For 15 years the NCAA would not allow the state of South Carolina to host sanctioned postseason events, but the removal of the Confederate Flag has ended that.
The NCAA's Board of Governors was prepared to lift the ban once S.C. Gov. Nikki Hayley signed legislation to remove the flag from the state's Capitol Building, ESPN reported.
"The NCAA strongly supports today's removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House grounds," NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement. "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."
S.C.'s Senate and House of Representatives voted to take the Confederate Flag down amid strong national and local support for the decision. All that was left was for Hayley to sign the order into action.
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
Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol. To many, it is a symbol of racial hatred. Remove it now to honor #Charleston victims. — Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) June 20, 2015
"Today, as the Senate did before them, the House of Representatives has served the State of South Carolina and her people with great dignity," Haley said in a statement, according to ABC News. "I'm grateful for their service and their compassion. It is a new day in South Carolina, a day we can all be proud of, a day that truly brings us all together as we continue to heal, as one people and one state."
The NCAA will now allow S.C. to host championship events such as basketball tournament games and College Football Playoff games. Because such events are scheduled years in advance, the University of South Carolina may not get to host one for a while, the State reported.
It is time to remove the flag. We are ONE !! #CharlestonStrong #Gamecocks
— Ray Tanner (@RayTannerSC) June 22, 2015
"There have been some opportunities that have not been possible in the past that we would get a chance to engage in," Ray Tanner, the school's athletic director, told the newspaper. "If the flag is removed and the sanctions are lifted, then we can bid for events, whether it's a women's regional championship or basketball for the men, the first or second rounds, and other events around the state."
Below: South Carolina head football coach Steve Spurrier advocating in 2007 for the Confederate Flag's removal.
