Breaking: NCAA Will Not Move Final Four But Says Anti-Gay Law ‘Is A Big Deal’

All eyes have been fixed on the NCAA’s Final Four this upcoming weekend, in light of Indiana’s new anti-gay “religious freedom” law.

NCAA President Mark Emmert (photo) has just announced that he will not move the Final Four from Indianapolis this weekend, but acknowledged Indiana’s new anti-gay “religious freedom” law “is a big deal” and could put future events “at risk.”

“For us personally in the NCAA, this is a big deal. We’re proud of our inclusive environment in our office,” Emmert told ESPNU this afternoon. “We’re proud of the environment we’ve created and we don’t want to lose that, and we don’t want it put at risk.”

He also said the NCAA is “surprised and disappointed” by the anti-gay law.

“We hold lots and lots of events here, our national convention here, our office is here,” Emmert added. “We have to say, what are we going to do if this law goes into effect in July and what’s our relationship with the state of Indiana going to be?”

The Indy Star reports Emmert “didn’t deny” the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act “could lead to significant changes in the NCAA’s relationship with Indianapolis and the state of Indiana beyond this weekend.”

The NCAA is based in Indianapolis, and next year’s women’s Final Four is slated for that city as well.

LOOK: How’s This For Proof Mike Pence Is Lying When He Says His Anti-Gay Bill Isn’t About Discrimination?

Emmert said he is “not sure” if the NCAA will move the women’s Final Four away from Indianapolis next year.

“We’d have to consider it and discuss it. We’d do it deliberately and thoughtfully. You don’t want to disrupt an event that’s been in the making so long it’ll change the experience for the student-athletes, but if we have to move events, we’ll do it and do it in a way that provides student athletes they deserve and worked for.”

Connecticut’s governor just banned all state-funded travel to Indiana, as have mayors in San Francisco and Seattle. 

Apple CEO Tim Cook has spoken out against the anti-gay law several times in recent days, and several corporations have denouced the law and taken steps to reduce their investments in the Hoosier State.

 

Related:

Watch – Mike Pence Doubles Down On Anti-Gay Law: ‘We’re Not Going To Change This’ (Video)

Look: Thousands Protest Anti-Gay ‘Religious Freedom’ Law At Indiana Statehouse (Photos)

Watch: CNN’s Chris Cuomo Slams Family Research Council Spox Over Anti-Gay ‘Christian’ Beliefs

 

Image by Atomic Taco via Flickr and a CC license