TLDR: In April, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry requested universities remove scholarships from athletes who are absent during the national anthem. This came after the LSU women’s basketball team was not present for the anthem during an NCAA Tournament game against Iowa. Landry’s stance drew attention, especially as LSU teams typically stay in the locker room for the anthem. Despite his request, LSU officials announced that the football program will not change its traditions. In the past, similar controversies have arisen, such as in 2017 when unnamed legislators threatened LSU’s funding over protests. Rising outcry on social media, largely from conservative sources, has not deterred LSU from keeping their pregame routine unchanged. LSU’s notable pregame involves the “Golden Band from Tigerland” performing before the team takes the field just minutes before kickoff. Athletic Director Scott Woodward affirmed LSU’s attention to tradition while considering ongoing dialogues, ensuring no changes were made to this long-standing tradition for the upcoming season.

Louisiana State University steadfastly retains its football pregame tradition, despite Governor Jeff Landry’s request to have scholarships revoked for athletes missing from the national anthem. The plea, directed at all Louisiana higher education systems, followed the LSU women’s basketball team’s absence during the anthem at an NCAA Tournament game. LSU’s long-standing practice of having football teams stay in their locker rooms during the anthem will continue. Athletic spokesman Zach Greenwell confirmed no alterations are planned for this season.

Despite the attention, Landry’s call has not incited further action from LSU. His spokesperson declined to comment on the decision by LSU to hold its course. This isn’t the first time anthem-related actions have stirred controversy in Louisiana. In 2017, unnamed state legislators attempted similar pressures over anthem protests, ultimately stalling when reassurances were given regarding the team’s traditional protocol.

LSU’s traditional pregame sees the “Golden Band from Tigerland” perform before games, a ritual cherished by the fanbase. As it stands, the band plays “Tiger Rag” and the alma mater, with the team storming the field right before kickoff. Athletic Director Scott Woodward signaled that while LSU examines its practices continually, no changes will disrupt this cherished pregame tradition this season.

As LSU prepares to face the USC Trojans this Sunday in Las Vegas, the anticipation of maintaining tradition seems to outweigh the political pressures surfacing around anthem practices. The matter of athlete presence during the anthem seems to be, for now, relegated to discourse while the focus remains on football and its traditions, particularly in a state where football borders on religion.