LSU football won't be on field for anthem despite governor's urging

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry sent a letter to Louisiana’s four higher education boards last April and urged them to adopt a policy that required teams and players to be on the field or court for the national anthem. If not, the player could lose their athletic scholarship,

It was in reaction to the LSU women’s basketball team being in the locker-room during the National Anthem prior to their highly anticipated matchup with Iowa in the Elite Eight. The Lady Hawkeyes were on the court.

For decades or as long as anyone can remember, the LSU football team has been in the locker room when the Golden Band from Tigerland belted out the Star Spangled Banner in the moments before kick-off.

Landry doubled down on his letter during an interview on Fox News when he said:

“Everybody should respect the flag. You don’t like it? Guess what? You don’t have to play the sport.”

On April 5th, athletics director Scott Woodward issued a statement saying LSU has and will always be dedicated to the flag, the anthem and the country.

Woodward also said they would look at all of their processes and will do so again.

After looking at their processes, LSU released this statement on Wednesday.

“There will not be any changes to our pre-game football processes this season,” LSU spokesperson Zach Greenwell said.

Landry’s spokesperson Kate Kelly declined to comment on LSU’s decision.

Landry is likely disappointed. He said this in an Op-Ed piece in April.

“I look around today, and I see so much division—so much controversy,” Landry said. “Too many are addicted to the negatives. But the national anthem is something positive; it’s moving.”