NCAA expands confederate flag policy

The NCAA has expanded its confederate flag policy to officially prohibit any championship events from being held in a state where the flag is flown, which only applies to Mississippi.

"There is no place in college athletics or the world for symbols or acts of discrimination and oppression," Michael V. Drake, chair of the NCAA board of governors and Ohio State president, said in a statement. "We must continually evaluate ways to protect and enhance the championship experience for college athletes. Expanding the Confederate flag policy to all championships is an important step by the NCAA to further provide a quality experience for all participants and fans."

Previously, the NCAA's policy only applied to predetermined championship sites and affected South Carolina as well. However, South Carolina removed the confederate flag from its state capital in 2015 following the shooting at the historically black Emanuel African Methodist Church in Charleston which left nine black members dead.

"Competing in an NCAA championship is a special experience for college athletes who compete at the highest level and we are grateful for the college athlete voice leading to this decision," NCAA president Mark Emmert said in a statement. "We must do all we can to ensure that NCAA actions reflect our commitment to inclusion and support all our student-athletes. There can be no place within college sports where any student-athlete is demeaned or unwelcome."

The Mississippi state flag, which features the banner of the confederacy, has been heavily criticized in the wake of nationwide protests of racial inequality. Thursday, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey threatened to not hold conference championship events in Mississippi unless the state abandoned the confederate banner.