Kim Mulkey’s relationship with the media is often contentious, much like saying Caitlin Clark is merely “decent” at basketball; it understates the truth. Mulkey sees the media as her opponent, a sentiment she has expressed multiple times during her impressive coaching career, particularly at LSU. She engaged in a high-profile feud with The Washington Post and Kent Babb over an alleged “hit piece” that essentially validated its claims.
Mulkey has framed coverage of her and her team as “sexist,” and in certain instances, she is absolutely correct — it has been. However, not every criticism fits that mold. An example is her postgame press conference after No. 7 LSU edged past No. 13 Oklahoma in a thrilling 107-100 game last Thursday. After her players left the room, Mulkey was immediately asked about Sa’Myah Smith’s ejection.
Things got chippy between Oklahoma-LSU 😳
Both Liz Scott and Sa’Myah Smith were ejected and will miss their next game. pic.twitter.com/T2sRyArwiM
— espnW (@espnW) January 31, 2025
“Well, I know if you don’t ask this next one, Reed [Darcey] will,” Mulkey expressed. “‘Where was Poa?’ They can’t wait for those clickbaits. Let’s start with that: she’s being disciplined for breaking a team rule, K?” This was about all Mulkey was willing to disclose regarding her senior guard. She stated that Last-Tear Poa was disciplined but offered no further details or a timeline for her return, as Poa did not participate in LSU’s 81-67 victory over Mississippi State on Sunday, leaving her status for LSU’s upcoming game at Mizzou uncertain.
What remains clear is that Mulkey’s media strategies are unlikely to transform in the near future, and she is more than willing to take the lead in addressing perceived “clickbaits.”
