Charles Barkley Wants NCAA To Pull Final Four From Indiana Over Anti-Gay Bill

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM

Former NBA star Charles Barkley on Friday called for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to yank its March Madness Final Four tournament out of Indiana over a new law that protects business owners from being required to serve same-sex couples because of religious objections.

"Discrimination in any form is unacceptable to me,” Barkley said in a statement released through his agent, as quoted by USA Today. “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.”

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) signed the "religious freedom" bill into law Thursday.

The NCAA has said that it will go forward with plans to hold the Final Four in Indianapolis, although it is "especially concerned" about the possible effects of the law on its student-athletes and employees.

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Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/charles-barkley-ncaa-indiana-anti-gay-law

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

1. not A BIG FAN but I was gonna watch . not now

i cant wait to see signs saying we serve everyone and lines of people out the doors

[PatrynXX]

40. basically NCAA just opened the door that lets everyone down

and this law I fear is actually anti religious. It could be used to kill off any religion , NCAA has no place being there. So it must be boycotted for supporting it. Been on and off watching because of others but NCAA just got itself banned from my ears for awhile

[panader0]

44. I agree with Barkley, but the NCAA tournament was scheduled long before the bill was signed.

You can hardly say they "opened the door".

[Maraya1969]

69. Remember the campaign "Flush Rush" that had plenty of volunteers write to his sponsors and ask

them to quit advertising on his show? Well it has worked very well and it is still going on. Perhaps some pointedly directed emails/calls to their advertisers about not using their products anymore would make them change their mind.

[smirkymonkey]

73. I would like to see a website go up that calls out businesses

that discriminate in Indiana so that people could be sure to boycott them (as I am sure it isn't going to state that they discriminate on their door). I think we need to make Indiana an example so that other states can see what the fallout will be before they decide to follow suit.

[Maraya1969]

75. We could eventually get a list from anyone who is asked to leave.

[lib87]

2. At Least Charles Barkley Got This Right.

NCAA will have to see their pockets take a hit before moving the Final Four to another state.

[SoapBox]

3. I would love it, but I'm not hopeful...

However, going forward, IN has totally fucked themselves.

Enjoy the Economic Downturn IN, that your resident Haters have brought upon you.

[yeoman6987]

15. I heard that some 18 states have this type of law.

Not sure how accurate that is but I did hear it on Facebook or some national paper on line.

[SoapBox]

19. I have wondered if this is another ALEC type group behind all this...

It seems I red someplace that verbiage was identical in states where they are trying to introduce this.

Who is in the shadows behind this law?

[yeoman6987]

28. Somebody with a horrible agenda

First they cloak it with religion. I am a practicing Catholic and have NEVER been discriminated against for being a Catholic so why on Earth do we need a religion law? I know when I put my personal experience down I risk being called out with, "oh but others have been". I probably believe that but I know thousands of Catholics and not one has mentioned being turned away for being it or forced to do something in the name of religion. The law is not needed. This gives religion a bad name and I don't like it at all. However how can I blame others for "knocking religion" when they pass this junk?

[PatrynXX]

41. on face book the christian left

is an amazingly great group of Christians.

People who question other peoples faith within being Christian are not Christian themselves. end of line

can't say what other religions say on this matter

[brooklynite]

31. ALEC is a business oriented group......why would they want to turn away customers?

This is straight religious pressure.

[calimary]

38. Gotta be. I think ALEC has already made such a move.

I vaguely remember reading something about ALEC undergoing a name change.

WATCH FOR THAT. Blackwater did it, too. They change their name, change their logo, and go on radio silence for awhile, counting on the American public mindset to forget, to get distracted, to move on to some other outrage or curiosity or rumor-mongering or whatever Miley Cyrus or the Kartrashians are up to now. Which makes me happy that Miley Cyrus is actually among the bigger names coming out against this. Good on her!!!

Hey, with operations like ALEC, you HAVE TO be suspicious. You HAVE TO expect the worst. Think about - if it was YOU. Up to no good. And you didn't want to get caught, or get shit in the media or attract enough attention that people start becoming aware of you and what you've been up to, and your Invisibility Cloak is destroyed. What would you do if you were some sneaky-ass greedy outfit that wanted to tilt the playing field as far as it could, for its own financial and access-to-power benefit and the public be damned. What would YOU do? Well, YOU probably wouldn't, because you have morals.

