NCAA didn’t see that coming.
Via WYFF:
Members of the South Carolina Secessionist Party are flying a large Confederate battle flag above a parking garage next to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville.
The display is happening as the NCAA holds the final day of the first and second rounds of the men’s college basketball tournament in the arena.
The flag was mounted on a pole that was several feet long, anchored in the bed of a pick-up truck that was parked on the top level of a city garage.
The Secessionist Party put the flag up around 9:30 Sunday morning and plans to fly it until 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Greenville police Chief Ken Miller and several officers spoke with members of the party Sunday morning.
The chief had them move the flag away from the edge due to concerns that the large pole could break and cause injuries below.
Miller said the group wasn’t breaking any laws by flying the flag. Officers said the group called and asked about a permit and were told they did not need to obtain one.
Miller said his priority is safety for everyone while the event is being held.[…]
The NCAA lifted a boycott against South Carolina in 2015 after the Confederate flag was removed from state house grounds that summer.
During the boycott, the NCAA didn’t accept bids from any venue in the state to host tournaments until the flag was removed.
The Secessionist Party also flew several flags above parking garages in Charleston, which led to the city passing an ordinance prohibiting flags above certain buildings.