(NewsNation) — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has called for college boards to create a policy requiring student-athletes to be present for the playing of the national anthem ahead of games or risk losing their athletic scholarships.

The governor’s comments came after the Louisiana State University women’s basketball team exited the court before the anthem played ahead of their NCAA Tournament matchup with Iowa on Monday night.

“My mother coached women’s high school basketball during the height of desegregation, no one has a greater respect for the sport and for Coach Mulkey. However, above respect for that game is a deeper respect for those who serve to protect us and unite us under one flag!” Landry posted on social media platform X.

However, head coach Kim Mulkey told reporters after Monday night’s game that there was no intention to miss the national anthem. Rather, she said, the team left the court as part of their usual pre-game routine where the players goes back to the locker room around 12 minutes before the start of the game.

“Honestly, I don’t even know when the anthem was played. We kind of have a routine when they’re on the floor and they come off at the 12-minute mark. I don’t know, we come in and we do our pre-game stuff. I’m sorry, listen, that’s nothing intentionally done,” Mulkey said.

LSU lost Monday night’s game against Iowa 94-87. With their victory, the Hawkeyes advance to the tournament’s Final Four.