• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Louisiana Gov. Calls Critics of Tiger Stunt ‘Woke’ After LSU Blowout Loss

Jeff Landry poked at the football team, saying his live cat was the “only tiger who showed up Saturday.”

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, the mastermind behind bringing a live tiger back to LSU football sideline on Saturday, is thrilled with how his zoological dream unfolded. Not so much with the team he did it all for.

“Our tiger, our live tiger, unfortunately, disappointingly, was the only tiger who showed up Saturday. I’m sorry,” Landry said at a political event in a New Orleans suburb on Monday.

The human Tigers lost 42–13 to Alabama, dropping LSU in the rankings from No. 14 to No. 21. Before the game, the live tiger, named Omar Bradley, made a seven-minute appearance, reviving an LSU staple of having the live mascot at games that ended in 2015. Landry said those who opposed the spectacle are “woke people.”

“I had more people come up to me, and they remembered Mike the Tiger more than some of the great plays in Tiger Stadium,” Landry said Monday. “And they grew up as children seeing this. It’s about tradition. At the end of the day, these woke people have tried to take tradition out of this country. It’s tradition that built this country.”

The governor spearheaded the effort, but ran into obstacles when the school’s veterinarians wouldn’t let him use the official mascot, Mike VII. His predecessor, Mike VI, had bad reactions to the lights and sounds at the stadium, and became resistant to getting in the trailer to go to games. The governor instead found a man named Mitchel Kalmanson to drive in Omar Bradley from Florida. Kalmanson’s dealings with big cats over the years have resulted in a slew of USDA violations, including animals being kept in filthy trailers, escaping, and contracting preventable and even fatal diseases.

PETA claimed Saturday that the governor’s tiger transfer could’ve violated state laws because Kalmanson “appears to be ineligible” for a specific exemption allowing him to bring a tiger across state lines. The organization filed its complaint with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Kalmanson does have a USDA Class C Exhibitor License, the USDA confirmed to Front Office Sports last week. That license allows him—if he’s in the state only temporarily—to transport and show off big cats in Louisiana. (The USDA has considered calls to revoke Kalmanson’s license in the past, but decided against it.) A USDA spokesperson did not respond to questions asking what circumstances would lead to a license being revoked.

Landry said the tiger transport complied with federal regulations, though he referred to the 2022 Big Cat Public Safety Act as “some crazy act” and that the “federal government wants to regulate everything you do.” Kalmanson’s valid USDA license also means he complies with the Big Cat Act.

It’s still not clear how much the tiger cost or who footed the bill. The governor’s office told NOLA.com Monday that no state or LSU funds paid “for any aspect of the tiger.”

Landry is a Republican who was elected to the governorship last fall. Though he was linked to incoming President Donald Trump’s second administration, he said at the event Monday that he would not be joining Trump’s cabinet.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL TV Ratings Up Big on Major Networks, but There’s a Caveat

This NFL season has been marked by new media trends.
Bronny James

Bronny James Won’t Play G League Road Games

G League players travel on commercial airlines.
Nov 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) works around Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the third quarter at Target Center.

Trail Blazers Troll Fan With Gambling Addiction Helpline

The official account suggested that a complaining fan on X/Twitter should call 1-800-GAMBLER.

WNBA Raids College Coaching Ranks As Atlanta Dream Hire Karl Smesko

Smesko is regarded as one of the top coaches in women’s college basketball.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Jerry Jones Holding the Cowboys Back?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

How Schools Are Raising Money to Prep for House v. NCAA Settlement

Schools are hunting for money they may be sharing with athletes soon.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.
November 9, 2024

Vandy QB Pavia Sues NCAA for 2 More Years of Eligibility

Diego Pavia beat Alabama. Can he beat the NCAA’s eligibility rules?
November 11, 2024

SMU’s Nine-Figure ACC Move Is Paying Off in Year 1

SMU paid its way into the ACC and is seeing immediate benefits.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Tigers Head Coach Brian Kelly as the LSU Tigers take on the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024.
November 8, 2024

Source of LSU’s New Tiger Has History of Animal Abuse Allegations

LSU isn’t using the tiger that lives on campus for Saturday’s game.
November 8, 2024

NCAA Lifts Long-Standing Ban on Canadian Hockey League Players

A $600 monthly living stipend had kept players out of NCAA hockey.
Florida football coach Billy Napier
November 7, 2024

Florida Gives Billy Napier Vote of Confidence With Huge Buyout Looming

Napier’s $26 million buyout would be second largest in college football history.
November 6, 2024

CFP’s 12-Team Debut: How NIL, Realignment Shape the Bracket

Miami is ranked No. 4 as aggressive NIL spending has no doubt helped the Hurricanes to their 9–0 start.