Albany, New York – LSU guard Hailey Van Lith passionately defended her team against negative stereotyping, sparking a discussion on racism in sports. Van Lith’s remarks came after a column in the Los Angeles Times labeled her team as “dirty debutantes,” prompting a strong response from the players ahead of their Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA.
Van Lith, a white player on a team with many Black women, expressed her disappointment at the hurtful comments and called out the underlying racial bias behind them. She emphasized the importance of standing up for her teammates and acknowledging the challenges they face due to their race.
In a postgame press conference, Tigers coach Kim Mulkey joined Van Lith in condemning the sexist and derogatory portrayal of her team in the media. The column’s attempt to pit LSU against UCLA as a battle of good versus evil was met with criticism and backlash from the team.
Reflecting on her personal experiences, Van Lith highlighted the double standards and racial prejudices she has observed throughout her career, both in college basketball and in her community. She emphasized the need to address racism and discrimination, even in predominantly white spaces where such issues may be overlooked or dismissed.
Despite the negative portrayal in the media, LSU players like Angel Reese remained focused on their performance and stayed motivated by the criticism. Reese emphasized the team’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity, acknowledging that external perceptions cannot define their success or determination.
Following public outcry, the Los Angeles Times altered the offensive language used in the column, acknowledging that it did not align with the paper’s editorial standards. However, the incident shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by athletes of color in dealing with stereotypes and discrimination in the sports industry.
The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing racism and bias in all aspects of society, including sports media coverage. It underscores the need for fair and respectful portrayal of athletes, regardless of their race or background, to promote inclusivity and equality in sports.