In the aftermath of LSU’s turbulent exit from the NCAA tournament, a surprising message from Flau’jae Johnson’s mother has sparked major speculation about head coach Kim Mulkey’s future. The Tigers’ season ended in heartbreak, and as emotions ran high, the mother of one of LSU’s brightest stars took to social media with a three-word message that left fans, analysts, and insiders buzzing: “We leaving LSU.”
The message, though brief, carried enormous weight. Flau’jae Johnson, a standout guard and a face of LSU women’s basketball, had previously indicated her commitment to staying in college another year. But her mother’s statement hinted that the Johnson family may be reconsidering their loyalty to the program, throwing Mulkey’s leadership into the spotlight.
Tensions have been building around Mulkey in recent weeks, particularly after a controversial profile published in The Washington Post painted her as combative and difficult. Though the coach dismissed the report as a personal attack, it clearly stirred emotions among players, parents, and the wider LSU community.
Flau’jae’s mother, Kia Brooks, had once been an outspoken supporter of Mulkey, publicly stating that she trusted her daughter in the coach’s care. “She’s going to make her a woman,” Brooks had said in defense of Mulkey’s tough-love approach. That’s what made her new message so unexpected — and so concerning for LSU fans.
The timing of the message couldn’t be worse for Mulkey, who is already dealing with the loss of key players like Angel Reese, as well as the pressure of maintaining LSU’s status as a national powerhouse. If Johnson decides to enter the transfer portal, it could be a devastating blow to the Tigers’ upcoming season.
Sources close to the team say that Mulkey and Brooks had several intense conversations following LSU’s early tournament exit. Some described the discussions as “tense but respectful,” while others suggested that a rift may have developed between the coach and the Johnson family over playing time, leadership roles, or the general direction of the program.
What’s more, Flau’jae Johnson has built a brand beyond basketball — as a rapper, influencer, and public figure. Any instability within the LSU program could make other schools more appealing destinations, particularly those with strong media and entertainment support that align with her broader career goals.
Social media reactions to Brooks’ message were immediate and intense. LSU fans expressed both support and concern, with some blaming Mulkey for driving talent away, while others called for patience and understanding. Rumors even began circulating about potential destinations for Johnson, with schools like South Carolina and USC mentioned as possibilities.
In a brief comment to reporters, Mulkey declined to address the message directly, saying only, “We’re going to handle things internally, as a family. I’ve always supported my players, and I always will.” That measured response did little to quiet the growing storm of speculation.
Now, all eyes are on Flau’jae Johnson. Whether she stays or goes will say a lot about the internal dynamics at LSU — and it could very well define Kim Mulkey’s future with the Tigers. For now, that three-word message from her mother has set the stage for a dramatic offseason in Baton Rouge.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the decisions made in the coming days could reshape not just LSU’s roster, but the very foundation of the program that Kim Mulkey has worked so hard to build.
