Very Sad for Tigers: LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey in Serious Trouble..see more 

Kim Mulkey, the head coach of Louisiana State University’s (LSU) women’s basketball team, has long been a prominent figure in collegiate sports, celebrated for her coaching successes and vibrant personality. However, her career has also been marked by a series of controversies that have cast shadows over her achievements.

Recent Incidents

In March 2025, during a postgame press conference following LSU’s Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament semifinal loss to Texas, Mulkey drew attention by calling out a reporter for eating a mozzarella stick. The reporter, LuLu Kesin, was not covering the press conference but was present in the media area, writing and having a snack. Mulkey’s comment, perceived by some as snarky, highlighted her often contentious relationship with the media. 

Earlier in the season, a game between LSU and Oklahoma turned chaotic with physical altercations leading to multiple player ejections. Mulkey’s intense reaction during the incident, including slapping a clipboard out of an assistant’s hands, underscored her fiery coaching style. 

Past Controversies

Mulkey’s career has been punctuated by several notable controversies:

Handling of Brittney Griner’s Sexual Orientation: During her tenure at Baylor University, star player Brittney Griner alleged that Mulkey advised players to keep their sexual orientation private to protect the program’s image. Griner, who is openly gay, felt this directive was discriminatory and hurtful. 

Silence on Griner’s Detention: In 2022, when Griner was detained in Russia, Mulkey faced criticism for her lack of public support or comment on the situation, which many viewed as a lack of solidarity with her former player. 

Threatened Lawsuit Against The Washington Post: In March 2024, Mulkey threatened to sue The Washington Post over an anticipated article she claimed would be a “hit piece.” She accused the publication of attempting to tarnish her reputation and stated she had hired a defamation law firm in response. 

COVID-19 Testing Comments: During the 2021 NCAA tournament, Mulkey controversially suggested that COVID-19 testing should be halted to ensure teams could compete without disruptions, a stance that was widely criticized as irresponsible. 

Impact on LSU and the Tigers

Mulkey’s controversies have had varying effects on the LSU Tigers:

Team Dynamics: While some players thrive under her passionate coaching style, others have reportedly felt alienated or pressured, particularly regarding issues of personal identity and expression.

Public Perception: The accumulation of controversies has led to a polarized view of Mulkey, with some fans and stakeholders questioning her leadership and the values she instills in her teams.

Recruitment and Retention: Negative publicity can impact recruitment efforts, as prospective players and their families may have reservations about joining a program embroiled in controversy.

Looking Ahead

As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming NCAA tournament, the focus will be on how the team performs under the weight of these controversies. Mulkey’s ability to navigate the challenges and maintain team cohesion will be crucial. The university’s administration may also need to address these issues to ensure the program’s integrity and success moving forward.

In conclusion, while Kim Mulkey’s coaching prowess has led to significant achievements for LSU, the surrounding controversies present serious challenges that could impact the future of the Tigers’ women’s basketball program.