The reaction is downright silly and tarnishes women’s college basketball.
After attending the Championship game, First Lady Jill Biden said that LSU and Iowa should visit. LSU player Angel Reese met this with immediate backlash since only the Champions are invited. Reese said the proposal was “a joke, we not coming.” In addition, Reese said they would visit the Obamas, her President.
Enough, please!
Dr. Biden likely spoke “in the moment” without considering how her statement would be interpreted. But why make a “mountain out of a molehill?” To interpret it as a racist comment does not jibe in any way with Jill Biden, who she is, and that for which she stands.
Moreover, not every word or action is racist. Just because the LSU team is predominately Black, while Iowa had a majority of White players, that is not the reason for the dual invite. So why be offended and lash out? Players wonder why they are perceived negatively by some fans, but words and actions have consequences. If they want respect, act appropriately.
The situation resulted in Iowa coach Lisa Bluder’s saying, “We gratefully acknowledge the First Lady’s sentiments, but a day at the White House should belong to the champion, LSU and Coach Mulkey. We would welcome the First Lady and President to come to Iowa’s ‘House’ — Carver-Hawkeye Arena — any time!”
This incident is downright silly and another instance of women’s sports being tarnished. Coaches and other college athletic leaders must counsel students on appropriate responses to delicate situations. Allowing players “to speak their minds” without guidance causes problems and stimulates conflict.
Women’s sports need not go down a rabbit hole, but that’s what this exchange has done.
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Carolyn Bower played women’s college basketball at the University of Akron.
