NCAA Coach Criticised for Disrespectful Remark Towards Student Reporter

The head coach of the Louisiana State University women’s basketball team, Kim Mulkey, has faced criticism following a tense interaction with a student reporter after her team’s loss to UCLA in the Elite Eight.

This defeat marks the second consecutive year that the Tigers have fallen short of reaching the Final Four, with the game concluding at 72-65 in favour of the top-seeded Bruins.

A student journalist from KLSU Sports, the university’s radio station, highlighted this record, which led to an intense and somewhat uncomfortable exchange with Mulkey.

“That’s pretty grim, isn’t it?” Mulkey interjected, interrupting the reporter’s question. “Is that bad, or is it good?”

“Bad,” the reporter replied.

“Is it? How many Final Fours have you participated in?” Mulkey shot back, and when the reporter admitted to none, she countered, “So that’s probably not so terrible, right?”

The incident was discussed on ESPN’s First Take, where the panel, including host Stephen A. Smith, expressed their belief that the 62-year-old coach’s response was unnecessarily harsh.

“I won’t deny that Kim Mulkey is an exceptional coach with a stellar track record. However, we must acknowledge that she’s often quite rude,” remarked Smith.

“She’s got a reputation for being rude. She often speaks down to people in a condescending manner, and often does so unnecessarily,” he added.

Smith continued, “She knows exactly who to confront. Some people would definitely respond back to her. She’s an outstanding coach, one of the best ever, but she has a very sharp tongue.”

Fans have speculated whether Mulkey’s comments were meant in a playful spirit but the viral clip that surfaced on social media notably cuts off just before she winks at the reporter.

Nonetheless, her remarks have been scrutinised on various talk shows. Former NFL player Shannon Sharpe has also taken issue with Mulkey’s behaviour on First Take, suggesting, “Kim Mulkey has exhibited this nasty side for quite some time, and she’s managed to escape repercussions because she has a National Championship under her belt.”

“This isn’t her first infraction,” he insisted. “If this sort of behaviour would be unacceptable from an athlete, it should not be tolerated from a coach either.”

As it stands, LSU will not be advancing to the Final Four, while UCLA, alongside South Carolina, moves on to the semi-finals in the March Madness tournament.