Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry was instrumental in persuading LSU to pass a law. live tiger In this past weekend’s game against Alabama, he doubled down on the initiative after the team lost 42-13. It was intended to revive the program’s tradition of a live tiger named “Mike the Tiger” appearing in games.

The decision to have a live tiger sparked controversy and criticism. but landry He rejected those criticisms in a speech Monday night at an event in Metairie known as “Politics with Fists.”

“More people came to me and they remembered Tiger Mike more than some of the great games at Tiger Stadium,” Landry said. CBS Sports. “And they grew up seeing that as kids. It’s about tradition. At the end of the day, these woke people tried to take tradition out of this country. It’s tradition that built this country.”

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Louisiana attorney general Jeff Landry speaks at the Weaponization of the Federal Government Subcommittee hearing on Thursday, March 30, 2023 in Washington, DC, USA. (Getty Images)

Landry said having a tiger at recent games signifies respect for tradition. The university previously featured a live tiger at the games but ended that tradition in 2015 following controversy over the treatment of endangered species. The last animal to appear in games with the famous mascot name “Mike the Tiger” died in 2016. Known as Mike VI, he was the sixth animal of his lineage.

“I’ll tell you something. It’s about tradition. And tradition is about respecting those who came before you.”

The university keeps its current live tiger mascot, named Mike VII, in a 15,000-square-foot space on campus. A different tiger named Omar Bradley was sent from Florida’s Worldwide Exotic Animal Talent Agency to appear in Saturday’s game.

Landry’s office also said in a statement Monday that no state or LSU funds were used “for any aspect of the tiger.”

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LSU head coach Brian Kelly watches from the sideline during the second half of the NCAA college football game against Alabama on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The governor also used Monday’s speaking event to shame LSU players for their performance against Alabama.

“Our tiger, our live tiger, unfortunately disappointingly was the only tiger that showed up on Saturday. I’m sorry,” Landry said.

Landry said earlier this year that he wanted to see a live tiger on the sidelines in Death Valley and that this move may have been motivated by that wish. The governor had previously preached the importance of honoring tradition during an interview. Fox News last Friday.

“It’s about tradition,” Landry said. “This is a Mike I through VI thing. We had a live mascot on the field like many other colleges before.”

Mitchel, owner of the tiger Kalmanson told WBRZ He said they practiced bringing Omar to Tiger Stadium last Thursday and Friday night, simulating the lights and loud music. He wouldn’t tell the news station who paid for the event, nor would he confirm whether he would bring tigers to future LSU games.

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A tiger lies in the zoo. (iStock)

“The animal was not sedated,” he said. “The animal was used to it. The animal’s ears were not erect.”

Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan spoke about the issue on Monday, The Advocate reported.

“Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) regulations prohibiting the importation and possession of large exotic cats, including tigers, provide exemptions for certain entities,” Sheahan said in a statement. he said. “Exempt establishments include universities such as LSU, which has consistently and historically had a large exotic cat as its mascot, and traveling exhibitors established under a valid USDA Class C Exhibitor License who are only in the state temporarily.”

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