NCAA prohibits Mississippi from hosting any championship events

The NCAA announced Friday that it's expanded its Confederate flag policy to keep all championship events out of states "where the symbol has a prominent presence."

Mississippi is the only state affected, as its flag features the Confederate battle emblem, which has long been associated with slave ownership and racism.

The policy previously prevented any predetermined championship events, such as March Madness, from being held in Mississippi, but not games where the right to host could be earned by tournament seeding or ranking.

"There is no place in college athletics or the world for symbols or acts of discrimination and oppression," Michael V. Drake, Ohio State president and chair of the NCAA Board of Governors, said in a statement. "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's decision comes a day after SEC commissioner Greg Sankey threatened to keep championship events out of from Mississippi until its flag was altered.

Many of the state's schools, including Mississippi State and Ole Miss, have stopped flying the flag.