White House Clarifies Invitation Plans After LSU, Iowa National Title Game
LSU dominated Iowa in the women’s national title game on Sunday, winning 102–85. Following the win, the Tigers earned an invitation to visit the White House, as all sports champions in the United States typically do.
However, after the game first lady Jill Biden said she also hoped the Hawkeyes would be invited since “they played such a good game,” while speaking in Colorado on Monday, via ESPN. This caused controversy in the college hoops world, especially after LSU star Angel Reese called the double invitation “a joke.”
The White House clarified on Tuesday, though, that only the Tigers are invited to visit following the national title.
“Her comments in Colorado were intended to applaud the historic game and all women athletes,” the first lady’s press secretary Vanessa Valdivia said on Twitter. “She looks forward to celebrating the LSU Tigers on their championship win at the White House.”
President Joe Biden tweeted out a congratulatory message to both LSU and the men’s champion, UConn, on Tuesday. He expressed that he looks forward to “welcoming them at each of their White House visits.” The president did not mention either of the runners-up in his Twitter thread.
Reese or the LSU women’s basketball program have not responded to the Bidens’ message yet.
Jill Biden said she wants Iowa to also make the trip to the White House, but Angel Reese and national champion LSU aren't feeling it ???? pic.twitter.com/99dDpS8I6y
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 4, 2023