Kim Mulkey Baylor, one of the most successful and recognized names in women’s college basketball, is known for her fiery demeanor, unapologetic coaching style, and undeniable success on the court. Her time at Baylor University was filled with championships, accolades, and an unmatched drive for excellence. However, alongside her incredible success on the court, Mulkey has been embroiled in several controversies that have sparked criticism and left an indelible mark on her legacy.
From her handling of sensitive issues surrounding former star players to public comments that ignited widespread backlash, Mulkey’s career has been riddled with instances that have placed her at the center of major debates. Here’s a breakdown of the five biggest scandals during Kim Mulkey’s Baylor tenure that shook her public image and cast shadows on her otherwise stellar coaching career.
1. The Brittney Griner Controversy (May 2013)
The relationship between Kim Mulkey Baylor and Brittney Griner, one of the most famous players to ever come through Baylor’s women’s basketball program, is complex. Griner was the cornerstone of Baylor’s 2012 NCAA Championship-winning team and helped bring Baylor to national prominence. But just a year after graduating, Griner made headlines for reasons beyond her incredible performance on the basketball court.
In May 2013, Griner, an openly gay athlete, revealed in an interview with ESPN that she felt suppressed during her time at Baylor. As a Christian university, Baylor maintained a policy against “homosexual acts,” which wasn’t removed from the university’s code until 2015. Griner claimed that Mulkey had pressured her to hide her sexual identity, fearing that having an openly gay player would harm Baylor’s recruiting efforts.
Griner went further to state that Mulkey had her cover up her tattoos by wearing long sleeves during games, as the coaching staff was concerned about the image Griner presented. Griner’s revelations prompted significant backlash, with many accusing Mulkey and Baylor of discriminating against their star player due to her sexual orientation. Griner’s comments not only exposed the pressures LGBTQ+ athletes face at religious institutions but also raised questions about Mulkey’s role in maintaining an environment where Griner felt unsafe to fully express her identity.
Mulkey’s response to the controversy was guarded. Through a spokesperson, she issued a brief statement that praised Griner’s legacy at Baylor but avoided addressing the specific accusations. Mulkey’s silence on the matter and her refusal to comment publicly on Griner’s treatment highlighted the ongoing tension between religious values and LGBTQ+ rights in college sports, casting a shadow over her handling of the situation.
2. Baylor Sexual Assault Scandal (February 2017)
One of the most damning controversies of Mulkey’s career at Baylor was her comments surrounding the university’s wide-ranging sexual assault scandal involving the football team. The Baylor sexual assault scandal was a deeply troubling chapter in the university’s history, revealing years of mishandled sexual assault allegations and institutional failure to protect victims. The scandal resulted in the resignation of Baylor’s president and athletic director, and the firing of head football coach Art Briles.
In February 2017, Mulkey made inflammatory comments about the ongoing scandal, igniting outrage. After a victory over Texas Tech, she expressed frustration over the continued negative press surrounding Baylor. Mulkey stated, “If somebody is around you and they ever say, ‘I will never send my daughter to Baylor,’ you knock them right in the face.” She later apologized for the violent language, acknowledging that her words were inappropriate.
However, the damage had been done. Critics argued that Mulkey’s defense of Baylor as an institution downplayed the severity of the sexual assault allegations. Her comments came across as tone-deaf, especially in the context of a scandal that had left many victims without justice. While Mulkey attempted to clarify her statement and apologized, the incident solidified her as someone who, in the eyes of many, prioritized protecting Baylor’s image over acknowledging the systemic issues that had led to the abuse of so many women.
3. COVID-19 Comments (March 2021)
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kim Mulkey made headlines again for remarks that many viewed as dismissive and insensitive. After Baylor’s loss to UConn in the 2021 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament’s Elite Eight, Mulkey commented that the NCAA should stop COVID-19 testing for teams advancing to the Final Four.
Her statement came at a time when COVID-19 protocols were being strictly enforced across college athletics to protect players, coaches, and staff from the spread of the virus. Mulkey argued that it would be a “shame” if players tested positive for the virus and were forced to miss out on playing in the Final Four, suggesting that testing should be halted to prevent such a scenario.