ALWAYS suspect the worst of people on that side of the aisle. Just understand what makes 'em tick:

They can't win on the issues so they try to tilt the playing field and keep the voters against them from being able to vote. THAT'S how they see the way to win.
They have a deep-seated need to keep themselves on top BY MAKING SURE EVERYBODY ELSE STAYS ON THE BOTTOM. Okay, in a capitalist society where competition is damn-near a sacrament, and the Freedom-freedom to compete is sacrosanct, why is there such a hard-on for disabling, dismantling, or destroying the competition so it can't compete with you? So you HAVE no competition? What's with that? How does THAT jell with the whole idea of free market competition? Doesn't competition automatically imply competitors - freely able to compete with you? Or have we now had that revised for us - so "competition" means to RUB OUT the competition?

There's so damn much perversion of what's considered good and proper and beneficial for all. It's just sad. But we HAVE TO be on guard ALL THE TIME. We are up against a VERY sneaky-ass bunch. When you hear the "they'll stop at nothing..." then you need to be ON YOUR GUARD. Don't trust, Don't stop your vigilance, and above all, DON'T assume some problem's solved just because "Blackwater" technically doesn't exist anymore. It just changed its name (at least TWICE by now - it's not even known as "Xe" anymore), went underground, and continued with business as usual. I'm wondering if ALEC did the same thing.

ALEC may not be able to enjoy support by all those big-funding corporations and business interests. But what it's changed into, or what it now calls itself INSTEAD of "ALEC" - enables it to stay in the game and keep on being UP TO SOMETHING. They haven't given up and gone away. They've just gone underground and kept at it with what sneaky-ass shit they were up to all along. Don't think the boycotts will get rid of them. It'll force them to try to create their own Invisibility Cloak so they can continue what they were up to before. They're just not doing it out in the open so much. Think cockroaches. Think ANY predator who's already had a few meals and wants more, and no matter what you do, they'll always be clawing at your door trying to get in at you. Because they've had a taste already, and they'll be hungry again soon. And they WILL see you merely as their next meal, sooner or later.

[hedda_foil]

70. fwiw, I've been wondering about it too. Who's behind those bills and who's paying for it?

There must be a money trail.

[murielm99]

61. This is true.

But we have to start somewhere. This furor may get the other states looking at their laws.

[Shrike47]

4. It's too late in the series to change venues. The logistics of these things are incredible.

But the NCAA should announce they're not going back.

[TheCowsCameHome]

8. But the awareness factor is a big boost.

Keep this topic on the front burner.

[iandhr]

9. Correct

These thing are decided years in advance

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/eye-on-college-basketball/24817188/ncaa-announces-all-mens-tourney-sites-for-2016-2017-2018


They are going back to Indy in six years though. We can get them to change it for that year but it's to late now.

[jtuck004]

33. But it's NEVER too late to be a bigot, eh? Wouldn't want to inconvenience them?

Help SUPPORT the plantation called Indiana today!

[LynneSin]

35. It really is too late

It is one thing if the tournament had not started then things could have been pulled out but with the final round next week it is almost an impossibility and probably why Pence figured it was safe now to sign the bill.

But there are many many things that fans can do in Indianapolis to show their disgust at the law.

They can choose to not patronize places that discriminate against LGBT. They can can show signs at the game that shows their opposition against this law. And the NCAA can announce that this will be the last time they use Indiana to host any future tournaments for any sports while Jim Crow style laws are in affect.

It would be a great time to make a stance at such a high profile event. I doubt that 3rd one would happen because the NCAA doesn't have the balls to do it. But the fans and supporters of civil rights - they can make a difference!!!

[IllinoisBirdWatcher]

53. NCAA should announce they are moving their HQ

Even more effective than canceling their games.

[drray23]

76. it is not.

It is too late under normal circumstances but if a tornado had destroyed the venues or such they would have found a way to move it. Same thing can be done here even if it cost a lot of money. They would have to refund the ticket holders or let them decide if they want to go to that other venue, work with hotels to rebook etc..
nothing is impossible if given the motivation to do so.

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

78. Crazy idea at this point. Tournament starts in 5 days.

[niyad]

5. KO said the same yesterday.

[CBGLuthier]

6. Better idea. All the other teams should refuse to go into Indiana to play their team until the law .

is gone. Since basketball is the real religion of Indiana they would repeal that law in about half a minute.

[George II]

10. Sadly a huge majority of Americans probably don't even know that the law now exists, and...

....if they did probably don't care either way.

Too late this year, but I think they're screwing themselves for events in future years.

Wasn't there an issue a couple of years ago in Arizona where there was an organized boycott of an event that started several months before the event (Super Bowl maybe?) that ultimately prevented a law from being enacted?

