LSU football's Brian Kelly responds to national anthem idea

Where the LSU football coach stands on a proposal surrounding the national anthem going forward.

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly yells from the sideline during a game. / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since LSU's women's basketball team missed being on the court for the national anthem recently, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has called on schools to implement a policy that all teams be present for the anthem, or risk losing their scholarships.

For his part, LSU football coach Brian Kelly says his team will follow whatever rules are put in place, even though he has rarely been on the field when the anthem is played.

"I saw it and clearly I think everybody has had their comments about it," Kelly said after a recent LSU football practice.

He added: "And I know we made a statement. Scott Woodward has made a statement about it, as well. Look, I think that out football players would echo this, is that if at any time we're told to be out there, we're going to be wherever we're told to be, and that's the bottom line."

If a change is implemented, Kelly says LSU will follow the rules.

"If our administration wants us out there for the national anthem, we're going to stand proud for the national anthem," he said. "It's just the way it's been scripted, and I've been doing it for 33 years, I can only my hand tell you how many times I've been out for the national anthem in 33 years."

Kelly added: "That's not to say that we're against what the governor is saying. We understand where the governor is coming from. We'll re-look at the policies and I think I stand by what Scott has said. We'll look at everything."

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