NCAA Warns Mississippi It Must Change The State Flag

NBC News reports:

The NCAA’s Southeastern Conference on Thursday told the state of Mississippi it could miss out on SEC championship games if it doesn’t change its state flag, which includes a Confederate symbol. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement, “It is past time for change to be made to the flag of the State of Mississippi.”

“Our students deserve an opportunity to learn and compete in environments that are inclusive and welcoming to all,” he said. “In the event there is no change, there will be consideration of precluding Southeastern Conference championship events from being conducted in the State of Mississippi.”

The state has been under pressure to change the flag for years, but the demands have ramped up in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody and the wide-ranging calls for an end to systemic racism that have followed.