BLAMES “BATHROOM BILL …”
Always on the leading edge of political correctness, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is pulling seven previously-awarded championship events from North Carolina during the current academic year.
Why? The state’s controversial “bathroom bill,” of course – which critics say discriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens.
“Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships,” NCAA president Mark Emmert said in a statement. “We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for college athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships.”
Accordingly, the NCAA is pulling its Division I women’s soccer championship, Division III men’s and women’s soccer championships, Division I women’s golf championships, Division III men’s and women’s tennis championships, Division I women’s lacrosse championship, Division II baseball championship and (most importantly) the first and second rounds of its Division I men’s basketball championship from the Tar Heel State.
Cities affected by the NCAA decision include Cary, Greenville and Greensboro.
Two months ago, the National Basketball Association (NBA) pulled its 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte, N.C. – and several musical acts (including Pearl Jam) have canceled shows.
Is any of this impacting the North Carolina economy?
Although it is impacting the state’s 2016 gubernatorial race between incumbent “Republican” Pat McCrory and Democrat Roy Cooper.
(Banner image via iStock)