In a recent turn of events, the pregame logistics of LSU's Elite Eight loss to Iowa have stirred up a controversy that even reached the governor's mansion. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called for the Louisiana Board of Regents to enforce a policy that requires student-athletes to be present for the national anthem, or risk losing their scholarships.

The controversy started when conservative commentators criticized LSU's players and coaches for not being on the court during the national anthem before the Elite Eight game in Albany, New York. Despite accusations, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey clarified that the team was simply following their usual pregame routine, unaware of when the anthem was playing.

Notably, it is not uncommon for teams across college athletics to be absent from the court or field during the national anthem, even before the protests initiated by Colin Kaepernick. However, Governor Landry wishes to see a policy implemented across college boards, including the Board of Regents, that mandates student-athletes to be present for the anthem as a sign of respect.

LSU and its administrators expressed surprise and uncertainty at the governor's request. Jimmy Clarke, the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors chair, raised concerns about enforcing such a policy, while the state's commissioner of higher education, Kim Hunter Reed, emphasized that decisions regarding scholarships fall outside the board of regents' jurisdiction.

Furthermore, an LSU spokesperson highlighted that both the men's and women's basketball teams have stayed in the locker room during the national anthem for several seasons, using the time for final game preparations. This practice has been consistent, and it is not a recent development.

Interestingly, the national anthem has been a point of contention at LSU before. Unnamed Louisiana legislators had previously threatened the university's funding in response to players kneeling during the anthem, inspired by Kaepernick's protests. Then-LSU president F. King Alexander had defended the team's choice to stay in the locker room during the anthem.

As the controversy surrounding the pregame absence of LSU basketball players during the national anthem continues, discussions about respect, freedom of expression, and the role of college boards in regulating such matters are likely to persist. With differing viewpoints on this issue, finding a common ground may prove challenging for all parties involved.