[RKP5637]

17. I often think most Americans don't care about anything unless it affects them directly and that

is sad.

[former9thward]

46. That would just mean the IN teams would win by forfeit.

Why would that lead to repeal? Plus there are similar laws in many other states. What about them?

[pangaia]

7. Bravo for Barles Charkley !

[dickthegrouch]

11. Shaming the governor in the opening and closing ceremonies

Is the only viable option now.
NCAA needs to use the bully pulpit to enumerate all the ways the law can be used to discriminate both by the State and private business and just refute every point the governor and the law backers have ever spoken.

Oh, And exclude the Governor and backers from the competition if any of them have the stupidity to show up as 'honored' guests, they don't deserve that status.

[stillwaiting]

51. It's ALL of the Republicans in their state government too though.

It's right-wing Republican social conservatism that should be shamed.

All of the bad actors that made this possible should be shamed whenever and wherever possible.

[Fred Sanders]

12. The Fox approved RW "defence" for this clearly unConstituional and vague law is, wait for it.....

19 other States have religious "freedom" laws that discriminate, so...., something, something....so, like it is too late to complain now??

I am not making that up.

Yeah, Fox, you go with that.

[bluedigger]

13. It's unreasonable for them to change venues at this time.

Moving forward, I hope they, and other responsible organizations, will take into account Indiana's policies and react accordingly. One event that cannot be moved is the Indy 500.

[underpants]

18. It's turrble

You are right. These are awarded years in advance. The NCAA Tourney is probably determined 4-5 years out.

[Brother Buzz]

14. Gov. Mike Pence, please pick up the nearest white courtesy telephone.

The blowback is just beginning.

[AngryOldDem]

21. Exactly.

On SO many levels.

[Brother Buzz]

22. And from so many unexpected quarters

Soon come, Pence is going to dread picking up the morning paper, "Hold my calls!".

[underpants]

16. Reminds me of how MLK Day finally got voted in in Arizona

In the early 90's as more and more states were creating official holidays Arizona repeatedly refused to do so. I think the state legislature voted it down then it went on the general ballot. It failed twice and then the NFL Players Association said "No MLK No Super Bowl". *POOF* it was approved on the next ballot.

Good for Chuck.

[Flying Squirrel]

39. It was actually a little worse than than in Arizona...

When I was there from 1986 to 1988, their governor (Evan Mecham) actually did away with the MLK holiday that already existed. It made national news in pre-Internet times, he was on Nightline with Ted Koppel etc. So that holiday was specifically targeted, and then after the governor abolished it, it took years for them to reinstate it.

[underpants]

56. Thanks

I was just going from memory. Yes it was really bad.

[thelordofhell]

77. Democratic Governor Bruce Babbitt ordered MLK Day for Arizona

Then Mecham became the governor and immediately cancelled the mandated holiday and then said that when he was young, he called black people "pickaninnies" all the time.............Mecham was impeached soon after that.

[Gman]

20. It couldn't be moved now

The logistics are impossible. Any viable alternative already has stuff booked. It's impossible.

But what can happen is publicize the hell out of what happened during the final four. Let the entire world know thus could happen to them too.

[cilla4progress]

23. I would say Pence did this

as a provocation. I don't follow the NCAA, but from the sound of it, it's too late to pull it out of the state, and perfectly - diabolically - timed, by Pence.

[lewebley3]

24. Agreed with Barkley: We also need list of Business owners and Business Indiana;

We need make an example of Indiana, none of their voters or residents should
profit from the rest of the country: if they are going to pass bigot laws.

[SpankMe]

25. The NCAA has a lot invested in these games

Unless Indiana declared a return to slavery, it's just not reasonable for the NCAA to pull March Madness at this point. I wish they would, but it's just too disruptive and costly.

What is needed is action. Keep the tournament in Indiana and use it as a platform to showcase right wing intolerance and homophobia.

Every gay athlete, gay fan, gay staff member to the teams and to the NCAA, should locate every business that would invoke their so-called "religious freedom" under this new law, and - while wearing something indicative of gay orientation (something subtle, but not in-your-face, but which definitely says "I'm gay&quot - attempt to patronize it....all while filming with a cell phone camera.

Then, publish the refusal of service on the Internet. Flood the Interweb-waves with demonstrations of anti-gay whack jobs' intolerance. Provoke them into saying why they're refusing you service. Make a spectacle of it.

Even if you're straight, put on a rainbow flag lapel pin and go in a order a cake with a rainbow flag on it anyway - just to get the response.

Boycotting and indignation rarely work in cases like these. They only make us look like cranks (even though I really want to boycott and express indignation anyway).

