South Carolina HC Frank Martin Says Confederate Flag Protest Is 'Unfortunate'

South Carolina head basketball coach Frank Martin made a statement about a group of protesters who placed a Confederate flag on a parking garage next to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, which was hosting the 2017 NCAA tournament this weekend.

Following South Carolina's 88-81 victory Sunday over Duke on Sunday, Martin discussed the flag in his postgame press conference:

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It's unfortunate, but it's America. You think we all agree on everything? Our state is united. Our state believes in peace and harmony. That's why this event is being held in our state right now. Our state is progressive. Our state has incredible people that's about moving forward.

But it's America. We have freedoms. People have freedoms to do whatever they want to do with themselves and their property. It is what it is.

There are things out there that I don't like. But I can't force people to do what I want them to do. All I know is this unbelievable university and state has taken in a son of Cuban immigrants that's married to a Jamaican woman, has mixed kids, and they've treated me like I'm one of their own from Day 1.

I wouldn't want to coach in any other state or with any other group of people, for any other bosses than the ones I've got. Our alums, our community is a beautiful, beautiful place. It's a united state. Unfortunately, things like that happen but we live in the United States of America — and we don't all agree on things.

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After the flag was seen near the arena Sunday, the NCAA issued a statement, per ESPN's Jeff Goodman:

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The NCAA is proud and excited to host championships in the state of South Carolina once again. 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.

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In July 2015, the NCAA lifted its ban on hosting championship events in the state of South Carolina after state lawmakers voted to remove the Confederate flag from the statehouse and Governor Nikki Haley signed a bill to officially bring it down.

The NCAA announced Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, would serve as a host for this year's tournament last October after banning championship events from taking place in North Carolina as a result of the state's HB2 law that discriminates against transgender people.

Greensboro, North Carolina, was originally scheduled to serve as one of the hosts for this year's opening-weekend tournament games.

This was the first year the NCAA men's basketball tournament was held in the state of South Carolina since 2002.