The NCAA already had a ban in place preventing any NCAA men’s basketball tournament games from taking place in the state of Mississippi but the organization has decided to extend its ban to all championship events within the state effective immediately.

The reason? Mississippi’s use of the Confederate logo in the state’s flag.

This means no NCAA Regional baseball games can be held inside the state of Mississippi moving forward — unless Mississippi changes its state flag.

Mississippi is the only state in the country affected by this news.

“There is no place in college athletics or the world for symbols or acts of discrimination and oppression,” said Michael V. Drake, chair of the board and president of the Ohio State University. “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.”

“Competing in an NCAA championship is a special experience for college athletes who compete at the highest level and we are grateful for the college athlete voice leading to this decision,” said Mark Emmert, NCAA president. “We must do all we can to ensure that NCAA actions reflect our commitment to inclusion and support all our student-athletes. There can be no place within college sports where any student-athlete is demeaned or unwelcome.”

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