**Summary: Stephen A. Smith Critiques Kim Mulkey’s Rude Behavior After Elite Eight Loss**
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has called out LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey for her rude behavior during a post-game interaction with a student reporter following the team’s Elite Eight loss to UCLA.
### Who, What, When, Where, Why
On Monday, after LSU’s defeat in the Elite Eight, Kim Mulkey engaged in a contentious exchange with a student reporter. The reporter pointed out that this marked the second consecutive year LSU was eliminated at this stage. Mulkey interrupted, questioning whether that was a good or “terrible” outcome, to which the reporter replied, “terrible.” Mulkey then asked, “How many Final Fours you play in?” This interaction quickly gained traction on social media, prompting Smith’s remarks on “First Take.”
### Stephen A. Smith’s Reaction
– **Critique of Mulkey’s Behavior**: Smith acknowledged Mulkey’s coaching prowess but emphasized her rudeness. He stated, “She’s very rude. She’s very, very rude. She’s rude, she’s condescending and unnecessarily so to too many people.”
– **Targeted Rudeness**: Smith noted that Mulkey seems to know whom to direct her rudeness towards, suggesting she avoids confrontation with those who might retaliate.
### Mulkey’s History with the Media
– **Previous Incidents**: Mulkey has a history of contentious interactions with reporters. Earlier in the tournament, she criticized a reporter for eating during her press conference after a loss in the SEC Tournament.
– **Confrontations**: She has also clashed with media over allegations regarding her treatment of players and criticized a column that labeled her team as “villains.”
### Conclusion
Kim Mulkey is undeniably one of the most successful coaches in NCAA women’s basketball history, boasting a record of 754-124, four championships, and five Final Four appearances. However, her interactions with the media raise questions about professionalism. How should coaches balance competitiveness with respect in media interactions?
### FAQs
**Q: What did Stephen A. Smith say about Kim Mulkey’s behavior?**
A: Smith described Mulkey as “very rude” and “condescending,” acknowledging her coaching talent while criticizing her treatment of others.
