First Lady Jill Biden made waves on Monday when she suggested that the Iowa Hawkeyes should accompany national champion LSU when they visit the White House in the near future.
Given that the champions are always the only team invited, the notion was met with derision and displeasure from just about every corner of the sports world.
That includes Iowa, where star player Caitlin Clark said on Tuesday that LSU should get to enjoy their victory themselves.
“I don’t think runner-ups usually go to the White House,” Clark said during the interview on ESPN. “I think LSU should, you know, enjoy that moment for them. And congratulations – obviously. They deserve to go there. Maybe I can go to the White House on different terms though. But I think, you know, that’s for LSU. That’s a pretty cool moment and I think they should enjoy every single moment of being the champion. I think that’s theirs to enjoy.”
Clark’s head coach, Lisa Bluder, echoed that sentiment with a Twitter post on Tuesday.
“I gratefully acknowledge the First Lady’s sentiments, but a day at the White House should belong solely to the champion, LSU and Coach Mulkey,” said Bluder. “We would welcome the First Lady and President to come to Iowa’s “House” – Carver-Hawkeye Arena — any time!”
I gratefully acknowledge the First Lady’s sentiments, but a day at the White House should belong solely to the champion, LSU and Coach Mulkey. We would welcome the First Lady and President to come to Iowa’s “House” – Carver Hawkeye Arena — any time!
— Lisa Bluder (@LisaBluder) April 4, 2023
It’s a classy response and it seems as though everyone is on the same page about the Tigers celebrating their championship as intended.
