One of the biggest “sacred cows” in Louisiana is undoubtedly our state’s flagship university: Louisiana State University. For years, LSU has played a major role in the state’s economic and political landscape.

Many Louisiana residents and politicians alike consider LSU and its athletic program the pride and joy of the state. From Huey Long to the present, politicians have showered LSU—and its sports teams—with tax dollars and homage.

With so much money and effort poured into LSU athletics, we would hope the university is producing high-quality, well-rounded athletes to represent Louisiana. Well, not so fast.

Back in January, star LSU football receiver Kyren Lacy was arrested for allegedly killing a 78-year-old former Marine in a fatal car crash in December. Lacy now faces criminal charges of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run with death, and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Understandably, the NFL did not invite Lacy to the combine last month. Who would want to draft a player facing serious criminal charges?

But of course, LSU football operates on a higher plane of morality than the rest of Louisiana residents.

To many people’s shock, LSU allowed Lacy to participate in the program’s Pro Day activities.

I enjoy LSU football as much as the next guy, but this decision is indefensible. The LSU football program ought to be ashamed for allowing Lacy to represent the state’s flagship university while facing criminal charges for homicide.

At the end of the day, this situation is yet another reminder that big-time college athletics is just another form of “bread and circuses.” No wonder some of the top college football programs come from the poorest states in the country—Louisiana, Georgia, and Alabama.

Our politicians and institutions treat collegiate sports as the ultimate priority. Just look at the proposed legislation from state Rep. Dixon McMakin for the upcoming session. McMakin wants to make NIL money tax-free in Louisiana, allowing athletes like Livvy Dunne and Kyren Lacy to avoid paying state income tax—unlike everyone else.

LSU athletics doesn’t exactly have a stellar track record when it comes to ethics. From the FBI investigation into Will Wade to the off-the-field antics of former coaches Les Miles and Ed Orgeron, the program’s reputation is already tarnished. This latest situation with Lacy only adds to the list.

Some things are more important than football. LSU needs accountability, but let’s not hold our breath waiting for the state’s political leadership to do anything about it.

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Nathan Koenig is a frequent contributor to RVIVR.com, a national conservative political site affiliated with The Hayride. Follow his writing on the Louisiana First Standard Substack, on Twitter (X) @LAFirstStandard, on Tik Tok @la.first.standard & on Instagram @lafirststandard. Email him here: louisianafirststandard@proton.me