LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is facing backlash after admitting on video that he walked out of a grocery store carrying his items in a store-owned plastic basket rather than pay for bags. The moment, posted on TikTok by his daughter Landry, drew criticism for what many called a tone-deaf move from one of the highest-paid figures in college sports.
Kiffin, who recently signed a $91 million contract making him the second highest-paid coach in college football, is seen in the video walking into his home with the store’s plastic shopping bin in hand. When questioned by his daughter, he responded, “How else was I supposed to carry it? You have to pay for bags! They said you have to pay for bags. And it was self-checkout, so I just…”
The video, meant to be humorous, quickly drew negative attention. Critics on social media and in sports circles accused Kiffin of setting a poor example and trivializing theft over a few cents. Despite the light-hearted tone from his daughter—who captioned the video, “Sent him to the store alone for the first time… shopping privileges are revoked”—the incident sparked debate about entitlement and responsibility, especially from public figures.
Some online commenters noted that Kiffin, given his multimillion-dollar income, should have no issue paying for grocery bags. Others questioned how store employees would be treated if they failed to stop a less high-profile customer from taking store property.
There has been no public statement from the grocery store involved or any indication of whether the basket has been returned. Kiffin has also not commented further on the incident.
The episode has renewed attention on rising grocery bag fees in various states, but critics argue that such protests should not involve store theft—particularly by individuals in positions of influence.
