11-24-2006, 12:18 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/fo...index.html
Quote:The NCAA's "strategy of economic blackmail is designed to influence legislative action" and "force removal of the flag," said Gene Hogan, one of state Sons of Confederate Veterans' leaders. "March madness has turned into malicious meddling."
The flag was put where it is as a compromise between concerned community leaders and flag supporters, Burbage said.
It's unlikely anything soon will happen with the flag. Legislators and Gov. Mark Sanford say the issue is resolved.
"We think it would be best if all organizations move past it," Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said.
...
The NCAA, he said, doesn't seem to have problems with Confederate symbols on flags elsewhere in Arkansas, Alabama or Georgia.
"Georgia isn't under the ban," Sullivan said. "Why the double standard?"
The moratorium makes it impossible for private entities, such as Greenville's Bi-Lo Center, to host NCAA events. The arena did get to hold the early rounds of the NCAA's 2002 men's basketball tournament, which was awarded prior to the ban.