LSU Legend Demands Lane Kiffin Put an End to Controversial Practice Amid Tigers’ Struggles: 'It Has to Stop'
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LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s high-profile pregame spectacle has become a lightning rod for criticism as the Tigers’ 6-3 start and a 31-13 loss to Alabama at home have reignited scrutiny over the program’s direction. Former LSU star Leonard Fournette, a program icon, publicly condemned the team’s recent trend of inviting celebrities—including Shaquille O’Neal, Angel Reese, and actor Kevin Costner—to join the traditional Victory Hill march, calling the practice a distraction from the team’s core mission.
With LSU having invested $48 million in roster construction, Fournette questioned the logic of prioritizing social media attention over on-field performance, arguing that the focus should remain on winning rather than staging a ‘concert’ before games. The backlash extends beyond the celebrity walk, as NFL veteran Jarvis Landry also weighed in, linking the team’s struggles to broader issues in college football, particularly the impact of NIL deals on player accountability and team culture.
The controversy underscores a growing divide between Kiffin’s efforts to modernize LSU’s image and the frustration of players who feel the program’s priorities are misaligned with its competitive goals.