Here’s why the LSU women were absent during the National Anthem

ALBANY, N.Y. (WVUE/Gray News) – Millions of people tuned in across America to watch a night of women’s basketball Monday that captivated fans like perhaps never before.

But before Iowa prepared to face LSU on the court, social media showed the Hawkeyes standing for the national anthem while the Lady Tigers are nowhere to be seen.

In a press conference following LSU’s 94-87 loss to Iowa in the Elite Eight, Head Coach Kim Mulkey was asked about the team’s absence during the playing of the national anthem before the contest began.

Mulkey says it was unintentional. She said she didn’t know when the anthem would be played and that the team’s pre-game routine involves leaving the court 12 minutes before tip-off.

“Honestly I don’t even know when the anthem was played,” she explained. “We kind of have a routine where we are on the floor then they come off at the 12-minute mark. I don’t know. We come in and we do our pre-game stuff. I’m sorry. Listen, that’s nothing intentionally done.”

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