Stir the pot. Stir the pot. Stir the pot.

[Enthusiast]

26. I'm glad to see that Charles has spoken out.

We can't let the radical right to take us back to the 19th Century or earlier. Before you know it they would be stoning people they suspected of being gay.

[Zorra]

27. Recommend. Please boycott the Final Four in every way. nt

[elleng]

29. Logistically not possible at this point, imo,

but NCAA headquarters are in Indianapolis, so they/it should consider moving.

[George II]

30. Back in 1992 the Super Bowl was scheduled to be played in Tempe Arizona, but....

....only on the condition that the MLK Day referendum passed the year before. It didn't, and the game was moved to Pasadena.

Luckily there was a big time difference between the final decision and the game, so they were able to move it.

[Initech]

32. This bill needs to get challenged in SCOTUS.

It's embarrassing that in the supposed "land of the free" that it's now legal to discriminate against people you don't like. Fucking disgusting.

I hope Indiana really feels the heat from this one.

[jtuck004]

34. Anyone who goes or watches is no different from the other bigots in that state.

It's called enabling.

[Comrade Grumpy]

50. That's a bit over the top.

So if I turn on the play-offs I'm a bigot?

[jtuck004]

52. The money from that goes to support bigotry. What is the difference between that and donating

to the KKK?

[onenote]

54. What if I go with a buddy and before spending money at any establishment we tell them we're a gay married

couple. (Not true, but they won't know).

Then we'd be supporting only the businesses that don't discriminate.

How is that bad?

[jtuck004]

55. Taxes support the state and keep the other plantations running. Even if one finds a plantation, or

business (the more modern name, sometimes), with a more benevolent owner, the underlying problem still exists.

"How is that bad?"

I saved a thousand slaves. I could have saved a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.
Harriet Tubman

[Inkfreak]

71. Pure fucking nonsense.

Enjoy you're holier than thou attitude.

[jtuck004]

72. I'd never support state-sponsored bigotry. Your standards are different, obviously. n/t

[Ace Rothstein]

36. I believe the Women's Final Four is scheduled to be in Indy next year.

It will be interesting to see how they handle it as there is plenty of time to move it.

[Aldo Leopold]

37. I agree. Good for him.

[mountain grammy]

42. Good for him and everyone speaking out against this bullshit..

[onyxw]

43. He and Capital One are already on it

Moving the games to the Maryland!

In seriousness, while better known for rebounding, certainly appreciate the assist from Sir Charles.

[Major Hogwash]

45. Good for Charles!!

This is the sort of thing more people should be doing, speaking out against state-supported discrimination!

[Not Sure]

47. Good for Charles Barkley, but let's go bigger: ERA

Equal Rights Amendment. It's time to end this bullshit once and for all. Equal protection for all.

[riqster]

68. This.

[City Lights]

48. Thanks for speaking out, Charles.

[Hawaii Hiker]

49. Too late to change venues....And with Kentucky

making a run at an undefeated season, there will be alot of interest in this years Final Four (assuming Kentucky wins Sat night)...

Perhaps the anti-gay bill could help in the 2016 senate race in Indiana...Some might get so disgusted with the GOP that it will help the Indiana Democratic candiate....Would be a great win to get this seat back in the D column..

[awoke_in_2003]

57. Charles said this?

Wow, he surprises me.

[YOHABLO]

58. This ain't gonna be pretty Mr. Pence. There should be an open protest at the games over this.

[Cha]

59. Good on Barkley~ Mahalo Don

[jimlup]

60. In The Annapolis

just say'n

[roamer65]

62. The Big Ten conference should now move its championship games.

Pull it from Indianapolis and move it to Detroit.

Ford Field would be a great venue for it and it would help the Detroit economy.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

63. Wouldn't bother me none.......

and if I walk the talk I won't watch the Final Four either............

[romanic]

64. I agree with Sir Charles.

100 percent!

[Thekaspervote]

65. I hope they keep the pressure on. One never knows

[Badass Liberal]

66. Love Sir Charles...

Remember, he used to be a Republican. The nutcase party has moved so far right, he's become a sensible Democrat.

[marble falls]

67. I think Charles Barkley is wrong on this one. Punish the state not the students.

[Fearless]

74. Agreed!

"Discrimination in any form is unacceptable to me,” Barkley said in a statement released through his agent, as quoted by USA Today. “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.”

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

79. Agree... let's move it to Las Vegas

so I can go...

I did go to the Final Four in Indianapolis in 2010. Had a blast. It didn't hurt I liked the final outcome.