In the high-stakes world of college basketball, where the glare of the media spotlight is as intense as the competition on the court, LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey has taken a bold stand. Mulkey has publicly denounced the Washington Post, accusing the publication of pursuing a ‘hit piece’ against her, and has threatened legal action should they publish what she deems a false story. This dramatic development comes as her team, the defending national champions, prepares to continue their quest in the NCAA Division I tournament.
Mulkey’s fiery comments came during a news conference, where she did not mince words about her disdain for the tactics she believes the Washington Post has employed. ‘This is exactly why people don’t trust journalists and the media anymore,’ Mulkey stated, expressing her frustration with what she perceives as ‘sleazy tactics and hatchet jobs.’ Her defense is not just for herself but for ‘this university, this awesome team of young women,’ which she leads with evident pride.
The controversy stems from a series of interactions with Washington Post reporter Kent Babb, who Mulkey claims has been attempting to interview her for the last two years. The situation escalated when Babb sent over a dozen questions to LSU on Tuesday, demanding answers by Thursday, as the team was in the throes of tournament preparation. Mulkey saw this as a strategic move to distract her team and prevent her from commenting.
Mulkey’s response to the perceived threat was to hire ‘the best defamation law firm in the country,’ signaling her readiness to take the matter to court if necessary. Her proactive stance is a testament to her determination to protect her reputation and that of her team. ‘Not many people are in a position to hold these kinds of journalists accountable, but I am, and I’ll do it,’ she declared.
The coach’s allegations against the Washington Post include attempts to solicit negative comments from former players and coaches, offering anonymity as a lure. Mulkey’s tenure in basketball spans over four decades, and she suggests that the Post is selectively ignoring the positive stories that have been told about her during that time.
While the story unfolds, the LSU Tigers, seeded No. 3, are set to face the No. 11 seed Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders. The team’s focus is undoubtedly on the game, but the specter of the Washington Post’s story looms. Mulkey’s preemptive strike against the publication has added an unexpected layer of drama to the tournament.
The outcome of this confrontation between a storied coach and a major newspaper remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Mulkey is not one to back down from a challenge, be it on the basketball court or in the court of public opinion. As the Tigers advance in the tournament, all eyes will be on how this off-court battle plays out, with implications that may reach far beyond the hardwood.
