Basketball <\/p>\n
LSU women\u2019s basketball coach Kim Mulkey firmly dismissed speculation about her retirement following the Tigers\u2019 87-85 Sweet 16 loss to Duke on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Ashlon Jackson.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not retiring,\u201d Mulkey declared during her postgame news conference, via USA TODAY<\/a>. \u201cDo I look that bad? I don\u2019t know where that came from. I am only 63 and I\u2019m healthy with a few stents in my heart. My doctor says I\u2019m good to go.\u201d<\/p>\n Mulkey labeled the rumors a \u201cflat-out lie,\u201d suggesting they originated on social media and were possibly intended to disrupt recruiting efforts.<\/p>\n Mulkey, who has compiled a 151-26 record in five seasons at LSU and led the program to the 2023 national championship, emphasized her commitment.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to be in this game unless LSU fires me (or) until I can\u2019t put a product on that floor that\u2019s competitive or my health fails me,\u201d she said, via The Athletic<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mulkey reiterated the point as she left, urging reporters to clarify.<\/p>\n \u201cGot it? I\u2019m not retiring. Make sure you put that out there \u2014 not retiring,\u201d she said firmly.<\/p>\n Mulkey plans a brief family visit before hiring two new assistant coaches to replace recent departures and pursuing additions through the transfer portal to prepare for next season.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports<\/a> and was syndicated with permission.<\/p>\n