Part 5/12:
Adding to the complexity was LSU's lack of a permanent university president at the moment of firing. With the institution operating under an interim president, critical decisions, particularly those involving large financial payouts to release Kelly, required approval from the university’s trustees and state officials. Notably, Louisiana’s governor, Jeff Landry, became involved behind the scenes, engaging in discussions with the trustees and the athletic department before ultimately endorsing the decision to dismiss Kelly.