stance on the requirement for student-athletes in Louisiana universities to attend the national anthem during an interview with Fox News on Wednesday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Landry emphasized that it’s essential for all Louisiana student-athletes to be present for the national anthem, especially after LSU’s absence from the court during the anthem prior to the Elite Eight game against Iowa in Albany, New York. He asserted that non-compliance could lead to the risk of losing athletic scholarships.
During his interview with Sandra Smith, a Fox News reporter and former LSU track and field athlete, Landry defended his position on the matter. While Smith appeared to understand Landry’s perspective, the governor clarified that his stance was not intended as criticism towards Kim Mulkey and her players.
“I’m not singling out the players or Coach Mulkey,” stated Landry, donning an LSU shirt during the interview. “I stand behind Coach Mulkey, as my statement indicated. I believe this issue transcends individuals—it’s a broader concern affecting collegiate sports both nationally and in Louisiana. I’ve recently communicated with each of our college boards, urging them to establish policies that honor the national anthem.”
Landry remarked that the absence of a policy regarding the national anthem for Louisiana’s student-athletes is “inherently disrespectful.”
Mulkey clarified on Monday night after the game that their absence during the anthem was unintentional.
“In all honesty, I wasn’t even aware of when the anthem was played. We have a routine where we’re on the floor, and then we step off at the 12-minute mark,” Mulkey explained. “I’m not sure… we go through our pregame rituals. I apologize… Look, it wasn’t intentional.”
LSU released a statement this week stating that both its men’s and women’s basketball teams have not been present for the national anthem for several years, as they are still in their pre-game preparations when the anthem is played 12 minutes before the game begins.
Iowa was on the court for the anthem on Monday night, and the spotlight of the highly anticipated game brought attention to the fact that LSU was not present for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“It’s regrettable that LSU wasn’t there at that particular time. Iowa was present,” Landry commented. “That highlighted the specific issue. Our focus in Louisiana will be to emphasize to college athletes that in order to truly be united and to embody civics and civility, we must be united under one flag and show respect for that anthem.”
Landry referred to the LSU-Florida baseball game on March 22, where he threw out the first pitch at Alex Box Stadium, as an example of the standard that each of the state’s athletic departments should uphold. Both teams were on the field for the national anthem.
“This is something that the athletic department, the university president, the board of supervisors, and not only LSU, but also other colleges and universities in Louisiana should prioritize… Consistency eliminates these types of issues,” Landry stated.
As the interview wrapped up, Smith asked Landry if athletes should also be mandated to stand for the anthem.
“That’s something the university should implement. They should,” Landry affirmed. “Everyone should show respect for the flag. If you disagree, well, then you don’t have to participate in the sport.”
