Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry remains adamant about his stance on college basketball teams being present for the national anthem, expressing his belief that athletes should either participate in the pregame ceremony or abstain from playing altogether.
Following LSU’s decision to remain in the locker room before Monday’s Elite Eight matchup against Iowa, Landry called for significant changes, suggesting that college boards should implement policies that would revoke players’ scholarships if they are not present for the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
Despite LSU coach Kim Mulkey and the Tigers’ athletic department clarifying that it was standard pregame procedure and not a form of protest, Landry reiterated his position in an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday.
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While emphasizing his support for the players and Mulkey, Landry stressed that he views college athletics as facing a genuine “problem.”
He urged Louisiana universities to establish guidelines ensuring teams respect the anthem as a symbol of unity, emphasizing his desire for players to stand.
“That’s what the universities should put in place,” Landry said. “They should [stand]. Everybody should respect the flag. If you don’t like it, well guess what — you don’t have to play the sport.”
Landry concluded his remarks by expressing his hope that all Final Four teams — Iowa, UConn, NC State, and South Carolina — would be present for the anthem on Friday, regardless of pregame rituals.