Bianco is correct. The flag issue has a far greater impact than baseball on how outsiders see Mississippians and our feelings about ourselves. Mississippi’s economy and other aspects are negatively affected by the Confederate battle banner on its old flag. The state’s universities, as well as many of its largest cities, won’t fly the flag because it is so offensive. As protests over racial equality continue, state lawmakers are considering whether to change the flag for the first time in their history. Before they depart Jackson on Friday, the leaders will be considering many options. It is difficult to quantify how much the archaic banner affects the state in all its ways, but it is easy to see how it will impact college baseball in Mississippi. Friday’s NCAA ruling said that all Mississippi postseason college athletic events would be banned from being held until the flag is removed. The NCAA postseason regionals are now a part of Magnolia State life. While Mississippi State has hosted 14 NCAA Regionals, Ole Miss hosted nine. In the past, NCAA baseball regionals were also hosted by Southern Miss, Delta State, and Millsaps. Mississippi is a major market for college baseball. Ole Miss, State, and Southern Miss are all among the top baseball attendance leaders in the country. The Delta State is a powerhouse program in NCAA Division II. Chris Lemonis, Mississippi State’s baseball coach, said that “Our focus as educators and community leaders, husbands, fathers, and husbands is to always provide perspective.” To help student-athletes make informed choices, coaches must be able to see both sides of an issue. We understand the intent of the NCAA and SEC rulings that have been made. However, they are a significant impact on our community and kids. As a head coach, my job is to unite the players in a common goal. A change to Mississippi’s state flag is necessary to unify Mississippi. Baseball is not the only affected sport. Mississippi State hosts the NCAA women’s basketball regionals every year to sell-out crowds. State’s Bulldogs must continue to progress in the NCAA Tournament unless the flag is changed. Nikki McCray–Pinson, State’s new women’s basketball coach issued her own statement. She stated that symbols of hate, discrimination, or oppression have no place in the society. As a black woman coach at one of the largest universities in the SEC I look forward seeing the SEC make changes that will unify us and reflect our great community. While I am aware that the NCAA’s decision may have an impact on our student-athletes, fans, and coaches, it is an important step towards inclusivity and ending racial injustice.” Southern Miss football might also be affected. Conference USA’s football championship game takes place on campus. Judy MacLeod, C-USA commissioner, stated last week that the league is reviewing its championship hosting policy. This would prevent a championship from being held in Mississippi so long as it has its current flag. The C-USA baseball tournament which was held in Mississippi for eight years in a row, will now be played in another state. Another way the NCAA ban could affect Mississippi teams is recruiting. For some of the top high school baseball recruits in the country, Ole Miss and Mississippi State have to compete with baseball powerhouses LSU, Vanderbilt and Louisville. These schools will use all possible selling points to win the recruiting battles. They’ll also use it if the Mississippi schools are in a disadvantage by not being able host NCAA events. Bianco said that it was difficult to predict the impact of the NCAA ban on recruiting. He also said that no recruit had mentioned the NCAA ban.