Ahead of the showdown between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide, much was made about the fact that for the first time in nearly a decade, LSU would be bringing a live tiger mascot onto the field before the game.
It’s an iconic tradition that has largely been done away with due to complaints from animal rights organizations, but getting the tiger back in Tiger Stadium was an initiative largely spearheaded by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
After the game ended the way it did with Alabama flat-out dominating LSU, Landry released a statement about the live tiger and took a shot at the football team in the process.
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“Our tiger, our live tiger, unfortunately, disappointingly, was the only tiger who showed up Saturday. I’m sorry,” Landry told The Advocate.
LSU did not actually use their on-campus Tiger, Mike VII, due to a refusal from the veterinary department and those who take care of Mike at LSU, resulting in a different tiger from Florida named Omar Bradley being brought in, something that many were not thrilled about.
It’s unclear whether or not the tradition is going to continue or if it was just a one off, but with the way the Tigers played on the field on Saturday night, it’s safe to say that Omar isn’t going to be returning to Baton Rouge anytime soon.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
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