Jill Biden no longer supports Iowa joining champion LSU at the White House to celebrate the Tigers’ NCAA women’s basketball title after she was ridiculed for the suggestion.
A Tuesday statement from her spokeswoman said Mrs. Biden’s comments were “intended to applaud the historic game and all women athletes,” but that now only the Tigers will make the ceremonial trip to the White House.
The first lady’s idea was called “a joke” by LSU’s star player Angel Reese, whose taunting of Iowa guard Caitlin Clark became a national storyline once the horn sounded on the Tigers’ 102-85 victory Saturday. Fellow Louisiana State player Alexis Morris asked Michelle Obama if the team could visit her in response to Mrs. Biden’s suggestion.
Mrs. Biden originally said Sunday in Denver that she was going to prod her husband, President Biden, to let the Hawkeyes come to the White House, too, “because they played such a good game.”
Reese, who was named March Madness’ Most Outstanding Player, was seen directing the “You can’t see me” gesture to Hawkeyes guard Clark in the final moments of the game. Clark had made the same gesture in an Elite Eight matchup against Louisville.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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