NCAA apologizes for inequalities in amenities at women's tournament

The NCAA apologized Friday for the inequitable amenities for basketball players at this year's men's and women's tournaments.

"We have intentionally organized basketball under one umbrella, with the goal of consistency and collaboration. When we fall short of these expectations, that's on me," NCAA vice president for basketball Dan Gavitt said during a video conference, according to ESPN's Mechelle Voepel. "I apologize to women's basketball student-athletes, to the coaches, to the women's basketball committee for dropping the ball, frankly, on the weight room issue in San Antonio. We'll get it fixed as soon as possible."

"We fell short this year in what we were doing to prepare (for the women's tournament)," added NCAA vice president of women's basketball Lynn Holzman, according to Stefan Krajisnik of the Indianapolis Star.

Oregon Ducks forward Sedona Prince first brought the stark differences in facilities at the two postseason tournaments to light on Thursday. In a video posted to her Twitter account, the 20-year-old showed footage of a single rack of weights beside a practice court for her team, compared to the men's large weight-training area. Prince also countered the NCAA's statement of there not being enough space for more equipment at the women's tournament, showing a large vacant area in the gym behind the lone weight rack.

A separate Instagram account highlighted other differences between the events, including food and swag bags.

Holzman, a former college basketball player, said that the NCAA has already started working to fix the issues, and arrangements were being made to have proper weight-training equipment in place for women by Friday at the earliest.

"I think there are inherently questions and appropriate challenges relative to equality," Holzman said, according to Voepel. "I have lived in this world. I've experienced when you don't have something that's the same. This is also why it hits such a nerve with me. It's our responsibility to give them a great championship experience, and one they can be proud of. It's disappointing. I don't even have the words to describe how painful it is personally."

First-round games in the NCAA women's basketball tournament begin Sunday. The majority of the competition is being played in San Antonio due to the COVID-19 pandemic.