College Basketball: Law could have Indy on the outs
The Indianapolis-based NCAA, which is holding its men's basketball Final Four in the city next weekend, said it is concerned about religious-objections legislation signed into law in Indiana on Thursday.
The Indianapolis-based NCAA, which is holding its men's basketball Final Four in the city next weekend, said it is concerned about religious-objections legislation signed into law in Indiana on Thursday.
Opponents worry that the bill, which will take effect in July, could open the door to legalizing discrimination against gay people.
The NCAA says it is examining how the law may affect holding future events in the state.
Indiana governor Mike Pence defended the bill and refuted arguments from opponents that the law would threaten civil rights laws by saying that hasn't happened under the federal religious-freedom law Congress passed in 1993 and similar laws in 19 other states.
"Moving forward, we intend to closely examine the implications of this bill and how it might affect future events as well as our workforce," NCAA president Mark Emmert said in a statement.
The LGBT Sports Coalition wants the NCAA, the Big Ten, the NFL, and USA Diving and USA Gymnastics to pull events from Indianapolis over the next 16 months.
The Big Ten is under contract to hold its football title game at Lucas Oil Field until 2021, and is set to hold its men's basketball tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in 2020 and 2022. The Big Ten women's basketball tournament is set for Indianapolis from 2017 to 2022.
The Final Four is scheduled to return to Indianapolis in 2021. The NFL also holds its draft combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Dinner on Dean
Dean Smith is still giving to his North Carolina players - even after his death. About 180 players who lettered for the coach, who died Feb. 7 at age 83, received a check for $200 with a letter that read: "Enjoy a dinner out compliments of Coach Dean Smith."
Frazier declares
According to reports, Florida guard Michael Frazier II is entering the NBA draft. He averaged 12.1 points.
More Miller
Coach Archie Miller got three more years added to his contract after leading Dayton to a second straight NCAA tournament appearance. The new deal lasts through the 2012-22 season.
Women's NIT
Villanova 63, St. John's 55 -
Katherine Coyer scored 23 points, Caroline Coyer 15, and Alex Louin 14 as the host Wildcats (22-13) advanced to a WNIT quarterfinal at West Virginia at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Temple 80, North Carolina State 79 - Feyonda Fitzgerald hit a jumper with one second left in overtime as the host Owls advanced to play at Middle Tennessee at 3 p.m. Sunday in a WNIT quarterfinal. Tanaya Atkinson scored 17 points, Alliya Butts added 16, and Fitzgerald had 15.