March 13th 2024.
In the world of college basketball, there's always plenty of drama and controversy to keep things interesting. And one coach who seems to always find herself at the center of it all is Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU Tigers women's basketball team.
Recently, Mulkey found herself in hot water after a game between LSU and the University of South Carolina. During a media availability session after the game, Mulkey made some comments that only added fuel to the fire.
She started off by condemning the confrontation that happened at the end of the game, but then she went on to say, "But I can tell you this: I wish she would've pushed Angel Reese. Don't push a kid--you're 6-foot-8 [Kamilla Cardoso]--don't push somebody that little. That was uncalled for in my opinion. Let those two girls that were jawing, let them go at it."
These words didn't sit well with many people, including sports media members like ESPN's Shannon Sharpe. On an episode of First Take, Sharpe spoke out against Mulkey's comments and called for her to be held accountable for her actions.
He said, "Really? Is that what you want? You want to see a fight? You want the women's game to be marred by a fight? Really? Come on, Kim Mulkey. You've got to be better. And we've got to start doing a better job of holding Kim Mulkey accountable and responsible for some of her comments. We let that stuff fly because she's a national champion. I refuse to do that. I believe she was wrong in this instance. And Dawn Staley [South Carolina's head coach] showed the utmost class and respect, not only for the game itself but for her team and the opposing team. I wish Kim Mulkey would have shown that level of respect."
It's not the first time Mulkey has faced criticism for her actions and comments. Earlier in the season, she was evasive when asked about the suspension of one of her players, Angel Reese. Mulkey's failure to provide a clear reason for the suspension caused speculation and unfair criticism towards Reese.
Mulkey has also been criticized for her handling of the wrongful imprisonment of one of her former players, Brittney Griner. And according to Associated Press sports columnist Paul Newberry, her latest comments are just a part of a pattern of being either tone-deaf or intentionally confrontational when dealing with the media.
Newberry wrote, "After all, this is a coach who--despite a glittering record that includes more than 700 wins and four national titles--never has seemed like a champion for women's sports. As a basketball coach, she's one of the best ever. As a leader of young people, she leaves a lot to be desired."
But it's not just the media who are criticizing Mulkey. Carron J. Phillips of Deadspin also took note of the racial dynamics at play, as well as Mulkey's lack of knowledge about the rules governing player and coach conduct during a game.
Phillips wrote, "Instead of calming things down, a white woman poured gasoline on a situation that involved a fight between Black women. Mulkey's privilege somehow found a way to shine brighter than one of those tacky outfits she wears on the sidelines."
He also pointed out the stark contrast between the reactions of Mulkey and South Carolina's head coach, Dawn Staley.
"When college kids fight, we look to the adults to be the leaders in the room. Dawn Staley presented herself as an elder stateswoman of the sport. Kim Mulkey behaved like a clown," he wrote.
In the end, it's clear that Mulkey's words and actions have caused quite a stir in the world of women's college basketball. And while some may defend her as a successful coach, others are calling for her to be held accountable for her inflammatory comments. Only time will tell how this situation will unfold, but one thing is for sure--Kim Mulkey's controversial ways will continue to keep people talking.
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