Blake Hinson says Mississippi flag played role in transfer from Ole Miss

Former Ole Miss guard Blake Hinson transferred to Iowa State, and it's probably not for a reason you originally thought of. The Confederate symbol on the Mississippi state flag played a role in his decision to transfer.

"It was time to go and leave Ole Miss," Hinson told the Daytona Beach (Florida) News-Journal. "I'm proud not to represent that flag anymore and to not be associated with anything representing the Confederacy."

Mississippi is close to changing its flag to erase the Confederate symbol following nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. 

Legislators are expected to begin voting Sunday to remove the current flag from state law. A commission would then design a new flag that doesn't include any Confederate symbols.

The SEC and NCAA both announced last week that postseason events would not be played in Mississippi until the state flag is changed. Conference USA, which Southern Miss is apart of, also made the same announcement on Monday. 

Hinson averaged 10.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season with Ole Miss and will join an Iowa team who is bringing in former DePaul gaurd Jalen Coleman-Lands to bolster their roster.