LSU’s Derek Curiel slammed the NCAA for banning his walk-up song, “God Is” by Kanye West, at the College World Series, as the Daily Mail reports. The decision stripped the star hitter of a key part of his plate routine, forcing an instrumental version instead. It’s a move that reeks of overreach, but Curiel and the Tigers still clinched the national title.

Curiel, LSU’s top bat, voiced frustration after the Tigers’ undefeated Omaha run, where his chosen song, rich with Psalm 150:6’s call to praise, was silenced. The NCAA’s ban also hit teammate Kade Anderson’s pick, “All of the Lights,” another Kanye track. This wasn’t about faith, but the artist’s controversial shadow.

Walk-up songs are sacred in baseball, setting the tone for every at-bat. Curiel, batting .345 with seven homers and 55 RBIs in 2025, leaned on “God Is” to express his devotion. The NCAA’s meddling feels like a jab at personal freedom, cloaked in vague reasoning.

NCAA targets Kanye West

WAFB reported the ban stemmed from Kanye West’s recent inflammatory remarks, not the songs’ content. Curiel wondered if his song’s Christian roots played a role, but the NCAA pointed fingers at the artist.

It’s a slippery slope when personal expression gets sidelined over an artist’s unrelated controversies.

“I’m a little upset that the NCAA didn’t allow that song to be played,” Curiel told WAFB. “They only played the instrumental version. They didn’t let the words play.”

Curiel’s faith shines through his game, and “God Is” was his way to share it. Forcing an instrumental feels like sanitizing his identity to appease the woke gatekeepers. Yet, Curiel’s focus on Christ over complaint shows his character.

Faith meets organizational rules

“God Is -- everything that has breath, praise the Lord,” Curiel said. “That’s a verse in the Bible, and that’s just something I want everyone to know.”

He’s not just a slugger; he’s a man of conviction, unapologetic about his beliefs.

“You worship Christ, and that’s what I’m here to do,” Curiel added. “I just want people to know me as a guy who plays baseball and loves Jesus.” The NCAA’s ban seems less about Kanye and more about discomfort with bold faith in public spaces.

Curiel’s teammate, pitcher Kade Anderson, faced the same censorship with “All of the Lights.” Oddly, Rihanna’s part in that song got a pass at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show.

The inconsistency smells of selective enforcement, leaving players like Curiel caught in the crossfire.

Inconsistent standards raise eyebrows

“They wouldn’t play it,” Curiel said of his song. “I don’t know if it was religious or Kanye West or whatever, but I was a little upset.” His confusion is warranted when the NCAA’s rules seem to shift with the wind.

A source told WAFB the ban was purely about Kanye West, not Curiel’s song’s Christian message. If true, it’s a weak excuse that punishes players for an artist’s unrelated actions. The NCAA’s logic crumbles under scrutiny, exposing a pattern of overreach.

Despite the bans, LSU dominated, winning the national title without a single loss in Omaha. Curiel’s performance at the plate proved his focus never wavered, even without his song. It’s a testament to his resilience, but the NCAA’s interference still stings.

Tigers triumph despite ban

The Tigers’ victory shows that Curiel and Anderson didn’t let the NCAA’s petty rule dampen their fire. But the ban raises questions about fairness in college sports. Why should athletes’ expressions be collateral damage in a cultural tug-of-war?

Curiel’s song was more than a tune; it was a declaration of faith and identity. The NCAA’s decision to mute it feels like another step toward erasing individuality under the guise of neutrality. Conservative fans see this as part of a broader push to stifle traditional values.

LSU’s title win is the real story, but the NCAA’s overreach casts a shadow. Curiel’s grace under pressure and unwavering faith deserve applause, not censorship. Next time, the NCAA should let the players -- and their songs -- play.