NCAA Bans States That Feature Confederate Flag from Hosting Championship Events

The NCAA announced Friday it will no longer hold championship events in states that prominently feature the Confederate flag.

Mississippi is the only state affected by the ban. The Mississippi state flag prominently features the Confederate flag in its upper left corner.

Michael V. Drake, chair of the NCAA board of governors and president of Ohio State University, said in a statement:

"There is no place in college athletics or the world for symbols or acts of discrimination and oppression. 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."

The NCAA previously banned states that prominently display the Confederate flag from hosting events with predetermined locations. The new rule expands the ban to include teams that earn hosting an event via tournament seeding or ranking.

Sports like baseball, softball, lacrosse and women's basketball have championship events on campus based on seeding.

The SEC released a statement Thursday threatening to pull conference championship events out of Mississippi unless the state changes its flag.

"It is past time for change to be made to the flag of the State of Mississippi," SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said. "Our students deserve an opportunity to learn and compete in environments that are inclusive and welcoming to all."