LSU WBB: Kim Mulkey Comments on Angel Reese's Status Amid Suspension Rumors

Mulkey detailed she hopes to see Reese back soon, All-American was absent on Friday night.

LSU head coach Kim Mulkey addressed All-American forward Angel Reese's status on Friday night after the Tigers defeated Southeastern 73-50.

Reese, a reigning National Champion, was benched in the second half against Kent State on Tuesday before being absent for Friday night's contest in Hammond.

When asked to expand on her decision Friday night, Mulkey said:

"Angel was not in uniform. Angel is a part of this basketball team, and we hope she's back with the team soon. I'm not gonna answer any more than that."

Now, after being away from the program for Friday night's contest in Hammond, Mulkey "cleared the air" surrounding her star big.

Reese has been in the limelight over the last handful of months after taking home the National Championship. Once the Tigers took home hardware, it boosted Reese's status off the court significantly.

News: #LSU All-American forward Angel Reese is not with the team while they gear up for a matchup against SELU.

Reese didn’t see the court in the second half against Kent State on Tues. in what Kim Mulkey called a “coach’s decision” after the game.

Reese is not in the building. pic.twitter.com/hRqBbMsuNT

— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) November 18, 2023

The Tigers have now assembled one of the most talent-rich rosters in all of college basketball.

Headlined by Reese, Flau'jae Johnson and Hailey Van Lith, the "Superteam Down South" has the attention of America with every move this program makes taking headlines.

For Reese, she's once again the center of attention with what appears to be an indefinite suspension now in the mix.

Prior to the season opener — a 92-78 loss to Colorado — Mulkey had a message for Reese considering all her accomplishments and her high profile.

“She just understands the spotlight is on her,” Mulkey told Taylor Rooks ahead of tip-off. “I don’t think she realized how quickly it came in how hard it came at her. But as I tell her, to whom much is given much as expected. You brought this, you earned this. You wanted this, now grow up and lead us and she wants to continue to get better in her game. She wants to continue to get better with her leadership.

“But it’s not the Angel Reese show. We have some pretty good talent in that locker room with her.”

The LSU Tigers will return to action on Monday, Nov. 20 with Texas Southern coming to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for a non-conference showdown.