South Carolina will be allowed to bid on NCAA championships for the first time in 15 years
Mark Emmert, the president of the NCAA, released a statement Friday in support of the decision to lower the Confederate flag from outside of the state house.
“The NCAA strongly supports today’s removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House grounds. This step sends an important message of respect for and dignity of every person. As a national association, the NCAA opposes this symbol of racism, and since 2001 we have demonstrated our opposition by not playing pre-selected championships in states where the flag was flown prominently. The removal of the Confederate flag now means that South Carolina can bid to host future NCAA championships.”
The ban was enforced on all championship events that were eligible to be bid on. The removal of the ban now allows South Carolina to bid on both NCAA basketball championships.
University of South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier spoke out in support of the decision on Twitter.
The South Carolina football team, players and coaches strongly support Governor Haley's decision to remove the flag from the capitol.
— Coach Steve Spurrier (@SC_HBC) June 23, 2015
South Carolina Athletic Director Ray Tanner also released a statement Thursday.
Here is my statement on #Gamecocks hosting predetermined NCAA Championships in the future. pic.twitter.com/jwNaLsbcfE
— Ray Tanner (@RayTannerSC) July 9, 2015