Louisiana Governor Proposes Stripping Scholarships for Anthem Absence

Jeff Landry calls for policy requiring student-athletes to be present during the national anthem, sparking controversy and accusations of politicizing sports.

• Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has demanded a policy that mandates college athletes to be present during the national anthem or risk losing their scholarships, following an incident with LSU's women's basketball team.
• The controversy began after the LSU team was not present on the court for the national anthem before their game against Iowa, leading to widespread criticism and accusations of lack of patriotism.
• Critics argue that the governor's proposal is an attempt to politicize sports and infringe on athletes' freedoms, with some pointing out the racial dynamics at play given the mostly Black LSU team.
• LSU's coach, Kim Mulkey, and the university have clarified that the team's absence was part of their routine and not a protest, noting that there are no NCAA guidelines requiring teams to be present for the anthem.
• The proposal has ignited a debate on the role of patriotism in sports, with supporters arguing it promotes unity and respect, while opponents see it as an unnecessary and divisive measure.

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