Given the serious nature of the pandemic and the lives that had been lost, her comments were widely criticized as irresponsible. Mulkey’s remarks seemed to prioritize the tournament’s success and the teams’ ability to compete over the health and safety of players, staff, and the community. With many other teams and players having already faced COVID-related setbacks throughout the season, her statement struck a nerve, and Mulkey was condemned for undermining the ongoing efforts to control the virus.
4. Brittney Griner’s Detainment in Russia (September 2022)
In 2022, Brittney Griner, Kim Mulkey’s former player and Baylor superstar, found herself at the center of international news when she was arrested and detained in Russia on drug charges. The basketball world rallied around Griner, advocating for her release and urging the U.S. government to take action. However, Kim Mulkey Baylor, who had coached Griner during her college years, remained conspicuously silent on the issue.
During a press conference in September 2022, when asked about Griner’s situation, Mulkey’s response was cold and dismissive: “And you won’t,” she said, moving on from the topic. Mulkey’s refusal to speak out in support of Griner, despite their history, was met with backlash from her former players and the public.
Two former Baylor players, Queen Egbo and Chloe Jackson, publicly criticized Mulkey’s silence, expressing disappointment that their former coach wouldn’t speak up for someone she had coached and mentored. Mulkey’s indifference struck many as particularly egregious, considering Griner’s precarious situation and the widespread calls for justice. While Mulkey has always been known for her strong-willed personality, her refusal to comment on Griner’s detainment reinforced the perception that she prioritizes personal interests over supporting her players in times of need.
5. Angel Reese Controversy (November 2023)
The most recent scandal involving Kim Mulkey occurred during her tenure as head coach at LSU. In November 2023, LSU’s star player, Angel Reese, was absent for four games due to undisclosed reasons. Mulkey offered minimal explanations, only stating that it was an internal matter, which left many questions unanswered. Reese’s absence sparked intense speculation, with fans and media alike clamoring for more information.
When Mulkey was repeatedly asked about Reese’s absence during a press conference, she became visibly frustrated and scolded reporters, saying, “I’m waiting for y’all to get past it. We’re past it… It’s just we have to come in here and answer questions, and that becomes aggravating.”
Mulkey’s handling of the situation was seen as dismissive and evasive, which only fueled further speculation. In an era where transparency and accountability are highly valued, Mulkey’s unwillingness to provide more details about one of her star players’ absence seemed out of step with the expectations of both the media and the public. Her frustration with the press and reluctance to elaborate on the matter added to her growing reputation for clashing with reporters and avoiding tough questions.
Successes of Kim Mulkey’s Career
Despite the controversies that have marred her career, Kim Mulkey’s success as a coach is nothing short of remarkable. She is one of the most decorated coaches in women’s college basketball history, with a career spanning over two decades. During her time at Baylor, she led the Lady Bears to three NCAA national championships (2005, 2012, and 2019), transforming the program into a national powerhouse. Under her leadership, Baylor became a perennial contender, regularly appearing in the NCAA Tournament and winning Big 12 Conference titles.
Mulkey’s influence extended beyond the championship titles. Her ability to recruit top-tier talent, such as Brittney Griner and Odyssey Sims, played a significant role in establishing Baylor as a dominant force in women’s basketball. She is also one of the few individuals in basketball history to win an NCAA title as a player, assistant coach, and head coach—a testament to her all-around knowledge of the game.
In 2021, Mulkey made headlines again when she left Baylor to become the head coach of LSU’s women’s basketball team. In just her second season, she led LSU to its first-ever national championship, further cementing her status as one of the greatest coaches in the sport.
Conclusion
Kim Mulkey Baylor career is a study in contrast. On one hand, she is one of the most successful coaches in women’s college basketball, known for her competitive spirit, tactical brilliance, and ability to build championship teams. On the other hand, her legacy is clouded by a series of controversies that have often sparked public debate and criticism.
From her handling of Brittney Griner’s experience as a gay athlete at Baylor to her controversial remarks about the Baylor sexual assault scandal and COVID-19, Mulkey’s outspoken nature has, at times, overshadowed her accomplishments on the court. These scandals have not only rocked her reputation but have also raised important questions about her leadership style and priorities as a coach.
As Mulkey continues to build her legacy at LSU, her past controversies will undoubtedly follow her. Yet, her ability to win and lead successful teams will also continue to be a defining feature of her career. Whether her triumphs will ultimately outweigh the controversies remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kim Mulkey’s impact on women’s basketball, both good and bad, will not be forgotten anytime soon.
