Kim Mulkey Apologizes for “Punch Them in the Face” Comment Regarding Baylor Critics
Kim Mulkey, the head coach of LSU women’s basketball, recently apologized after making a controversial comment regarding critics of her former team, Baylor University. Mulkey, who previously led the Baylor Bears to three NCAA championships, was responding to questions about the criticism Baylor has faced after her departure in 2021. During a post-game interview, Mulkey made a statement suggesting that the best way to handle critics was to “punch them in the face,” a remark that many saw as inappropriate and overly aggressive.
The comment was made during a media appearance after LSU’s 2025 win over a rival team. When asked about her time at Baylor and the attention surrounding her exit, Mulkey responded in a manner that seemed to echo frustration with the ongoing negativity directed toward the program she helped build. “I always told my players that if you’re going to take criticism, you’ve got to be able to punch back. If someone talks bad about you, you’ve got to punch them in the face. That’s the mentality you need,” Mulkey said.
The remark quickly sparked backlash, with many interpreting it as promoting violence, even in a metaphorical sense. The comment didn’t sit well with some fans, media personalities, and other coaches, who pointed out the importance of handling criticism with grace and maturity, especially in a leadership position like Mulkey’s.
Mulkey, realizing the impact of her words, took to social media shortly after the incident to issue a formal apology. In a statement posted on Twitter, she expressed regret for her choice of words, clarifying that her intention was never to incite violence but rather to stress the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. “I deeply regret the comment I made in response to a question about criticism of Baylor. It was inappropriate, and I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended. My intent was to convey a message about handling challenges, but I understand that my words were not the right way to do so.”
Despite the controversy, Mulkey’s apology was met with a degree of understanding from many, acknowledging that, while the comment was poorly chosen, it reflected her passionate and competitive nature. As a coach, Mulkey is known for her fiery personality and intense drive to win, but this incident serves as a reminder that leaders in sports must be careful with the language they use, especially when addressing sensitive topics like criticism and rivalry.
In the end, Mulkey’s apology highlights the importance of both strong leadership and thoughtful communication in the public eye, especially in the ever-evolving world of sports.
