NCAA punishes North Carolina for ‘bathroom bill’
(WNS)–The NCAA announced Sept. 12 it will remove seven championship events slated for North Carolina because of the state’s controversial restroom law. “Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships,” said Mark Emmert, NCAA president. “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.” The NCAA Board of Governors made the decision to move the 2016-17 contests, which include the Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in Cary, and first and second round NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games in Greensboro, because it cannot support North Carolina’s “discriminatory” restroom policy.
Kaepernick copycats fuel controversy
(WNS)–More athletes continue to protest the national anthem, kneeling or raising a fist during the “Star Spangled Banner” to bring attention to racial injustice. The controversial trend started in late August when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat during the anthem before the team’s preseason games. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media. “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.” The trend caught on quickly. On Sept. 9, high school football players in at least eight states, including almost an entire team in Norfolk, Va., knelt during the anthem. They were joined by: volleyball players at West Virginia State University; football players at University of Tulsa and Indiana State University; professional soccer player Megan Rapinoe; and professional football players for the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Rams.