The LSU Board of Supervisors votes to name the basketball court at the PMAC after both Dale Brown and Sue Gunter. Both coaches won over 400 games at LSU, but in 2021 the board voted to only have Brown’s name on the court. Former Lady Tiger basketball player Delia Taylor urged the board to add Gunter’s name to the court.
“I ask that you vote to honor one of the game’s most worthy competitors, I ask that you vote to honor a woman who broke down barriers by building up others,” said Taylor.
Critics of the vote say by adding Gunter’s name to the court, they are taking away an honor from Coach Brown, who led the Tigers to two Finals Fours. Former LSU baseball and basketball player Ben McDonald suggested to the board to name the practice facility or the scoreboard after Gunter.
“I ask you to vote no on this today back up and rethink this, there’s got to be a way that we can honor one without dishonoring another,” said McDonald.
Freelance writer Jeffrey Marx of Baton Rouge says based on his own investigating reporting, political pressure has resulted in several Board members changing their minds and now wanting to add Gunter’s name to the court.
“The private pressure campaign, direct participation of President William Tate and Governor John Bel Edwards and others, countless additional behind the scenes conversations,” said Marx.
In September 2021, the LSU Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal to have the court named after both Brown and Gunter.
No one at the Board spoke on why there’s been a change of heart, but board member James Williams rejected the idea that someone is twisting their arm.
“I think it is insulting to this board, insulting to our governor that anyone would suggest that we can be pressured or told what to do,” said Williams.
Governor John Bel Edwards told the USA Today Network that Gunter’s accomplishments are worthy enough to have her name on the court too.
The vote by the LSU Academic Committee to add Gunter’s name to the court was 6-2 and that vote was ratified by the full LSU Board of Supervisors.
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