South Carolina has finally received the privilege to host NCAA Tournament games following the removal of the confederate flag from the state’s capital.
To celebrate this occasion, what do some idiots do? Drive by the arena hosting the first and second round games in Greenville while waving a confederate flag, of course.
Currently pic.twitter.com/c1S4DuaZWf
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 19, 2017
With its tough stance in the past, the NCAA released a statement on this incident.
“The NCAA is proud and excited to host championships in the state of South Carolina once again,” Dan Gavitt, the NCAA senior vice president of basketball, said in a statement. “We are committed to assuring that our events are safe and accessible to all. No symbols that compromise that commitment will be permitted to be displayed on venue property that the tournament controls. Freedom of speech activities on public property in areas surrounding the arena are managed by the city of Greenville and we are supportive of the city’s efforts.”
The hecklers weren’t allowed to stay by for long. They were ordered by police to move back.
https://twitter.com/NicoleAuerbach/status/843527073947930625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I have to say, this is hardly surprising, but I’m still disappointed. Some people in South Carolina just doesn’t seem willing to move forward and drop the confederate flag. Based on the behavior of both of the Carolinas, the NCAA might be best to steer clear of both states.