The issue of the religious freedom law passed by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence last week has "attained heightened urgency" as the Final Four prepares to tip off in Indianapolis, where the sports world "frequently finds itself ... for events big and small," according to Marc Tracy of the N.Y. TIMES. Several players competing in the Final Four have expressed "broader tolerance of people who are gay." The Big Ten in a statement said its members "believe in promoting an inclusive environment in which athletic competition can operate free from discrimination.” It added that it would "review the law’s impact at coming meetings with administrators, presidents and chancellors" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/28). In Indianapolis, Tim Evans noted criticism of the bill on Saturday "included a joint statement" from the NBA, WNBA, Pacers and WNBA Fever. Pacers and Fever Owner Herb Simon said, "The Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever and Bankers Life Fieldhouse have the strongest possible commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination on any basis. Everyone is always welcome at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. That has always been the policy from the very beginning of the Simon family's involvement and it always will be" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/29). Wasserman Media Group Vice Chair Arn Tellem in an e-mail wrote, "The measure codifies hatred under the smoke screen of freedom and jeopardizes all that has been recently accomplished. It legalizes discrimination against LGBT individuals and will cause significant harm to many people.” He urged the Pacers and NCAA to "not only condemn this blatantly unconstitutional legislation, but to take forceful action against it by re-evaluating their short- and long-term plans in the state" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/28). Turner Sports' Charles Barkley in a statement said, "Discrimination in any form is unacceptable to me. As long as anti-gay legislation exists in any state, I strongly believe big events such as the Final Four and Super Bowl should not be held in those states’ cities" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 3/28).
TAKE A STAND: In N.Y., William Rhoden writes to its "credit, the NCAA, based in Indianapolis, responded immediately -- if not definitively -- to the law's passage." It is "too late for the NCAA to pull this year’s Final Four out of Indianapolis, but the organization can make sure none of its championships are held in the state until the law is scrapped, or at least modified to ensure that no business is given the legal right to discriminate" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/30). In Orlando, George Diaz writes it is "time for the NCAA and other prominent sports organizations to join in and stand up for human decency and inclusiveness." Diaz: "Pack everything up in boxes and call Two Men And A Truck. Tell Pence you're done here" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/30).
UNDER REVIEW: In Indianapolis, Mark Alesia noted one event in the city that "may be under review by the NFL is the annual Scouting Combine." During last month's combine, Visit Indy VP/Marketing & Communications Chris Gahl said that the organization was "trying to make a multiyear deal to be host of the combine." He added that agreements with the NFL "have previously been year-to-year" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/28). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio noted a number of organizations have "expressed concern" about the law, but the NFL "inexplicably has not." Florio: "The NFL has said nothing" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 3/27). Meanwhile, in Portland, Ken Goe noted track & field is a "sport in which individuals of all shapes, sizes and ability levels can compete," and it is the "most inclusive of all sports." USA Track & Field CEO Max Siegel deserves a "big thumbs up," as he "took a stand" against the bill (OREGONLIVE.com, 3/28).
JUST THE BEGINNING? In Atlanta, Jim Galloway wrote under the header, "Atlanta's 2019 Super Bowl Bid Becomes A Pawn In 'Religious Liberty' Fight." Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin yesterday sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, noting Georgia's pending "Religious Liberty" bill and Atlanta's bid to host the '19 Super Bowl (AJC.com, 3/29).
