Protecting Players?

Will Angel Reese join LSU teammates in the Cayman Islands?

The speculation surrounding the Angel Reese, LSU, and Kim Mulkey situation continues to swirl. Previously, we had written about criticism being levied at the athlete. Even though now adults, these young adults are thrust into the spotlight and newfound fame in a sophisticated arena with little training, protection, and understanding. When things are going well, it is easily to relish in the glory. When things aren’t going well, is it fair to attack the athlete?

Kim Mulkey is a highly successful coach in the college basketball world. Mulkey has been rewarded handsomely for her success recently signing a $36 million deal. She has won multiple national championships at different universities and coached tremendous players who have gone on to play at the highest levels. Mulkey has received both praise and documented criticism from past players on her support (or lack thereof) and how they were treated. Given her stature in the basketball world, it is unlikely that true candor will manifest itself in the immediate future. Mulkey has also provided unsolicited ‘political’ commentary on some of her views on sensitive or controversial topics (eg, Covid).

In the most recent LSU press conference, Mulkey evaded questions and stood steadfast on her previous vague response. Unfortunately, it led to more speculation and lack of clarity that was detrimental to the overall situation and athlete. Reese has been posting cryptic social media posts likely in response to the speculation and rumors.

Mulkey made several telling remarks that shed insight into how she runs her program and some of the patronizing ways athletes are viewed by the established world of college athletics.

Mulkey stated, “You always have to deal with locker room issues. That’s just part of coaching. In 40 years, I can never think of a time where I didn’t have to deal with issues. That’s what coaches do. Sometimes y’all know about them, and sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you want to know more than you’re entitled to know.” This is a very interesting comment as she has been reluctant on providing specifics, but now seemingly acknowledging that she is dealing with “locker room issues.” This acknowledgment is doing Angel Reese no favors and continues to cast her in a negative light.

Mulkey further went on to add:

I’m going to protect my players. Always. They are more important. It’s like a family. Let me ask you this: If you do some disciplining of your own children, do you think we’re entitled to know that? That’s a family in that locker room. Those kids are like my children, and I’m not gonna tell you what you don’t need to know. And that’s just the way I address things.

While it is understood that many coaches want to treat their programs as family, the reality is that it is not that. In the world of college athletics, it is a big business. So while she aims to “protect” her players, Mulkey is holding on to a fictitious of myth of what college basketball really is. Additionally, as adults, most athletes don’t want to be referred to as children, kids, or other patronizing ways the sport justifies in treating them certain ways (compensation included). Lastly, Mulkey hints at “discipling of your own children.” Once again, she adds fuel to the fire and ambiguity of how the specific situation of Angel Reese is being handled.

While LSU will be enjoying a wonderful trip during the Thanksgiving break in the Cayman Islands, one of their to, most marketable athletes is being left to fend for herself on a figurative island.