In the second quarter of Saturday’s game, the student section broke into loud applause and cheered wildly for someone roaming the sidelines near the north end zone.A crowd of security guards surrounded the person. I couldn’t tell who it was, but judging from students around me, I thought it could only be one man — Shaq.I got excited and stood on my toes to see if I could catch a glimpse of The Diesel. I love Shaq, who doesn’t? LSU’s most famous alumnus is known to show up randomly in Death Valley, so the chances of  him being there weren’t that far-fetched.But that’s when I got confused. Why would I have to stand on my toes to see a 7-foot, 330-pound rapping genie? I got worried.When the crowd surrounding this person separated, I didn’t see a 7-foot Superman. Instead, I saw our state’s fearless leader, Gov. Bobby Jindal.Talk about a letdown. I would have much rather preferred an appearance by the Big Aristotle, the Big Cactus, Wilt Chamberneezy — whichever one of O’Neal’s nicknames you prefer.Nothing against Jindal — his eight-month tenure has been pretty successful, if you’re a Jindal supporter. The only major, self-inflicted cluster you-know-what was his initial decision to stay out of the legislative pay raise mini-scandalAfter public disapproval and a recall petition being filed against him, Jindal changed his mind and vetoed the measure. No one ever said the guy wasn’t smart.But Jindal’s done nothing to warrant the Shaq-like response he received.Does Jindal have four NBA championships? Is he possibly the greatest center to ever step on a basketball court? Is his jersey hanging in the rafters of the PMAC?No.In this state, Jindal’s support is unmatched. He’s a national Republican prodigy and has a long future in politics ahead of him.But let’s face it. Shaq’s appeal crosses all races, religions and party lines.The next home football game is against Georgia — three days before the NBA regular season begins.I’m asking you, Mr. O’Neal, please pay Death Valley a visit on Oct. 25. Bridge the partisan gap and unite us for one common cause — the biggest Shaq Attack the world has ever seen.There will be 90,000 of us. All we need is a leader.—-
Contact Tyler Batiste at [email protected]