LSU Surge to Win as Kim Mulkey Attacks ‘Sleazy Reporter’ Over Upcoming Profile – LSU coach Kim Mulkey affirmed that she wouldn’t allow an upcoming negative article from the Washington Post to distract the defending national champion Tigers during the women’s NCAA Tournament. The team’s impressive second-half performance, spearheaded by standout forward Angel Reese and agile guard Flau’Jae Johnson, validated Mulkey’s stance, at least temporarily.
Reese’s double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, combined with Johnson’s 21 points, propelled third-seeded LSU to a commanding 83-56 victory over No. 11 seed Middle Tennessee in the second round on Sunday. “Listen, man, we’re not going to let one sleazy reporter distract us from what we’re trying to do. Absolutely not,” Mulkey said. “My kids didn’t even know I said that yesterday.”
“That team is not involved in this. They were in shock when they saw all that on the internet.” Mulkey made waves in the headlines by vehemently criticizing the Washington Post and even considering legal recourse. “Coach Mulkey’s had our back all year, so we’ve got to have Coach Mulkey’s back,” said forward Aneesah Morrow, who scored 19 points. “We’ve got to play hard and for one another – and that’s as simple as it is.”
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After falling behind by nine points in the third quarter, LSU rallied to secure a decisive victory, halting the Blue Raiders’ 20-game winning streak. “I didn’t want to let my team down,” said Reese, who had a long embrace with Mulkey on the sideline when she checked out in the final minutes. Reese also mentioned that she might have competed in her final game on LSU’s home court, as she is undecided about turning professional after this season.
“So, I did whatever it takes to win,” Reese said. “And me and coach have that kind of relationship where she can get on me and talk to me, like, ‘I need you,’ and give me that encouragement that I need.” On Saturday Mulkey used a press conference to attack the Post, and journalists as a whole. “Reporters who give a megaphone to a one-sided embellished version of things aren’t trying to tell the truth,” she said.
“They’re trying to sell newspapers and feed the click machine. This is exactly why people don’t trust journalists and the media anymore. It’s these kinds of sleazy tactics and hatchet jobs that people are just tired of. I’m fed up and I’m not gonna let the Washington Post attack this university, this awesome team of young women I have, or me, without a fight.”
Mulkey added that she had “hired the best defamation law firm in the country, and I will sue the Washington Post if they publish a false story on me. Not many people are in a position to hold these kinds of journalists accountable but I am, and I’ll do it.” She said the Post had “called former disgruntled players to get negative quotes to include in their story,” and tried to “trick” other coaches into disparaging her.
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The 60-year-old Mulkey boasts an illustrious college career, securing a national title with Louisiana Tech and clinching gold for Team USA at the 1984 Olympics. As Baylor’s coach, she claimed three national titles before transitioning to LSU, where she holds the distinction of being the highest-paid women’s basketball coach in the US, with an annual salary of $3.26 million.
Mulkey has been acknowledged for her support of players facing personal challenges, although her coaching methods have also stirred controversy, particularly in her relationship with Brittney Griner, whom she coached at Baylor. While Griner expressed gratitude for Mulkey’s defense against hostile fans, she also mentioned that the coach advised her to conceal her tattoos and refrain from discussing her sexuality publicly.